Star Wars: Episode IX, the final entry in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, is still over two years away, but the big wigs at Lucasfilm are already planning what comes next. As yesterday’s trailer for The Last Jedi so mysteriously suggested, the ongoing saga following the Skywalker family may take a sinister turn.
The trailer ends with a determined Luke saying, “It’s time for the Jedi to end,” leading many to believe the legendary hero has betrayed the values and principles that once saved the galaxy. Regardless of how you interpret it, one thing remains certain: Luke Skywalker is not the same.
In an interview with Fandango, Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy made the following statement regarding Luke, Leia and Kylo Ren’s future in the franchise:
“I certainly foresee movies past nine. Whether or not we carry on the Skywalker saga….you know, George always intended nine movies, and whether we continue that or not is something we’re talking about right now. If the story warrants it, we’ll absolutely do it. If it actually inspires new ideas, then we’ll definitely head in that direction. We just don’t know yet.”
As Kennedy’s comments indicate, the executives at Lucasfilm are still discussing the fate of the iconic family. Ending the Skywalker saga may be in the company’s best interest though, as anything more might limit them. After all, they’ve got an entire galaxy in front of them just waiting to be explored. Why stop with a significant yet creatively exhausted group of characters?
It’ll be interesting to see how Luke’s story plays out in The Last Jedi. Daisy Ridley did hint at Star Wars Celebration that Rey will learn that her heroes are not always who she built them up to be, and she also flashed a knowing grin as she revealed this, prompting many to speculate even further. Could it be that Luke’s taken a dark turn?
We’ll find out for sure what she meant when the next Star Wars installment hits theaters on December 15th.