With the recently revealed title for the next episode in the saga — Star Wars: The Last Jedi — speculation has kicked into overdrive. Fans are of course pretty darn eager to unravel all the mysteries that Episode VIII might contain, and now thanks to director Rian Johnson, we know of some of the film’s influences.
Speaking to Empire in a wide ranging conversation regarding The Last Jedi, Johnson said the following on what films he watched to prepare for making his Star Wars debut.
“Twelve O’Clock High was a big touchstone, for the feel and look of the aerial combat as well as the dynamic between the pilots. Three Outlaw Samurai for the feel of the sword-fighting, and the general sense of pulpy fun. And To Catch A Thief was a great film to rewatch, for the romantic scale and grandeur”.
SEE ALSO: Breaking Down Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Those are some interesting choices, classic films to be sure, and it does help to give a sense of where the director’s head maybe at. It doesn’t give much a way however, but it’s always interesting to see a directors sensibilities before they attack such a mammoth project like this.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is set for release on December 15th 2017 and 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), Simon Pegg (Unkar Plutt), and Warwick Davis joined by new additions Benicio Del Toro (Guardians of the Galaxy), Laura Dern (Jurassic Park), Kelly Marie Tran (Ladies Like Us) and Jimmy Vee (Pan) as R2-D2.
Originally published January 26, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
