Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a movie packed full of big twists and turns but perhaps the biggest is the demise of Luke Skywalker after he uses the full might of his powers to defeat Kylo Ren and inspire a new generation of Rebels. During a recent Q&A, director Rian Johnson was asked about his decision to kill the character off and it probably won't surprise you to learn that it wasn't exactly easy for him.
"I had huge hesitance. I was terrified. It was a growing sense of dread when I realized this was going to make sense in that chapter." As for why he feels Luke's death is justified, he adds: "I think the hero’s journey of Luke Skywalker concluded in Return of the Jedi. This is the hero’s journey of Rey, and Finn, and Poe. The [ongoing] story of Luke is one that has to play in tandem with that of Rey."
Of course, death isn't necessarily permanent in the Star Wars Universe and it's feasible that Luke will return as a Force Ghost based on how things wrapped up between him and Kylo Ren. Asked about the possibility of returning for Episode IX, Mark Hamill said: "I’m just still holding on to the line, ‘See you around, kid.’ I can be in Episode Nine! I might consider catering the film just so I can hang out."
How did you guys feel about Luke's demise in Star Wars: The Last Jedi? Let us know in the usual place.