This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars: The Last Jedidirector Rian Johnson has recently defended one controversial death scene in his movie, eight years after the backlash ensued.The Last Jedi, also known as Episode 8, was released back in 2017 under Lucasfilm and Disney, following 2015’sThe Force Awakens. Starring Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and the return of Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, the movie became one of the most divisiveStar Warsprojects, with many claiming it was full of character contradictions and turned a blind eye to fan theories. Nevertheless, it maintained a high rating in polls and no one could besmirch its stunning visuals.
Sci-Fi fans generally don’t holdThe Last Jediin high regard, including Game Rant’s own Jake Fillery placing it third last in theStar Warsmovie ranking. Additionally, the final film in the sequel trilogy,The Rise of Skywalker, provoked even more backlash, including the often frowned-upon decision to give Rey a surname. The sequel trilogy certainly has its ups and downs, but Johnson is standing by one of his decisions to kill off an important character.
Rian Johnson Defends Snoke’s Death in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
During an interview with Rolling Stone, Johnson explained the decision to kill off Andy Serkis’ Snoke, when J.J. Abrams’The Force Awakenscentered on the villain to be the new Emperor. “I took great pains to use him in the most dramatically impactful way, which was to then take Kylo’s character to the next level and set him up as well as I possibly could,” Johnson explained, and emphasized the audience’s perspective, saying, “I guess it all comes down to your point of view. I thought, ‘This is such a compelling and complicated villain. This is who it makes sense going forward to build around.’” In the same interview,Johnson poured more fuel onThe Last Jedifire, but hoped the movie would be reevaluated in time, similar to how the prequel trilogy is more beloved now than it initially was upon release.
I took great pains to use him in the most dramatically impactful way, which was to then take Kylo’s character to the next level and set him up as well as I possibly could. I guess it all comes down to your point of view. I thought, ‘This is such a compelling and complicated villain. This is who it makes sense going forward to build around.
Fans recently thought Ubisoft’sStar Wars Outlawsgame made up for certain sequel trilogy mishaps, but some still can’t abide by the film’s discord regarding character progression. Johnson delved further into his decision to pivot from Snoke to Driver’s Kylo Ren, saying, “That was, in reading J.J.’s script, and watching the dailies, and seeing the power of Adam Driver’s character.” The director noted Rey and Kylo’s compelling connection as “incredibly powerful,” and landed the topic with, “This is all a matter of perspective and phrasing, but to me, I didn’t easily dispense with Snoke.”
Luckily, the future of theStar Warsfranchise promises exciting upcoming projects, includingThe Mandalorian & Grogufeature film, set to conclude Din Djarin’s arc, and a new film starringThe Last Jedi’s protagonist. A recent rumor suggestedDaisy Ridley’s return as Rey in Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy’s film was delayed, which was a devastating blow for fans of the character after the project’s announcement during Star Wars Celebration 2023.
