The director of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Rian Johnson, has expressed “hope” that Luke Skywalker will return in Star Wars: Episode IX.
The Last Jedi was replete with surprising moments and unexpected turns, no more so than in the death of Luke Skywalker. This decision has caused plenty of debate among fans, with many curious if this is indeed the end for the character, or if Luke will come back in some way during J.J. Abrams’ Episode IX, such as a Force Ghost.
Rian Johnson certainly hopes so and has expressed this desire to Variety: “I’m not writing the script, so I don’t know,” Johnson said regarding the future of the beloved character. “But as a fan, I would hope so.”
“I don’t know where the next movie is going to go. J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio are writing it right now,” Johnson admitted. “But it seemed like the potential of Luke crossing into a new realm — that offers exciting possibilities for the role he plays in the coming chapter.”
It certainly seems like the opportunity is there for Luke to return and it would be a very popular move among fans, as long as his return feels essential to the story.
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In Lucasfilm’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the Skywalker saga continues as the heroes of The Force Awakens join the galactic legends in an epic adventure that unlocks age-old mysteries of the Force and shocking revelations of the past.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi sees returning cast members Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Leia Organa), Adam Driver (Kylo Ren), Daisy Ridley (Rey), John Boyega (Finn), Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron), Lupita Nyong’o (Maz Kanata), Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), Gwendoline Christie (Captain Phasma), Billie Lourd (Lieutenant Connix), Andy Serkis (Supreme Leader Snoke), Peter Mayhew and Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca), Tim Rose (Admiral Ackbar), Mike Quinn (Nien Nunb) and Warwick Davis joined by new additions Jimmy Vee (Pan) as R2-D2, Kelly Marie Tran (Ladies Like Us) as Rose, Benicio Del Toro (Guardians of the Galaxy) as DJ and Laura Dern (Jurassic Park) as Vice Admiral Holdo.