Star Wars: The Last Jedi Director Defends The Deaths In The Film

A long time ago, in a galaxy (not so) far, far away, being a Star Wars fan was a wondrous, life-affirming affair. These days, though, it’s another day, another drama as hardcore fans light their torches and pitchforks in an attempt to run the heretics out of the village. Well, sort of.

Let’s just say the backlash against Rian Johnson and Star Wars: The Last Jedi shows no sign of abating and this time, it’s all about the deaths in the film. In a rare moment of fans deciding they actually hold creator George Lucas in some sort of esteem, a Twitter user posted a transcript image of a discussion between Lucas and screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan.

In it, the former insisted that Star Wars was a fairytale and, as such, should have a happy ending. Johnson, who unceremoniously killed off Supreme Leader Snoke along with Luke Skywalker, then posted several images that contradict Lucas’ statement, from a very badly burnt Aunt Beru to Obi-Wan and Yoda going the way of the Force Ghost.

The director followed that up with the below message, too, explaining that The Last Jedi is a personal film for him and apologizing that the Twitter user in question didn’t enjoy it.

“For me TLJ 100% distills what the spirit & heart of SW has been in my life. But yes it is personal, it’s a certain pov, and it has to be – originals were personal for GL, that’s why they’re alive. SW films will truly betray the heart & spirit of the originals if they lose that, and become soulless clean homages. But being alive means being messy, and it means every film won’t line up exactly with what every fan is expecting or wants. I’m sorry TLJ didn’t line up with your own certain pov, really, honestly I am. MTFBWY”

Of course, Star Wars is personal to everyone, not just the creators. However, the few who have the wherewithal to decide the franchise’s direction will never please the many, and maybe it’s time that the many voted with their feet if they disagree.

To put it into context, a long, long time ago (1983), in a galaxy (not so) far away, Star Wars was finished. Done. Dusted. Now, we’re being treated to Star Wars: Episode IX, a new trilogy from Johnson, another new trilogy from Game of Thrones‘ creators, a live-action TV series from Jon Favreau and who knows what else in terms of standalone pics. What a time to be alive, indeed!