The Last Jedi Director Says [Spoiler's] Death Opens More Story Possibilities

Warning: Spoilers from The Last Jedi will be discussed

There are many reasons why fans consider Star Wars: The Last Jedi to be controversial and a bit challenging. After all, it did move away from a number of the conventions seen in previous Star Wars films, which was practically the film's theme throughout its lengthy running time. One other controversial aspect was the death of Luke Skywalker, a character angry fans felt wasn't acting like himself.

His death was emotional and quite revealing. The fact that he was able to unleash use a lot of his Force power before perishing was a sight to behold. While many feel that his death means we won't be seeing Luke in Episode IX, which will be directed by J.J. Abrams, The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson feels differently.

Speaking with Business Insider, Johnson felt that Luke's death actually unlocks more story possibilities for the character in Episode IX. He likens it to how Obi-Wan Kenobi was used in Return of the Jedi, acting as a spirit guide for the then young Luke Skywalker.

"I'm not sure what J.J. and [screenwriter] Chris Terrio are going to do in the next one with Luke, but setting up possibilities for the next one, honestly, it seems much like Obi-Wan going where he did after ‘New Hope.' The possibilities seemed even more exciting in terms of what Luke's place could be in the next chapter with him entering into this other realm as opposed to him having a lightsaber and being with our heroes. It opened more possibilities as opposed to fewer."

Considering how similar Abrams' The Force Awakens was to A New Hope, fans might be happy with the possibilities of Episode IX being similar to Return of the Jedi. Admittedly, that might not be a good thing since many consider the sixth episode to be the weakest of the original trilogy. Then again, some hardcore fans like the prequels more than The Last Jedi, so they might actually be good with that.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is showing in theaters now.

Read:Rian Johnson On Passing The Star Wars Baton To J.J. Abrams For Episode IX