Given the nature of the main Star Wars saga in relation to the mysteries surrounding the force and the legacy of characters that came before, there’s been speculation that we may see some of the old Jedi show up in some capacity ever since the events of The Force Awakens – and one iconic, diminutive green fellow in particular has been rumored for an appearance in the next installment, Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Though it’s not exactly confirmation, Frank Oz – who has provided the voice for the character since his debut in The Empire Strikes Back – definitely seems to suggest that Yoda will indeed play some kind of role in the Rian Johnson-directed film.
Here’s what Oz had to say when quizzed about Yoda’s potential return by Variety:
I feel like I’m a prisoner at war here, and I can only give you my name, rank and serial number. To be true to the people who asked me, and they are kind of my family, I have to say I’ve been asked not to talk about it. I love Yoda. I would be happy to talk to you about it at the time they let me.
There’s only one reason Lucasfilm would have asked Oz not to talk about Yoda being in the movie, and that’s because Yoda is in the movie. Again, it’s not irrefutable evidence, but one would assume that if there was nothing to the rumor at all, Oz would simply have said as much.
Of course, Yoda doesn’t need to actually appear onscreen as a force ghost for Oz to be involved (he recorded dialogue for The Force Awakens that was never used, for example), but I’d say there’s a very good chance he’ll be on hand to offer some of his trademark sage advice – even if it’s just through one of Rey or Luke’s visions.
Hitting theaters on December 15, Star Wars: The Last Jedi is.
