Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s new trailer may have blinded you with Porgs and a whole host of showdowns and dramatic moments, but it also featured one really cool Luke-related callback to Return of the Jedi. Not only does it show the attention to detail put into the movie – it really is a labour of love for Rian Johnson and the rest of the crew – it hints at Luke Skywalker’s change in character too. Did you spot it?
The specific moment in The Last Jedi trailer, as highlighted by ComicBook.com, comes when Luke grabs the lightsaber (as teased at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens). If you take a closer look at the robotic hand of the elder Skywalker, you’ll see that it’s taken some damage in the middle.
When, why, how? It all stems from Return of the Jedi. During a daring raid on Jabba’s Palace, Luke takes a shot to his metallic, flesh-covered hand but he manages to come out of peril with all his digits intact. Except, strangely, he never fixes the ‘wound’.
So Luke has not only let himself become all shabby and hermit-y, he’s not fixing himself up. This gives us an interesting glimpse into Luke’s psyche. Has the last Jedi let himself go entirely? Has he given up?
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is bound to answer that question – perhaps Rey will stoke a fire under him – but it’s interesting that such a minor, seemingly cosmetic detail can offer us so much about a character, and flesh him out, after 30 years away. Aaaand that’s why Star Wars is so incredible.
Image: Lucasfilm
