The portrayal of Luke Skywalker in *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* has sparked significant debate among fans. Many appreciate Rian Johnson’s innovative approach to the franchise, while others argue it strays too far from creator George Lucas’ vision. Central to this discussion is Luke’s self-imposed exile on the planet Ahch-To after Ben Solo’s transformation into Kylo Ren.
Mark Hamill’s Criticism of Luke Skywalker
Mark Hamill, the actor behind Luke Skywalker, has shared his dissatisfaction with the character’s fate. He stated to Johnson, “Jedis don’t give up.” This reflects the disconnect many fans feel between the Luke from the original trilogy and his portrayal in the sequel. The expectation was that Luke would strive to correct his mistakes rather than abandon his allies as the First Order thrives.
A Potential Fix: Force Projection
Critics suggest a small adjustment in Luke’s behavior could enhance the film’s narrative. Specifically, Luke could have supported the Resistance without leaving his island or breaking his exile. The introduction of Force projection in the film offers the perfect vehicle for this change. Instead of isolating himself, Luke could project an image of himself to guide and assist the Resistance indirectly.
- Luke could protect settlements across the galaxy by intimidating First Order troops through projection.
- Rey might discover Luke’s nightly meditations and subsequent fatigue as he uses this ability.
- Luke’s presence could disrupt First Order operations, preserving his character’s integrity while remaining in hiding.
Enhancing the Narrative with Force Projection
By implementing Force projection, *The Last Jedi* could showcase a version of Luke who grapples with failure but still embodies the values of friendship and heroism. A scenario could play out where Stormtroopers flee from a mysterious figure wielding a blue lightsaber, mistakenly believing it to be Rey when in fact it’s Luke intervening without being physically present.
This approach allows for a more complex portrayal of Luke, emphasizing his struggle with guilt over Kylo Ren while ensuring he remains a protector of the galaxy. It enriches the narrative by showing Luke as active in the fight against darkness without leaving his sanctuary.
Luke Skywalker’s Sacrifice
The film also illustrates the high cost of Force projection. As presented in *The Last Jedi*, this power takes a toll on Luke, ultimately leading to his demise. However, the scenarios can be adjusted so that while Luke projects himself frequently, his final act—a full confrontation with Kylo Ren—demands the ultimate sacrifice of his life energy, making his death more poignant.
This modification not only keeps the essence of Luke’s character intact but also deepens the emotional impact of his story arc. It ensures that his downfall resonates as both a tragic end and a fitting closure to his legacy.
*Star Wars: The Last Jedi*, released on December 13, 2017, remains a polarizing entry in the franchise. However, a simple change to how Luke Skywalker interacts with the events around him could significantly enhance its reception, offering a richer experience for fans old and new.
