What we now hope to see in Episode VIII of 'Star Wars'
WARNING: Contains spoilers
With “The Force Awakens,” filmmaker J.J. Abrams has succeeded with a primary mission: To leave a huge audience hungry for more.
That galactic appetite is ravenous for answers — for the next plot point and connection of a narrative thread so we can begin to stitch together the next piece in the massive fabric that is “Star Wars.” With “Episode VII,” Abrams left us high on a hilltop, engaged with a new generation of characters and wondering whether peach-fuzzed Tatooine farmboy turned grizzled-but-failed Jedi master Luke Skywalker will take up the saber and return to lead the Resistance.
Now, we must wait till 2017 to engage in the next adventure, as Abrams hands the reins to Maryland-born writer-director Rian Johnson. We are encouraged by early word — such as the news from Lucasfilm honcho Kathleen Kennedy that the entire starry cast from “Force Awakens” will return, and such as a ringing endorsement of Johnson's new script from Abrams himself.
Before planning our next viewing of Episode VII, we explore what we'll hope to see in Episode VIII:
Q. So now that we've dissected what we liked and disliked about “The Force Awakens,” what sort of things would you like to see — and also flat-out “expect” to see — in Episode VIII?
David Betancourt (Washington Post Multiplatform Editor): More than anything, I want to see the buildup to Kylo Ren vs. Rey. I want to see their paths continue on opposite sides of the Force. I wonder whether they'll be able to sense each other on their journey to discovery.
I'm also very interested to see what happens with Finn. He's not on the path to being a Jedi, so how does he fit into future films. You can't help but wonder about Luke's role in everything. Will he be training Rey? And if so, will he be the master and she the Padawan? Will he ever leave his getaway place? Does he feel responsible enough for what Kylo Ren has done that he feels he needs to take him down? And if Rey is his daughter, would he support training her — knowing it would lead to a showdown with Kylo Ren?
Q. Clearly one or both — Luke or Rey — will face Kylo. I can't imagine Kylo taking down both Han and Luke, and I just don't see as likely a scenario where Rey has to kill Kylo to avenge “father” Luke's death, either. But Kylo had uncommon interest in trying to convert Rey to the Dark Side at the dramatic height of “Force Awakens,” so a family connection seems likely between these Force-sensitives. One that unfolds over two more movies.
Now, speaking of multigenerations, a high sense of nostalgia — of welcoming back old friends — powered much of the dynamic in “TFA,” but obviously the new director (Rian Johnson) won't have that luxury for Episode VIII. As we literally see at the end of “TFA” aboard the Falcon: The old co-pilots may be around, but the kids will now need to learn to fly this franchise. As the actors themselves, who among Daisy Ridley and Adam Driver, John Boyega and Oscar Isaac give you hope?
A. Daisy and Adam are the new Star Wars nucleus to build this franchise around. They have unfinished business between each other, and the new films should build around that. Boyega, I wonder about. There are many ways you can go with him. Resistance member — someone who maybe has seen the light and wants to be a Jedi. I have no clue what they'll do with him, but I hope he's around.
Isaac will hopefully still fly high. With Han Solo gone, the galaxy needs some swagger, and Poe Dameron has plenty. Not many (people) crack jokes when being interrogated by Kylo Ren. But the key to everything is the Kylo Ren/Rey rivalry. That's something strong enough to carry the new movies, but let us not forget Luke and Leia will be there, too.
Q. At my second showing of “TFA” the other day, I got into a discussion with a concessions worker about why she loved “TFA.” She said that as a young, black woman, this was the “Star Wars” for her generation, and that she especially embraced Rey given the shortage of lead female action heroes. We also talked about how much Daisy Ridley rocked the role. Early on, J.J. told Ridley that her acting was “wooden” — just about the worst thing you can say to an actor. But the Ridley on screen radiates alertness and mental quickness and warmth and intelligence with her eyes — as utterly UN-wooden. Not to put too neat a bow on this, but like her character, Ridley did have her own journey of discovery here, as an entertainer growing her acting muscles and discovering her own tour de Force of a performance.
A. You definitely see her honing the craft before our eyes. She won me over with the interrogation scene with Kylo Ren — the way she didn't back down. She's being held captive. Can't move. All she has is her face and she keeps changing looks, from fear, confusion, anger, a little hate and then boom, she opens her eyes and you see the transformation (that scene where she orders the Stormtrooper who may have been Daniel Craig to leave). She's going to need those newly formed acting muscles, as the next film will lean on her even more. That moment where she force-steals the lightsaber from Kylo Ren, that was the awakening moment — when we all woke up as to just how powerful she'll become as the hero.
Q. So now that Abrams is exiting the director's chair, are you hopeful that Rian Johnson, who showed a real style with “Looper,” can successfully steer the “Star Wars” franchise with Jedi mastery?
A. Johnson has huge shoes to fill, but new blood in the director's chair isn't such a bad thing. I think because of the success of “The Force Awakens,” many will want the same people behind the scenes, but J.J. is handing over this franchise in great shape. I think the bigger story would be if Johnson somehow messed things up. But can you really see that happening? I can't. A fresh set of eyes on the next generation of “Star Wars” should provide a new feeling to an old favorite.