Viewers had to wait until the very last scene of Star Wars: Episode VIII.

As difficult as it is to believe, only 11 months separate fans from that movie's premiere, and they'll shortly get to see the fateful first interaction between Luke and Rey. Eschewing Star Wars tradition, Episode VIII picks up immediately from where its predecessor left off. This is one of the more interesting creative choices for the sequel, and now writer/director Rian Johnson has explained why he chose to go that route for his installment.

In USA Today's rundown of the biggest 2017 film releases, Johnson discussed his approach to the Star Wars 8 narrative and how both Luke and Rey factor into the plot:

“I don’t want to skip ahead two years. I want to see the very next moment of what happens... part of what’s she’s [Rey] dealing with is the realization that she has this power and this gift. She’s taking her first step to coming to with this thing inside her that she never knew was there and is just starting to reveal its potential."

Star Wars: Rey Gives Luke the Lightsaber

In retrospect, it seems only logical that there wouldn't be an extended gap in time between The Force Awakens and Episode VIII. Johnson is definitely not the only one who wants to see the "very next moment" of Luke and Rey's meeting, and many viewers would probably have felt cheated if Star Wars 8 jumped ahead. It's important to show the very beginnings of Rey's relationship with Luke, since their dynamic will likely be what carries the sequel trilogy to its conclusion. Johnson mentioned "a large part of the movie" will cover why Luke is on Ahch-to and how he'll deal with his current situation. Han Solo believed his longtime friend was searching for the first Jedi Temple, but nothing official has been revealed yet. Luke's actions post-Return of the Jedi are among the most guarded secrets in the franchise canon, and it looks like everything is being held back until Episode VIII.

Since the character is set to have an exponentially expanded role in Star Wars 8, Luke has expectantly been the subject of some rumors for the film, including his Luke's line from the first trailer will be. When Star Wars 8 debuts, it will have been 34 years since Mark Hamill had a meaningful role in a Star Wars movie, so hopefully Johnson can deliver on the promise and potential.

Source: USA Today

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