While the presence of Luke Skywalker loomed large over Star Wars: The Force Awakens, he only appeared for seconds at the end of the movie. We might find out more about what Luke has been up to in the 30 years since Return of the Jedi when The Last Jedi hits theaters in a couple of weeks. But thanks to director Rian Johnson, we do know there was the possibility that Luke had gone blind.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Johnson spoke about going back to one of the original influences on the Star Wars series–Japanese samurai movies. “I had a brief idea I was chasing where I was like, ‘What if Luke is blind? What if he’s, like, the blind samurai?'” he explained. “But we didn’t do it. You’re welcome. Didn’t stick.”
Of course, the Star Wars series now has its own blind character–Chirrut Imwe, played by Donnie Yen in last year’s Rogue One. But Johnson states that his idea for a blind Luke predated this.
The Last Jedi hits theaters on December 15 and also stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Carrie Fisher, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, and Andy Serkis. There has been plenty of promotional activity for the movie over past couple of weeks, including a TV spot in which Chewie smacks a Porg, and another that focuses on Luke’s relationship with Rey.
Earlier this week, Ridley, who plays Rey in the new Star Wars movies, revealed that she plans to leave the series after Episode IX in 2019. “I am really, really excited to do the third thing and round it out, because ultimately, what I was signing on to was three films,” she said. “So in my head, it’s three films. I think it will feel like the right time to round it out.”
In related news, it was revealed this month week that Johnson will write and direct a new Star Wars trilogy. Work on the next set of movies will begin after the release of JJ Abrams’ Episode IX in 2019. In addition, Disney is planning a live-action Star Wars TV show, which will be available on its upcoming streaming service.
Speaking to Rolling Stone, the Star Wars 8 director opened up about going down the well-trodden Star Wars path of Samurai influences, including having a sight-impaired mentor:
Since we know nothing about what he’s been up to in the 30 years since Return of the Jedi, fans are expecting to
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