The lightsaber, an elegant weapon for a more civilized age, has been a cornerstone of the Star Wars universe ever since George Lucas first introduced moviegoers to that iconic galaxy far, far away in ’77.
It’s a legacy that continued through the release of The Force Awakens, too, which reached its conclusion just as Daisy Ridley’s Rey delivered her lightsaber to its rightful owner: Luke Skywalker. Mark Hamill’s Jedi Master spent much of J.J. Abrams’ franchise reboot in a self-imposed exile, and we understand that absence will have huge ramifications for Luke’s budding relationship with Rey come December. She’s the student to his all-powerful master, essentially, and though Luke Skywalker believes it’s time for the Jedi to end (!), it appears as though a fair portion of Star Wars: The Last Jedi will be devoted to Rey’s intense training regime aboard Ahch-To, the far-flung planet that has become Luke’s home away from home since Return of the Jedi.
And though Daisy Ridley’s fearless heroine is part of the new blood that has been injected into Disney’s space opera – ditto for Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) and John Boyega (Finn) – The Last Jedi will still place a big emphasis on Luke, Leia, and the rest of the gang. This is still the Skywalker saga, after all.
But what about the chances of Luke wielding a lightsaber in Rian Johnson’s hotly-anticipated blockbuster? Fandango presented that very question to Mark Hamill during last weekend’s D23, though the actor was typically coy when delivering his answer.
Lightsaber battle confirmed?? 😁 @HamillHimself #TheLastJedi
<(°.°)> pic.twitter.com/v38ZYgwCnk— Fandango (@Fandango) July 16, 2017
The jury’s still out on that one, then, and aside from Luke accepting his father’s lightsaber from Rey’s outstretched hand, The Last Jedi‘s recent behind-the-scenes featurette didn’t offer up any tangible clues. Perhaps Hamill is simply keeping fans on their toes here? Or are you more inclined to believe that Luke wielding a lightsaber will be saved until the release of Star Wars: Episode IX in 2019? Do let us know.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will signal the next chapter in the storied Skywalker saga on December 15th, before the newly-appointed Ron Howard introduces his Han Solo origin story on May 25th, 2018.
