Andy Serkis Wishes Snoke Had Survived Star Wars: The Last Jedi

It was a divisive moment among many in Star Wars: The Last Jedi when Supreme Leader leader Snoke was killed off before the film had even reached its climax, with many viewers assuming that he’d be the Palpatine equivalent who poisons Kylo Ren’s mind right up until the end. Evidently, writer-director Rian Johnson had other ideas, and when the villain’s journey was brought to a close, his death even came as a shock to actor Andy Serkis himself.

In an interview with GamesRadar, the star reflected on his character’s template-breaking demise, and though he understands why Johnson went with the twist, part of him still wishes he was still around to see the Sequel Trilogy out.

“It was a bit of a shock,” Serkis said. “But I could see exactly why they were going that route, and I think it was a huge surprise in the middle of the film. But I really loved the scene where Rey plays with Snoke. That scene was a fantastic. I just wish he’d survived, but who knows?”

This isn’t the first time that Serkis has hinted that Snoke could still come back in future installments, and the fans have plenty of theories on how this comeback might happen, but for the time being, it’s certainly looking like the villain’s part in the story is more or less done.

With the old Supreme Leader now out the picture, the responsibility rests with Kylo Ren to command the First Order, and it must be said that we’re moving into Star Wars: Episode IX with an interesting and unusual dynamic for the franchise. Though Anakin Skywalker’s immoral actions could always be partially blamed on the influence of Palpatine, in both the Original and Prequel Trilogies, Kylo’s really had no one to answer to but himself since taking command in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, making this the first time in the saga where some embodiment of absolute evil wasn’t sitting at the top of the totem pole.

We’ll find out how Kylo wrestles with his conscience when Episode IX hits theaters on December 20th, 2019, though we wouldn’t count on the latest Supreme Leader lasting any longer than his predecessor.