'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Director Rian Johnson Teases Film Secrets
Star Wars fans have circled Dec. 15 on their calendars. This is when the latest chapter in the science-fiction series hits theatres. Star Wars: The Last Jedi is expected to pick from where the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended.
Throughout the past few weeks, the Star Wars cast and director Rian Johnson have gone a significant publicity tour to preview the eighth chapter in the main Star Wars saga. However, Johnson has dropped several hints of secrets that may unfold in this episode.
Prepare For Nostalgia
Johnson stated that the theme nostalgia versus new would be a significant factor that will be incorporated into the film, but it will still be a modern world and experience for all Star Wars fans. Many moviegoers got chills when they saw Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) step into the Millennium Falcon for the first time in decades during The Last Jedi trailer.
"I'd be hesitant to use the word 'homage' because that makes it sound like it's just kind of turning the crank and replaying an old tune because we all like it," said Johnson.
Johnson stated that while the original characters such as Luke Skywalker, C-3P0, R2-D2, and Princess Leia's (played by the late Carrie Fisher) roles will expand, the focus will remain on Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver).
"Telling a story that brings new things and pushes everything forward in an interesting way, that is in this world that we all recognize, there's something very powerful about that," said Johnson.
The Fate Of Captain Phasma
Star Wars: The Last Jedi almost did not have Captain Phasma menace the Resistance. Phasma was defeated by Finn, Chewbacca, and the late Han Solo (Harrison Ford) in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and banished her to the Starkiller Base's garbage systems. However, the chromed Stormtrooper captain almost went down with the Starkiller Base.
"If she was in the garbage chute, that means she blew up with the planet," said Johnson.
Fans of the very first female Stormtrooper and villainess should be happy to learn that Phasma back with the First Order in The Last Jedi. However, Finn will not be pleased with this news. The newest member of the Resistance will go undercover, and he is expected to bump into his former boss during the mission.
"We needed her alive here," said Johnson. "Mostly because I wanted to hang out with Gwendoline Christie."
High Box Office Expectations
Star Wars: The Last Jedi has enormous expectations to meet when the film drops into theaters on Dec. 15. Industry insiders are projecting a $200 million box office collection on during its first weekend in theatres. Disney also believes that it could beat both Beauty and The Beast's $174 million opening. Johnson also has a lot riding on Star Wars: The Last Jedi's box office success as Disney assigned him to write the follow-up trilogy after Star Wars: Episode IX is released.
