Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi was released theatrically in the United States on December 15, 2017. This marked a significant moment in the Star Wars saga, continuing the story following the events of The Force Awakens and setting the stage for The Rise of Skywalker.
The Release Date: A Global Phenomenon
The global release of The Last Jedi spanned a few days surrounding the US premiere. While some international territories saw earlier releases (for example, parts of Europe on December 13th and 14th), the North American release date of December 15th, 2017, remains the definitive and most widely recognized date. The film opened to massive critical and commercial success, solidifying its place in cinematic history despite some controversial plot points.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Last Jedi
Here are some frequently asked questions addressing key aspects of the film’s release, production, and impact.
FAQ 1: What was the immediate reaction to the release of The Last Jedi?
The release of The Last Jedi was met with a polarized reaction. Critics generally praised the film for its visual spectacle, bold narrative choices, and performances. However, a significant portion of the fan base expressed strong disapproval, often citing perceived inconsistencies with established lore, character portrayals, and the overall direction of the Skywalker saga. This division led to heated debates and continues to be a topic of discussion among Star Wars enthusiasts.
FAQ 2: How did The Last Jedi perform at the box office?
Despite the mixed reactions, The Last Jedi was a massive box office success. It grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time. Its financial success demonstrated the enduring power of the Star Wars franchise, even in the face of controversy. The film also topped the box office charts for several weeks after its release.
FAQ 3: Who directed The Last Jedi?
The Last Jedi was written and directed by Rian Johnson. His unique vision and storytelling approach were major contributing factors to both the film’s critical acclaim and the fan backlash. Johnson’s involvement extended beyond directing; he also had significant creative control over the narrative direction.
FAQ 4: What Star Wars characters appeared in The Last Jedi?
The Last Jedi featured a mix of new and returning characters from the Star Wars universe, including:
- Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill)
- Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher)
- Rey (Daisy Ridley)
- Finn (John Boyega)
- Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac)
- Kylo Ren (Adam Driver)
- Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis)
- Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo)
- Yoda (Frank Oz, voice)
It also introduced new characters like Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) and Holdo (Laura Dern).
FAQ 5: Was The Last Jedi filmed in any specific locations?
Yes, The Last Jedi utilized a variety of filming locations to create its visually stunning worlds. Key locations included:
- Skellig Michael, Ireland: Representing Ahch-To, the remote island where Luke Skywalker resided.
- Dubrovnik, Croatia: Serving as the backdrop for the casino city of Canto Bight.
- Pinewood Studios, England: Where much of the interior filming took place.
The use of practical locations added to the film’s immersive quality.
FAQ 6: What were some of the main plot points of The Last Jedi?
The main plot points of The Last Jedi revolved around:
- Rey’s training with Luke Skywalker: As she seeks to understand the Force and her place in the galaxy.
- The Resistance’s desperate flight from the First Order: Facing dwindling resources and overwhelming odds.
- Kylo Ren’s internal conflict: Torn between the light and dark sides of the Force.
- The search for allies to aid the Resistance: Leading to Finn and Rose’s mission to Canto Bight.
These storylines intertwined to create a complex and dramatic narrative.
FAQ 7: What controversies surrounded The Last Jedi’s release?
The controversies surrounding The Last Jedi stemmed from several factors, including:
- Luke Skywalker’s portrayal: Many fans felt that his depiction deviated significantly from his established character.
- Snoke’s abrupt death: Some viewers were disappointed by the anticlimactic demise of the Supreme Leader.
- Rose Tico’s character: The character received criticism for her perceived lack of purpose and plot relevance.
- The pacing and narrative structure: Some viewers found the film’s pacing uneven and its plot threads unsatisfying.
These controversies fueled intense debates within the Star Wars fan community.
FAQ 8: What impact did The Last Jedi have on the Star Wars franchise?
The Last Jedi had a significant and lasting impact on the Star Wars franchise. It challenged established conventions, introduced new ideas, and sparked widespread debate. While the film’s divisiveness caused some unrest among fans, it also pushed the franchise in new and unexpected directions. It arguably contributed to a broader conversation about the nature of canon and the creative freedom of filmmakers within established franchises.
FAQ 9: How did Carrie Fisher’s death affect The Last Jedi?
Carrie Fisher, who played Leia Organa, passed away before the film’s release. Her performance in The Last Jedi became a poignant tribute to her legacy. The filmmakers chose not to digitally recreate her or replace her with another actress, opting instead to use existing footage and adapt the storyline accordingly. Her scenes in the film were powerful and emotionally resonant, serving as a farewell to a beloved character and actress.
FAQ 10: Was there any deleted content from The Last Jedi?
Yes, like most films, The Last Jedi had scenes that were cut during the editing process. These deleted scenes included:
- An extended sequence on Ahch-To: Featuring more interactions between Rey and Luke.
- More development for Captain Phasma: Providing greater insight into her character.
- Additional scenes related to the Canto Bight plotline: Potentially offering more context to Finn and Rose’s mission.
These deleted scenes are available on the film’s home media release.
FAQ 11: Where can I watch The Last Jedi today?
The Last Jedi is currently available for streaming on Disney+. It can also be purchased or rented on various digital platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and iTunes. Additionally, physical copies of the film (Blu-ray and DVD) are readily available for purchase.
FAQ 12: What is Rian Johnson working on now in the Star Wars universe?
While plans have shifted over time, Rian Johnson was originally slated to develop a new trilogy of Star Wars films, separate from the Skywalker saga. Currently, there is no confirmed timeline or active project regarding his return to the franchise. However, Lucasfilm has stated that they are still open to working with him on future projects, though the specifics remain unclear. His ongoing involvement in the Star Wars universe remains a topic of much speculation and anticipation among fans.
The Lasting Legacy
The Last Jedi, released on December 15, 2017, remains a significant and debated entry in the Star Wars saga. Its bold creative choices, stunning visuals, and complex characters have solidified its place in cinematic history, prompting ongoing discussion and analysis years after its initial release. While the film’s reception was polarized, its impact on the franchise is undeniable, shaping the future direction of the Star Wars universe and sparking conversations about the nature of storytelling within established franchises. It’s a film that continues to be watched, debated, and ultimately, remembered.