Author: Justin Turpen

Star Wars recently released the title of Star Wars Episode VIII. “The Last Jedi” has lit the internet ablaze with thoughts, reactions, and predictions. Before I throw my thoughts into the mix I’d like to pause and reflect about what this franchise means to so many people. As I was walking out of work the other day I heard a few of my co-workers discussing the new title. I also watched an interview on youtube of Mark Hamill commenting on the release. To paraphrase, he said that it is so different now. When they filmed the first movie could not care less whether or not a person leaked the title of the movie. Disney now has a tight lid on all their star wars projects. How different it is now! Star Wars has grown into one of the major mythologies in the pantheon of American film! That aside… Here are my thoughts and predictions.

1. Luke will die at the end of this movie.

I know many people believe that this isn’t the case. They point out how the term Jedi can be singular or plural. My counter-point is to think about the strength of storytelling by linking the title with Luke being the last Jedi – training a new Jedi – then dying leaving one last Jedi again. Bringing the series full circle to the original series with Obi-Wan’s death and Yoda’s. Luke didn’t have much luck with his old masters being alive… I predict Rey won’t either.

2. Kylo will be the one to kill Luke.

It only makes sense for the tragedy that is Luke’s life. Think about it. His father killed the Jedi and represented evil in the Universe. He then loses his Aunt and Uncle who raised him, loses his mentor, gets his hand cut off, loses another mentor, trains his nephew who turns on the rest of his pupils, and is forced into hiding. What a drag! The only way for this to end appropriately is for his own pupil to put him down!

3. This movie will be more controversial than episode VII.

While some fans were disappointed with the similar plot of The Force Awakens when compared to A New Hope, it seemed to still do well despite similarities. I predict that this movie will have a newer plot and with that will come more mixed reviews from fans and critics alike. The expectations are so high for these movies that it is almost impossible to deliver.

Those are just a few of my initial thoughts on the title.  What did you think of the title? What predictions do you have? Let me know what you think in the comments below!