As much anticipation as there is in the next Star Wars movie, the revelation of the next title of the saga films are equally anticipated. Well the title for the next film in the series has been revealed.
Star Wars Episode VIII will be titled Star Wars: The Last Jedi. This title is significant and bold in many ways. It has already stirred up controversy and speculation among many, including our staff. All of us are trying to determine what this title means for the rest of the saga and, most importantly, for Luke Skywalker.
The last time we saw Luke was at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He was in exile with everyone from The First Order to his own sister General Leia looking for him. He was finally tracked down by Rey and Chewbacca on the planet Ahch-To. The film ended with Rey presenting Luke with his father’s lightsaber (the one he coincidentally used to slaughter a bunch of children). As we’ve already witnessed one death of a beloved character in the last film, could the ominous red lettering of the title indicate that “The Last Jedi” is Luke and he will die in this film? Could this signal the end of the Skywalker story and the beginning of Rey’s?
As we know from the last film, Rey has manifested her force abilities both in perception and defense. She was able to defend herself against Kylo Ren and save both herself and Finn before escaping. Could the title refer to Rey’s journey as the newest Jedi under the tutelage of Luke Skywalker? Does this indicate that she will take up the mantle of Jedi and find her purpose? Or could it be something else entirely?
Adam Driver recently stated that audiences would learn more about his character Kylo Ren the next film. Could “The Last Jedi” and its red lettering refer to Kylo Ren’s journey to the dark side? We know in the last film that there were other Jedi being trained by Luke Skywalker and it indicates strongly that they were slaughtered by Kylo Ren and his followers The Knights of Ren, forcing Luke Skywalker to go into hiding. Could Kylo Ren’s story of being “The Last Jedi” before teaming with Supreme Leader Snoke to resurrect the Sith the plot of Episode VIII?
Finally, and frankly a little obviously, the word “Jedi” is both singular and plural. A group of Jedi is called the same as a single Jedi. Could “The Last Jedi” refer to a group of Jedi warriors, or at least more than one? Could we see the resurrection of the Jedi order under the command of Luke Skywalker with Rey seeking out and recruiting new force sensitive people? As ominous as the title looks, perhaps we will witness the beginnings of an epic final battle between the forces of the dark side and the light.
Whatever the scenario, I know I will be in my seat on opening night to witness the next chapter in the Star Wars Saga.
Let us know what you think. What’s your theory on the title of the next Star Wars film?
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Addendum: The title Star Wars: The Last Jedi is also the name of an expanded universe novel written by Michael Reeves and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff. It was released in 2013 by Del Rey. FYI to the film producers.