ST Rian Johnson to write and direct Episode VIII (and also new SW Trilogy - see page 194)

Man, Rian Johnson is really a likable guy.

He just seems to really get the reverence of the brand. He says all the right things, embraces the fans and is completely down-to-earth on twitter.

For so some many reasons, mostly because I'm zealous Star Wars fan, I hope The Last Jedi is excellent. But for Rian, I'm hoping it's a smashing success and critically acclaimed. Of course I want it to be great, but I never thought I would want a movie to be great for a director/writer. He sort of deserves it in my book and I hope this isn't his last Star Wars film.

 

If episode 8 will be half as good as Rian is likeable, it will be one of the best movies ever

 

Still wish he was at least writing IX..

 

Will RJ be involved in 9 at all????

 

Of course, he'll play one of the velociraptors.

 

...in high heels

 

Ditch Colin for Rian?

 

Hate to be a party pooper but im not really getting a good vibe from what we know and have seen from ep8, this whole thing about it being different and the direction they 'seem' to be going with luke isnt sitting comfortably with me. I really hope ren isn't on a redemption arc as i just dont think I would accept it after what happened in tfa.
Rian really doesnt inspire confidence in me at all.

 

I don't see how Kylo Ren's redemption would be any harder to accept than Darth Vader's. The former killed his father... the latter physically choked his wife, killed his former mentor in cold blood, chopped off his son's hand, and also slaughtered a bunch of defenseless kids.

 

Tortured his 19-year old daughter and her boyfriend as well

 

That last one is probably understandable from the perspective of most fathers.

 

And don't forget... tortured his daughter.

 

I like the fact that Rian is going down a road that is fresh and new, but still maintains the feel and look of a Star Wars film. I enjoyed TFA, but when certain beats were a clear rip off from ANH, I literally rolled my eyes. Things like the flashback and Jakku were fun and new to me. I think Rian will deepen the lore behind the Jedi and the Force, but be Star Wars.

 

1. Choked wife = learned about after rotj released and audiences accepted his redemption
2. No, during duel, and Obi-wan let him win
3. Yeap. Not patricide
4. Horrific, but *not onscreen.* also, see #1
5. Again, not onscreen.

Onscreen vs offscreen behavior = BFD in terms of how audiences take this stuff.

 

You make some good points. I don't think whether it's on screen or off screen, people will lean one way or another in terms of redemption, depending of their own headcanon. In real life, there's no way I'd want Kylo nor Vader redeemed, but the way these films go, I think they will redeem him. How they do that do that in IX or how I or anyone else feels about it is a different story. Would love to know Luke's feelings about that. But I'll seek shelter first before witnessing his anger and hurt towards Kylo.

 

The question is why do we need a redeemed Kylo? Also Vader didn't commit patricide onscreen, so I will have a hard time to even consider any redemption for Kylo.

 

Welcome to Pessimisttown. Population: you.

Hope you manage to enjoy the film.

 

I get that, and i kinda hope we don't get a redemtion arc either (at least mot a standard one). But Vader did as bad or worse. The fact that it happened offscreen doesn't make it better.

 

Gotta happen.

ST = intergenerational conflict and, at last, true reconciliation.

I hate that JJ thought Kylo murdering Han was a super idea. But if Kylo isnt redemed - amd they've practically flat-out stated he will be - you can kiss the ST's structure goodbye. Carrie's death has already screwed things up royally

 

I just fear a Kylo redemption arc will be done in making Luke the big failure or the bad guy.

 

From what they've shown us:

Luke = King Arthur, Kylo = Mordred
Luke = Space Jesus, Kylo = Space Judas

I think we've got a good handle on how the filmmakers view Luke vs a vis Kylo.

 

If anything, I think Kylo's redemption can only come about if Luke plays a part in it. Luke was the one who told Yoda and Obi-Wan they were wrong and that Vader could be redeemed, and he was right. I think while Luke is going to teach Rey the ways of the Force, she's going to help him rediscover his hope. It's a classic student/teacher kind of story arc, one that pays off for both characters, and it also reminds the audience (and Luke) just who Luke is: the person who refuses to give up on those he loves.

 

If Ben is seen admitting that the act of killing his father has deemed him beyond redemption. But that he is prepared to give his life and sacrifice himself for the greater good? I think that would work in all honesty

 

Only way he could achieve absolution imo.

 

Would like it better if he is not redeemed. His grandfather took that path already. Must there be constant mirrors within Skywalker generations? They've gone so far off the deep end with changes in Force powers etc., so why not keep this different too. Not worried about Luke, myself, but how can I be when the movie is not out yet.