“Star Wars: The Last Jedi” became last year’s highest grossing film after earning $1.3 billion worldwide.
The latest Star Wars installment has become the most divisive entry in the series with reviews that have gone from praising director Rian Johnson for his vision to having die-hard fans create an online petition to remove it from the Star Wars canon completely.
“The reviews are polarizing,” said Stephen Sleeper, senior music major. “The movie was good but it hurts the franchise more than it helps it.”
Recently, that petition has gained more than 85,000 signatures. However, it is unlikely Disney will pay much attention to the petition.
Despite some negative opinions, some students said they are excited to see how the franchise continues.
As the first female lead in the series and the main protagonist for the new trilogy, Rey’s mysterious origins have been a major discussion in the Star Wars community. Some considered it a disappointment to find out her parents were not of any importance.
“It’s going to be awesome to see how everything comes together,” said Rachel Harrison, early childhood development major. “It’s interesting what they did with Princess Leia. Carrie Fisher passed away and I wonder how they’re going to continue using her in the movies.”
As this new Star Wars trilogy comes to a close, so are the many plots on which the franchise has been built.
Following the death of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker and inevitably Princess Leia, there will be few things remaining from the original trilogy. This has left some with theories about where the franchise is heading next.
“I don’t believe that Rey’s parents are ‘nobodies’,” said Shannon Hicks, graduate school counseling student. “They really made it seem like she was related to Luke or Leia in some way and I hope they explain that in the next movie.”
The same can be said about Supreme Leader Snoke who met his fate in the latter half of “The Last Jedi.” Although fans witnessed his demise on screen, some are still speculating his return in the next film.
“I don’t think Snoke is dead, or I think he will appear in the next movie, but I have no idea what the plot will be,” said Zach Perry, junior health science pre – physicians assistant major.
“Star Wars: Episode IX” is slated to release Dec. 20, 2019. Hopefully with the return of “The Force Awakens” director J.J. Abrams, “The Last Jedi” sequel will gain the same support from fans as his 2015 film.
