Star Wars Insider #178

S P THE LAST JEDI SOUVENIR ISSUE
SPECIAL STAR WARS:















PRINCESS
LEIA!
HER TOP 10
™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ ™ BRIGHTEST
T T H H E E O F F F F I I C C I I A A L L M A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A
M
O
The
LAST




JEDI







Rey, Finn, and Poe are back...
and the Force is with them!




















MOVIE

SPECIAL


Rian Johnson

The Last Jedi’s director on
Luke, Rey, Finn, and the
most ground-breaking
Star Wars movie to date!

All Access
Interviews

Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley,
John Boyega, Adam Driver,
and more inside.





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A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
™
JAN/FEB 2018
WELCOME... Senior Executive Editor / Divinia Fleary
TITAN EDITORIAL
Editor / Will Salmon
Editor at Large / Jonathan Wilkins
Copy Editor / Simon Hugo
Editorial Assistants / Tolly Maggs,
And so here we finally are. After two anxious years of
Jake Devine
waiting, The Last Jedi is here. Art Editor / Andrew Leung
When Rian Johnson was first announced as the director LUCASFILM
I was thrilled. His debut feature, Brick (2005), is a personal Senior Editor / Brett Rector
Image Archives / Newell Todd,
favorite—a brilliantly stylish and witty high school detective Erik Sanchez, Bryce Pinkos,
story, it clearly marked the arrival of a major new directorial Nicole LaCoursiere, Tim Mapp
Art Director / Troy Alders
talent. Creative Director / Michael Siglain
Story Group / Pablo Hidalgo, Leland Chee,
Johnson followed it up with The Brothers Bloom (2008)
Matt Martin
and Looper (2012), two films that couldn’t be more different
CONTRIBUTORS
from each other, but which shared Brick’s impressive visuals, Chris Cooper, Simon Hugo, Tricia Barr, Kristin
intriguing characters and ability to surprise. However, I Baver, Meagan Crouse, Daniel Wallace
wasn’t surprised that The Last Jedi had all of those qualities SPECIAL THANKS TO
in abundance. Lucy Goldsmith, Erich Schoeneweiss
at Random House, Martin Eden, Holly
Of course, while this is the middle part of a trilogy, it’s also McIntosh, Joseph Taraborrelli, Andrea Towers
and Jim Nausedas at Marvel Comics, Lizzy
a film of new beginnings. The beginning of Rey embracing
Draeger, Tracy Cannobbio and Chris
what seems like her true calling in life; of Luke taking on a Argyropoulos at Lucasfi lm
new student; of Finn finding a place in the Resistance. And TITAN MAGAZINES
of new characters, like Rose, stepping up and choosing to Senior Production Controller / Jackie Flook
Production Supervisor / Maria Pearson
fight back against an imposing enemy. Production Controller / Peter James
It’s also a film of endings. This is the final time that we Art Director / Oz Browne
Senior Sales Managers / Steve Tothill,
will see Carrie Fisher play Leia—a character that has meant Santoosh Maharaj
Circulation Assistant / Frances Hallam
so much to so many people for over 40 years. But stop and
Direct Sales & Marketing Manager
think about how incredible that is. Who could possibly have Ricky Claydon
Subscriptions Executive / Tony Ho
imagined back in 1977 that we’d be seeing her taking center Brand Manager, Marketing / Lucy Ripper
stage once more, four decades later? Enjoy the issue and, more Commercial Manager / Michelle Fairlamb
Advertising Assistant / Tom Miller
importantly, let us know what you thought of The Last Jedi. U.S. Advertising Manager / Jeni Smith
Publishing Manager / Darryl Tothill
Publishing Director / Chris Teather
Operations Director / Leigh Baulch
Executive Director / Vivian Cheung
Publisher / Nick Landau
DISTRIBUTION
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Chris. Cooper Simon Hugo Tricia Barr Megan Crouse Dan Wallace Kristin Baver STAR WARS INSIDER JAN/FEB 2018
Chris takes over @ omnishugo @ fangirlcantina @ blogfullofwords @ danwall88 @ KristinBaver (USPS 003-027) (ISSN 1041-5122)
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CONTENTS





I SSUE 178 / J ANU AR Y/FEBRU AR Y 2018






























































22

The Last Jedi
Interviews, articles,
and amazing images
from the new movie!





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NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBS
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE
Subscribe
to Star Wars t
Insider
Page 64





















06 42 62

Launchpad Rian Johnson Do You Remember..?
News of more Star Wars to The Last Jedi ’s cast discuss working The cast recall their fi rst experiences
come as movies and TV series with the visionary director and of the saga.
are announced, we say goodbye to a Johnson himself describes his
Star Wars genius, and BB-8 goes experiences making his fi rst 66
into orbit! Star Wars fi lm!
Long Live Leia
22 48 Ten defining moments from the

princess-turned-general who
Moving Swiftly On Guide to the Galaxy has inspired generations.
Discover secrets about the new movie Johnson shares his insights on the new
as revealed by key cast and crew members. worlds and species in The Last Jedi. 74
30 52 Rising to the Challenge
Learn more about the new
Stories From the Set Behind-the-Scenes game that places players in the
The actors relive their experiences Behind-the-scenes photography from boots of the Jedi.
making The Last Jedi. The Last Jedi set. 84

34 57 Keeper of the Holocron

Name that Theme Concept Art Leland Chee on his amazing career
An indepth look at what the movie is A selection of stunning art created and who he thinks is really the star
about, as told by the fi lmmakers. for The Last Jedi. of the saga!




INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS

81 88 92 96
Jedi Master’s Quiz Fiction Worldwide Image Archive
Test your knowledge of the Jedi in this Read an extract from the compelling Meet inspirational Star Wars Mark Hamill and Harrison
midi-chlorian packed quiz! new book, Star Wars: Canto Bight . fans from around the world. Ford take a break from shooting!



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NEW S / BOOK S /COMI CS / T O Y S / G AME S /F A SHI ON












































More Star Wars Movies…




Rian Johnson to tackle brand new trilogy


brand new trilogy of Johnson is set to write and working with Rian on The Last Jedi.
A Star Wars films has been direct the first of the three new fi lms, He’s a creative force, and watching


announced! The movies
which will introduce new characters
him craft The Last Jedi from start to

will be made under the from a previously unexplored part of finish was one of the great joys of my
creative control of The Last Jedi’s the Star Wars galaxy. No other details career. Rian will do amazing things with
writer/director, Rian Johnson, with have been announced yet, and info is the blank canvas of this new trilogy.”
Johnson’s longtime collaborator Ram likely to be scarce for some time to Johnson and Bergman issued a joint
Bergman as producer. come, given that the movies will not statement, saying: “We had the time of
The new trilogy will not be part of be released until the 2020s. our lives collaborating with Lucasfi lm
the Skywalker saga (aka Episodes I-IX), The news was announced by Bob and Disney on The Last Jedi. Star Wars
and is separate from the standalone Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, is the greatest modern mythology and
Star Wars Story movies Rogue One in November, with Lucasfi lm president we have contributed to it. We can’t wait
and Solo. Kathleen Kennedy adding: “We all loved to continue with a new series of fi lms.”



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…And


more TV, Too!


As if the new Star Wars movie news
was not enough, Bob Iger has also
announced the first ever live-action

Star Wars TV series!
Set to launch as part of Disney’s
new streaming service in 2019, the
show will be available to subscribers
at a price that the Disney CEO
expects to be “substantially below”
the rates charged by other streaming
services, such as Netfl ix.
No details of the new show
are available at present, but the
Disney streaming service itself will
also feature small-screen adaptations
of Monsters Inc. and High School
Musical, as well as a new show based
on Marvel Comics characters.
The announcement follows years
of fan speculation about the
likelihood of a live-action series.
Previous animated shows Star Wars:
The Clone Wars (2008–2014), and
Star Wars Rebels (2014–2017) have
used the TV format to vastly expand
the Star Wars universe, and have won
a dedicated fanbase, independent of
the live- action movies.



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Master and apprentice!
Behind you, Rey! Daisy Ridley poses in front Ridley and Mark Hamill
of a battalion of First Order stormtroopers! have fun on the red carpet.

Princes, Jedi, and Droid! A selfie with Finn! John
Boyega shares the love.
Royal Princes William and Harry meet the stars of Star Wars:
The Last Jedi at the European Royal Premiere, at London’s
Royal Albert Hall December 12, 2017






















Prince William seems to be using the Force to Man in Black! Adam
make John Boyega reveal secrets of the film!
Driver takes in the
atmosphere.




Supreme love for Snoke!
Andy Serkis signs a
lucky fan’s poster.

Oh my! Anthony Daniels
poses on the red carpet
before signing some
autographs.

Fantastic Phasma! The powerful
force that is Gwendoline Christie Hux appeal! Dapper Domhnall Gleeson:
meets the fans. a world away from the evil general!




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Inside the Royal Albert Hall,
Stormtroopers and Praetorian
guards greet the audience.




















BB-8, on his best behavior, bows
before Princes William and Harry.



Oscar Isaac at his
most suave.















A Rose by any other name!
Kelly Marie Tran wows the crowds.
Holdo captured? Laura Dern
Red razzle dazzle! under stormtrooper protection.
Mark Hamill brings
some showbiz
magic to a freezing
December evening!






Daisy’s devotees! Ridley poses for
photos with some delighted fans.












Hey, Mr. DJ! Benicio Del Toro signs for fans.




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Who Said That?




The big names behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi can’t stop talking about how great the movie
is! The following are all quotes from the cast and other key creatives in the run-up to its release.
Can you identify who said what?





“[Carrie Fisher and I] were “First and foremost, we “Not to float my
sort of in an unofficial contest
to get to one million Twitter were trying to make it a Star
followers first. She was Wars movie. That means you own boat, but
63,000 ahead of me... I said, have the intensity and you’ve
‘Game on girl!’” I’m a really
got the opera, but it also
means it makes you come out good bartender.
I think that Oscar is of the theater wanting to
always looking at me with run in your backyard, grab I worked in two
love in his eyes, and I guess your spaceship toys and different pubs,
that the fans saw it. make them fly around.”
for a year and a

You have to do the work
“Snoke is very and block everything out, half, in a rowdy

unimpressed that but then C-3P0 comes up, London district.”
and you’re like… Ahhhh!
there is such a huge

female force that “Star Wars resonates so deeply because it’s our foundation story
has been growing in of good versus evil. There is something about this film—and I

the universe.” think it’s because the world we live in is a changing and evolving
place—that it retains the simplicity of those elements.”



The Force Awakens is the only movie I’ve been in

that I’ve sat down with an audience and watched.



Choose From...











Adam Daisy Mark John Rian Andy Gwendoline Kelly Marie
Driver Ridley Hamill Boyega Johnson Serkis Christie Tran




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Use the Furze!



Inventive Brit builds life-sized TIE silencer


emember last year, when including LED lights, the steel required articulated trucks and a crane) in the
R YouTuber Colin Furze built for the frame, and even the welding grounds of Burghley House, in Colin’s
a giant AT-ACT playhouse to
home town of Stamford, Lincolnshire,
equipment used to construct the huge
celebrate the release of Rogue model. The exact replica of Ren’s ship in England last December. A troop of
One: A Star Wars Story? Well, the British is even kitted out on the inside with First Order stormtroopers was also on
inventor has been at it again for The Last a pilot’s chair, targeting screens, and a hand for the unveiling, along with a
Jedi! Challenged by eBay, he successfully joystick. The finished beast weighs in life-size, working replica of First Order

made a life-sized recreation of Kylo Ren’s at approximately seven tons, and took droid BB-9E, built by James Bruton

deadly new starfighter, the TIE silencer, Furze’s five-strong team a total of six from the XRobots YouTube channel.

using only parts sourced from the widely weeks to build. See the story behind the build
used auction site. Lucky fans were able to get up close by searching Colin Furze’s Epic Star Wars
Furze scoured eBay for every element and personal to the impressive ship Build, and go to www.colinfurze.com
of the build—his biggest project yet— when it landed (with the help of fi ve for all his other incredible projects.



























Photography provided by eBay










Hooray for Rey on eBay U.K.! in 2015’s The Force Awakens.
DC Comics’ Wonder Woman
comes a close second to
Star Wars hero tops online search list Rey at the top of the table,
her popularity boosted by
utranking Disney princesses, eBay in the U.K.. the Amazonian’s cinematic
O Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, and sought out items based on Rey, searches for Leia place her
outing last summer, while
In fact, shoppers have
even the legendary Princess
Leia, Star Wars: The Last played by Daisy Ridley in the high on the leaderboard in 3rd
Jedi’s Rey has emerged as 2017’s most- Star Wars sequel trilogy, almost 7,000 place, with hits coming in at almost
searched-for female movie character on times per hour since she fi rst appeared 800 searches per hour.



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The
Star Wars fleet
is available to
check out
Driving Force
now!




Nissan takes Star Wars for a spin in its new fleet of show cars

fl eet of Star Wars-themed Captain Phasma, whose signature a Nissan Altima transformed into a
A Nissan show cars is touring styles add more than a hint of the Special Forces TIE fi ghter, complete
auto shows this year, after
with the multi-paneled windshield.
dark side to the already stunning

debuting at the Los Angeles design language of the Nissan The fifth vehicle in the edgy fl eet is
Auto Show last December. Interests Maxima. a mighty Nissan TITAN, taking on
were piqued when Nissan unveiled The former is “a truly sinister the role of an AT-M6 walker.

the seven-strong fleet in Los Angeles, sedan,” according to Nissan, and Luckily, the Resistance has two
revealing the kind of modifi cations features a cool custom front spoiler vehicles of its own to mount a plucky
that would make Rey and Han Solo modelled on Ren’s iconic mask. defense of the roads, both of which
very proud. The latter has a highly refl ective are based on Nissan Rogues. One is
A collaboration between Nissan’s silver finish that matches Phasma’s based on Poe Dameron’s T-70 X-wing

designers, Lucasfilm, and the artists stormtrooper armor, and which is starfighter (and could be a nightmare


at Industrial Light & Magic, ensured designed as a celebration of female to park with its locked, side-mounted
the show cars had the iconic looks strength. S-foils), while the other is inspired by
of Star Wars characters and starships Overall, the First Order is well the Resistance A-wing.
applied to vehicles from Nissan’s 2018 represented in the Nissan line-up, Sadly, the vehicles aren’t available
production range. with another Maxima being decked to buy, but you can find out where

The most striking of the vehicles out as Kylo Ren’s fearsome TIE to see them at nissanusa.com/star-
are perhaps the two based on First silencer—with angular wings, laser wars-the-last-jedi, and learn more
Order figureheads Kylo Ren and canons, and missile launchers—and about the fl eet’s creation.














Nissan Maxima – Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer Nissan Rogue Sport – A-wing


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Timeline
Important dates
in Star Wars
history.


1922
May 27: Sir Christopher Lee
(Count Dooku) is born.
1929
April 10: Max von Sydow (Lor San
Tekka) is born.
1937
April 6: Billy Dee Williams (Lando
Calrissian) is born.
1973
August 19: Ahmed Best (Jar Jar
Binks) is born.
1976
November 12: Star Wars: From
John Mollo, 1931–2017 the Adventures of Luke Skywalker
by Alan Dean Foster is published.

1983

Farewell to the costume designer who helped define the lived- November 19: Adam Driver (Kylo
Ren) is born.
in look of the galaxy far, far away
1984
November 25: Caravan of
he Oscar-winning costume and Lucas’ vision of a galaxy with a Courage: An Ewok Adventure
T designer John Mollo has died realistic, lived-in look, Mollo adopted is released.
aged 86.
a thrift store approach to Star Wars,
Alongside concept artist making ingenious use of plumbing 1993
Ralph McQuarrie, he was responsible spares, old theatrical props, and pieces February: Star Wars: X-Wing

for defining the look of many of Star of household junk. is released on PC.
Wars’ most defining characters, such He devised the first iteration of


as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Vader’s costume using a Nazi helmet, 2001
Obi-Wan Kenobi. a gas mask, and a monk’s cloak; and February 19: Star Wars:
Born in London in 1931, Mollo when he was given just four days to Starfighter is released for PC,
Xbox, and PS2.
lived through the Second World War establish the look of the Tatooine
and grew up with a lasting fascination sandtroopers, he assembled their gear
2007
for military uniforms. He wrote several using bikers’ chest protectors, seed
January 30: Allegiance by
books on the subject, which led to him boxes, plastic drainpipe, and some Timothy Zahn is published.
serving as a consultant on period fi lms metal backpack racks from a Boy
such as The Charge of the Light Brigade Scout shop.
(1968), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), The results looked far from cheap,
and Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon however, and at the 1978 Academy
(1975). Awards Mollo took home the Oscar
When George Lucas was looking for Best Costume Design. He would
for a costume designer for Star Wars, later win a second Oscar for his work
he approached another Kubrick on Gandhi (1982).
collaborator, Milena Canonero. She Mollo returned to the Star Wars
was unavailable, but recommended galaxy once more for The Empire
Mollo based on their work together Strikes Back, notably designing the
on Barry Lyndon. Mollo professed cold-weather wear used by the rebels
that he knew very little about science on Hoth.

fiction, but Lucas offered him the job He went on to work on movie
precisely because his experience was projects including Outland (1981),
based in real-world military knowledge. Cry Freedom (1987), and Event Horizon
Faced with a small costume budget (1997), and wrote until his retirement.



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Ground


Control


to BB-8


Droid toy reaches new
heights in U.K. stunt


rave Resistance droid BB-8 is
B no stranger to space fl ight,
but in September he took

his first solo fl ight, thanks
to a U.K. toy retailer!
To celebrate the first wave of

products tying in to The Last Jedi,
catalog-shopping store Argos partnered
with near-space experts SentIntoSpace
to launch a BB-8 toy into the Earth’s
stratosphere. The toy was modifi ed
for the mission over the course of a road team with a mobile tracking world experience that Star Wars offers.”
a month, with a team of 12 experts station,” explained SentIntoSpace SentIntoSpace was founded in 2011
preparing the droid for lift-off. hardware engineer Jack Bryan. “We by Alex Baker and Chris Rose after the
The launch took place in a fi eld tracked him using a radio-frequency duo successfully launched a weather
in northeast England, using a large scanning kit and satellite tracking balloon fitted with two video cameras

balloon to raise BB-8 skyward. Once systems as well.” and a tracking device. A series of
airborne, the astromech climbed to an Paul Kinge, toy buyer at Argos, prototypes led to increasingly predictable
altitude of 23 miles and reached speeds added: “Star Wars captures the hearts flights capable of returning bundles of

in excess of 200mph before returning and imaginations of every generation, useful data. Today, the company aims to
to Earth. Along the way, an on-board and the toys are part of what helps make near-space exploration as easy and

camera allowed BB-8 to capture some bring the films to life in homes across the accessible as possible, to inspire the next
awe-inspiring images, too. globe. We’re thrilled to offer so generation of scientists, engineers, and
“To follow BB-8’s journey, we had many a glimpse into the out-of-this- space enthusiasts.



THE LIGHT SIDE By Russ Brown and Jamie Cosley






























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All The Right Notes



Online auction turns Star Wars collectibles into charity cash


anknote manufacturer De only under UV light, and hidden set decorator Roger Christian,
B La Rue launched a limited microtext. The premium notes also costume designer John Mollo,
and creature creator Neal Scanlan.
include an intaglio hand-engraving
edition Star Wars: The Last
Jedi note in December 2017, of Rey. “It’s really exciting to be part of
in support of the U.K. children’s charity The money raised will be donated this very unique initiative to mark
Together for Short Lives. One thousand to Together for Short Lives on behalf the release of The Last Jedi and for
notes were listed for sale on eBay.co.uk of Star Wars: Force for Change, the a fantastic cause,” said Rian Johnson.
on December 7, alongside an auction for charitable initiative by Lucasfi lm and “It was a joy filming in the U.K. and

50 premium notes, with all the proceeds Disney that harnesses Star Wars to truly working with a British crew and I’m
going to charity. At the end of the 10- improve the lives of children around the happy the GREAT Britain Campaign
day auction, the successful bidders had world. Together for Short Lives supports and De La Rue are celebrating this
contributed to a very worthy cause. children’s hospices in the U.K. to make with the commemorative note.”
The notes, which are purely sure every child with a life-threatening Additional items in the auction
commemorative and not legal tender, or life-limiting condition receives the included 10 very beautiful uncut fi nal
are crafted from 100 percent cotton best possible care and leads as fulfi lling proofs of the note signed by the De La
cylinder mold paper, fully securitized a life as possible. Rue studio manager, and 10 rare hand-
and printed in De La Rue’s high-security The commemorative note is also crafted engravings used for the raised
proofing department in Hampshire, intended to celebrate the U.K. fi lm intaglio printing and signed by De La

England. The exclusive design features industry’s 40-year creative relationship Rue’s master engraver.

original light side/dark side artwork, with Star Wars. Produced in partnership To find out more about Together
an Aurebesh message, a replica of The with the U.K. Government’s GREAT For Short Lives, or to make a donation,
Last Jedi writer/director Rian Johnson’s Britain campaign, the design combines go to togetherforshortlives.org.uk.
signature, and security features British technical and artistic know-how Read more about Force for Change at
including serial numbers, scenes visible in a similar vein to U.K. creators such as forceforchange.starwars.com



STAR WARS INSIDER / 15




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LAUNCHPAD













Give

the First


Order its

Orders




Take charge of your own
interactive stormtrooper


f you’ve ever wanted to
I order a stormtrooper
around, a new interactive
robot can make your
dreams come true—and you won’t
be blasted for your efforts!
UBTECH Robotics’ Star Wars First
Order Stormtrooper Robot features
augmented reality (AR), voice
command, and facial recognition
software, so you can issue
commands and have them obeyed
with unprecedented accuracy.
Order the robot to act as a sentry,
First Order
and it will patrol a designated Stormtrooper
area—responding to anything or Robot, $299.99
anyone that attempts to get past.
Train it to recognize your face, and
those of up to two other people
(three in total), and interactions
will be personalized depending on
who is giving the orders. Pair the global leading AI and humanoid
robot with the smartphone app to robotic company. It places a high
launch attacks on the Resistance in degree of importance on data
an immersive AR environment. security, and is at pains to point out
“We are thrilled to launch the that the Stormtrooper Robot does
Star Wars Stormtrooper Robot,” said not connect to the internet, and
UBTECH CEO, James Chow “Both no personal information is saved
Star Wars and UBTECH put a great to the robot or the companion
focus on innovation and family- app. All biometric data remains
friendly technology. Together, we secure within a closed network on
are delivering a new and interactive an encrypted platform that meets
experience for Star Wars fans.” at least the minimum Advanced
Founded in 2012, UBTECH is a Encryption Standard of 128 bits.








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Little Wonders


Takara Tomy adds
The Last Jedi to its metal
miniatures range

ig news for fans of
B small things, as Japanese
toy company Takara
Tomy expands its line
of Star Wars Metakore fi gures to
include more characters from The
Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Mostly standing just three inches
tall and featuring articulated arms
and heads, the new fi gures include
Imperial Weights Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-9E,
a First Order snowtrooper, and

a flametrooper. Updated sculpts
have also been introduced for
New exercise equipment is fit for the Empire Darth Vader, the original trilogy

stormtrooper, R2-D2, and C-3PO.
tar Wars fans can keep fi t to chip-resistant coating, they are Packed full of characterful detail
S Imperial Academy standards designed to build explosive strength and shipped in desirably simple
boxes, the die-cast collectibles are
with a new range of workout
and muscular endurance, and will
gear from fi tness fi rm Onnit. appeal to collectors and athletes alike. not widely available in U.S. stores,
The fun and functional items all Finally, the reversible, non-slip but can be ordered from online
have a dark side slant, and include a Han Solo yoga mat is made from top- retailers, go to ShopDisney.com.
Death Star slam ball, three helmet- quality, moisture-wicking polyurethane Previous releases have spanned
shaped kettle bells, and a Han Solo in rubber. At 70in by 25in, it is a striking the original, prequel, and sequel
carbonite yoga mat. conversation starter, but loses no grip trilogies, as well as Rogue One.
The 20 lbs, 10in Death Star slam ball as a result of its hi-res printing. It is
is ideal for overhead slams, squats, and 0.2in thick, for the perfect combination
wall ball training. A true technological of cushioning and ease of carriage, and
terror, it is made from incredibly strong could even make Jabba the Hutt take up
polyurethane rubber to give it the edge exercise!
over traditional medicine balls, while
its Death Star surface detail offers extra Death Star slam ball, $74.95
grip during intense workouts. Boba Fett kettle bell, $149.95
The kettle bells include a 50 lbs Boba Stormtrooper kettle bell, $179.95
Fett, a 60 lbs stormtrooper, and a 70 lbs Darth Vader kettle bell, $199.95
Darth Vader Cast in black iron with a Han Solo yoga mat, $64.95



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LAUNCHPAD


Book Club




There’s something for every Star Wars reader with
these upcoming publishing releases.




Star

Wars:

Canto

Bight



Meet gamblers,
grifters, and
gangsters in four
themed stories set
on the casino planet


Canto Bight is one of
the key locations in The
Last Jedi—a glamorous
casino city full of intrigue
and species from across
the galaxy. But while the
city sits apart from the

conflict between the First
Order and the Resistance,
danger still lurks in the
shadows. This collection
of four linked stories by
bestselling Star Wars
authors takes place over
one eventful city night.
First up is “Rules of the
Game” by Saladin Ahmed,
which is described as an
“alien buddy comedy.”
Salesman Kedpin Shoklop’s
vacation takes a dark turn
when he gets caught up
with criminal Anglang
Lehet, and the pair must
work together to survive.
Next comes Rae
Carson’s “Hear Nothing, He tries his best to avoid trader Derla Pidys arrives Miller’s “The Rise,”
See Nothing, Say Nothing.” getting involved with the in Canto Bight to buy a professional gambler
Its protagonist, Lexo city’s criminal underbelly, priceless bottle of wine, Kaljach Sonmi meets the
Sooger, works at an elite however—until his daughter but all is not as it seems. Lucky Three, a trio of rival
spa in Canto Bight, where is abducted, that is. Could there be a con artist gamblers. It isn’t long
he is ideally placed to In “The Wine of Dreams” at work? before all he knows about
overhear important intel. by Mira Grant, renowned Finally, in John Jackson life in the city falls apart!



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02



















04
01


















03




01 02 03 04
Star Wars: Star Wars: The Star Wars: The Forces of
The Last Last Jedi: Heroes Big Golden Destiny: Daring
Jedi: Bomber of the Galaxy Book of Aliens, Adventures: The
Command This 48-page activity Creatures and Leia Chronicles
Get in the cockpit book by Ruth Amos Beasts The third in the Forces
with Cobalt Squadron, is aimed at helping From the cuddly and of Destiny book range
the Resistance bomber younglings develop cute to the hulking and focuses on Leia Organa,
command introduced their reading skills, sinister, this 48-page highlighting three of her
in The Force Awakens with help from famous book is packed with most daring big-screen
and further explored characters such as Rey, stories about the many adventures—including
in The Last Jedi. This Finn, and the adorable and varied aliens from her encounter with the
companion book to BB-8. Published by the Star Wars fi lms. Ewoks on the forest
Elizabeth Wein’s middle Dorling Kindersley, Star Learn all about Ewoks, moon of Endor in Return
grade novel entitled Wars: The Last Jedi: wampas, Jawas, Mon of the Jedi. The 128-page
Cobalt Squadron Heroes of the Galaxy is Calamari, and many more book is available now
contains short stories, available now. with text by Richard from Disney Lucasfi lm
facts about the unit, and Thomas and lavish, retro Press.
gatefolds packed with illustrations by Chris
starship schematics, and Kennett. It’s available
more. It’s available now now from Golden Books.
from Readerlink.







STAR WARS INSIDER / 19




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LAUNCHPAD


Comics Roundup




Marvel’s latest Star Wars comics offer
up an iconic villain and some classic tales.

Grand


Admiral


Drawn



A new Marvel miniseries charts the
rise of Rebels’ blue-skinned bad guy


Created by author Timothy Zahn, the
Imperial strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn
has a long history in print. But it was only
with Season Three of Star Wars Rebels that
he made his animated debut.
To celebrate that fact, Zahn returned to
the character with a new novel, named simply
Thrawn. Published in April 2017, it was full of
revelations for old and new fans alike, and
explored how the blue-skinned outsider rose
from exile to indispensible ally of the Emperor.
Now Thrawn has been adapted by Marvel
Comics as a six-issue miniseries. Written by
Jody Houser with art by Luke Ross, it promises
yet another fresh take on this multifaceted and
endlessly fascinating character.
Set between Revenge of the Sith and
A New Hope, the story begins with Thrawn far
from the trappings of a grand admiral, as the
man born Mitth’raw’nuruodo lives a precarious
life in the Unknown Regions. But an encounter
with Imperial troops gives the wily Chiss survivor
the opportunity he has been looking for, and
he soon attracts attention at the highest levels
of the Empire.
The character of Thrawn first appeared in

Zahn’s 1991 novel, Heir to the Empire, set
after Return of the Jedi. Now considered part
of Star Wars Legends, and therefore not part of
official continuity, it saw a New Republic forged

Authors and Artists by Luke, Leia, and Han seriously tested by a
Jody Houser is best known in Star Wars resurgent Empire led by Thrawn. A classic of
circles for her expansive comic-book Star Wars literature, it spawned two sequels—
adaptation of Rogue One, but she has also Dark Force Rising (1992) and The Last Command
worked on Faith (Valiant), Agent May (1993)—to form The Thrawn Trilogy. This, in turn,
(Marvel), and Orphan Black (IDW). Luke
was followed by The Hand of Thrawn Duology,
Ross is the acclaimed penciller of Darth
Maul and The Force Awakens, and has also comprising Specter of the Past (1997) and Vision
of the Future (1998). A new novel, Thrawn:
worked on Spectacular Spider-Man and
Captain America for Marvel and Green Allegiances, will be published in 2018.
Lantern for DC. Thrawn #1 is on sale from February 2018.


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Incoming
LAUNCHPAD
Don’t Miss These Great
Forthcoming Titles






DECEMBER
Star Wars #40
Writer Kieron Gillen
Artist Salvador Larroca
Cover artists David Marquez
and Matthew Wilson

Star Wars Adventures #5
Writer Landry Q. Walker
Artist Eric Jones
Cover artist Eric Jones

Star Wars: Poe Dameron #22
Writer Charles Soule
Artist Angel Unzueta
Cover artist Phil Noto
Jedi of the Republic - Mace
Windu #5
Writer Matt Owens
s
s
i
N
c
e
h
T
a
l
C
e
m
o
C
s
c
i
a
p
s
r
e
p
r
W
a
S
t
a
Star Wars: The Classic Newspaper Comics Artist Denys Cowan
s
:
r
Cover artist Jesus Saiz
The classic “Han Solo at Stars’ End” Goodwin and artist Al Williamson—a Star Wars: The Last Jedi:
is the centerpiece of IDW’s second pairing chosen to handle the strip by Storms of Crait
collection of Star Wars newspaper George Lucas himself. This is the fi rst Writers Ben Acker and
strips. Adapted from Brian Daley’s ever reprint of the newspaper strips in Ben Blacker
novel by Archie Goodwin and Alfredo their complete format, including Artist Mike Mayhew

Alcala, it finds Han and Chewie trying Sunday page title headers and bonus Cover artist Marco Checchetto
to track down Doc, an outlaw panels, fully restored to their original JANUARY
technician who seems to have been color glory. It is published on January
abducted. The volume also includes a 30, 2018, with a third and fi nal volume Star Wars #41
Writer Kieron Gillen
further seven complete adventures by to follow.
Artist Salvador Larroca
Cover artist David Marquez
Star Wars Legends Epic Star Wars Adventures:
Forces of Destiny: Leia
Collection: Legacy Writers Elsa Charretier
and Pierrick Colinet
Set more than a century after the Artist Elsa Charretier
events of the movies, the Legacy Cover artist Elsa Charretier
series explores a Star Wars galaxy
Star Wars: Darth Vader:
riven by conflict between the Sith

Dark Lord of the Sith #10
Empire and the Galactic Alliance.
Writer Charles Soule
Follow the adventures of bounty Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
hunter Cade Skywalker as he tries Cover artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
to take down Emperor Krayt, meet
the Chagrian Sith Darth Wyyrlok, Star Wars Adventures:

and find out whether the Mon Forces of Destiny: Rey
Calamari species can avoid total Writer Jody Houser
Artist Arianna Florean
extinction. Originally published from
Cover artist Arianna Florean
2006 by Dark Horse, Legacy ran for
50 issues and became one of the
Star Wars Adventures #6
company’s bestselling and most Writer Delilah S. Dawson
critically adored Star Wars series. This Artist Derek Charm
second collection by Marvel Comics is Cover artist Derek Charm
on sale from January 30, 2018.
STAR WARS INSIDER / 21
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I
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A
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H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
: T
s
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36


page Movie
special





































24 Moving Swiftly On... S t a r W a r s : T H E L A S T J E Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI

Rian Johnson and the fi lm’s D
key cast share how things I
have changed since we last
saw them.

30 Stories from the Set

The cast reflect on their
personal experiences of
making the movie.
34 Name That Theme

Conversations with the actors
exploring the themes and
meaning of The Last Jedi .
42 Rian Johnson
The Last Jedi cast discuss the
director, while he refl ects on
his very fi rst Star Wars movie.
52 Behind-the-Scenes
Photos from the making of
the new movie.
57 Concept Art
A selection of the stunning
art used to help inspire the
visual tone of the movie.
62 Do You Remember...?
The cast discuss their fi rst
Star Wars memories!




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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL








MOVING seen him before, and that’s
a big change in this movie.”
Mark Hamill, the actor who
SWIFTLY ON… has played Luke since he was a
young idealist more than 40 years
ago, agrees that this is far from
business as usual.
Nothing stands still in the Star Wars universe, and “To say that Luke is disillusioned
the characters of The Last Jedi are no exception. is an understatement,” says Hamill.
“He’s literally turned off his link to
Here, writer/director Rian Johnson and the fi lm’s the Force, and renounced the idea
key cast consider how things have changed of the Jedi Order. It was unexpected
since we last saw them, and what the future has for me as an actor, and it will be a
in store for a couple of newcomers, too… big change for the audience, too. My
character has always represented hope
W ORDS: SIMON HUGO and optimism—and now, here I am
pessimistic and demoralized. When
Rey offers him the lightsaber, he just
stares at her, interminably.”
For Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey,
I
D facing such a reluctant Jedi has been
E
T J he Last Jedi “Before I could do anything else, the driving force for her character’s

S picks up where The I had to figure out what Luke’s deal changes.
A T Force Awakens left is,” he says. “Why is he on Ahch-To? “This time, the emphasis is
E L off—literally. With I know he’s not a coward and I know very much on Rey pushing Luke,”
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI mere moments he’s not hiding, so there must be some she says. “And that opens up her
: T having passed other reason why he’s taken himself ongoing journey. After hearing all
s between the end of the last movie out of the fi ght. these stories about Luke, and then
r and the start of this new one, you “I worked and worked until fi nally I finding out that the truth is not so

a
r W might think there was little room got to a place where I could put myself rosy, she learns about her strengths
a for character development, but in in his shoes. That’s kind of cryptic, but and weaknesses. She doesn’t see
t a fast-paced galaxy with the First it allowed me to understand Luke in herself as this powerful being, but
S
Order on the rise, our heroes can this movie.” when she sees that even the great
either keep moving—or die! With Luke’s motivation cracked, Luke Skywalker can make bad
So what is different by the time Johnson found himself in a position choices, she starts to come around
we rejoin the action, and what other to ask where the Jedi would go next— to her own potential.
changes can we expect to see as The and how his story would relate to Rey, “She’s really learning about the
Last Jedi progresses? For writer and the Force-sensitive young woman who human psyche in general, because
director Rian Johnson, these were would bring him out of exile. growing up on Jakku she never really
exactly the questions he had to ask “Rey has a desire for connection had relationships with anyone. And
himself as he sat down to script the to her past and wants answers about as she learns, she is trying to move
new movie. who she is,” says Johnson. “That’s forward and do the right thing, which
“After The Force Awakens, I wrote really what she’s on a quest to fi nd out. is all she has ever done, really.”
down the names of every character, Not just who her parents are or where
and I asked myself what I knew about she comes from, but what is her place Dark Side Development
them,” Johnson recalls. “I asked: What in the galaxy? When she shows up on With Luke and Rey locked down to his
do they want? Where are they going? that island, there’s a part of her, and a satisfaction, Johnson allowed himself a
And what would be the hardest thing big part of us, that thinks she will get reward when choosing which character
for each of them to come up against those answers from Luke. to develop next.
in this next chapter?” “She has an expectation of Luke “Kylo Ren was the character that I
The first part of that puzzle was based on the mythology that has was the most excited about writing,” he

Luke Skywalker—an absent fi gure built up around him. Because of the says, “and it’s almost like Rey and Kylo
for all but the last few seconds of urgency of the situation, she doesn’t are two halves of the same protagonist,
The Force Awakens, and therefore have the luxury of getting to know and so I was always going to tackle him.
the hardest character for Johnson understand who he really is. But he is “My favorite kind of bad guys are
to get a handle on. in a very different place than we’ve ever the ones that you identify with, and



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01 Luke Skywalker S t a r W a r s : T H E L A S T J E D I Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
is a changed
man, having
renouced the
Jedi Order.








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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL




in a way, you identify with Kylo as “My favorite kind of bad guys are
much as you do with Rey. They are
both growing and developing, and the ones that you identify with...”
they affect each other and play off
each other along the way.” Rian Johnson, Writer/Director
The big change for Kylo Ren this
time round is, of course, that he is
dealing with the fact he has killed movie,” Johnson explains, “but he is with responsibility. Poe Dameron,
his own father, and that’s something still there to be the out-and-out bad as Leia’s right-hand man, also fi nds
the film doesn’t fl inch from. guy. Kylo Ren is a more complicated himself boxed in by problems that

“It is obviously something that character, but Snoke is the monster you sheer heroics can’t solve.
has really affected him,” says Adam need to drive the villainy. So whereas “Leia’s gone from shooting guns,
Driver, the man behind Ren’s mask. in The Force Awakens, you just get little swinging across chasms, and killing
“You can’t deny that it happened, so glimpses of Snoke through a hologram, Jabba the Hutt to being serious and
you have to explore the psychology in The Last Jedi we actually meet him, worrying a lot,” Fisher said before
behind it. In a way, that makes the and get more face time with him. That’s her untimely death in 2016. Oscar

new film more grounded in reality. the perfect way to develop him without Isaac, who plays ace pilot Poe,
“Ren is a changed man since we changing him, if you follow me. speaks on the stresses that are shaking
last saw him, but he is young, so it’s “It was actually my fi rst time the upper echelons of the Resistance.
to be expected that he’s changing working with Andy Serkis [who “In The Force Awakens, Poe is a
all the time. He’s becoming more plays Snoke], and I was blown away man on a mission, a man of action,”
and more certain in his ideas, and by just how extraordinary he is. It was he says. “This time there’s a lot more
he’s experiencing something like a obvious we had to have more of him. conflict, and every move he makes

I
D religious fervor. For the longest time, we just left Andy matters all that much more. With
E
T J “Kylo Ren is actually the fi rst in the cut [rather than the CG version the Resistance on the run, if something
S person I’ve played who is younger of his motion-captured character], goes wrong, it could be catastrophic.
A than me, and that was something because seeing him perform was just “His old heroics aren’t necessarily
E L Kathy Kennedy was sure to remind so mesmerizing.” what they need in this moment, so
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI me of when we were shooting the he has to learn how to not just be
: T first time around.” Hard Times for Heroes a soldier, but to be a leader as well.”

s Moving Kylo Ren into new Once the light and the dark started One character who is blissfully
r territory left Johnson considering his to mingle in Johnson’s mind, the unaware of the Resistance’s plight
a
r W dark side master. As Rey grows with other characters soon began to fi nd at the start of The Last Jedi is Poe’s

a Luke, and Ren grows with Rey, where their definition—and their direction. friend Finn, last seen in a comatose
t does that leave Supreme Leader Snoke? Leia, in the words of the late Carrie condition following a run-in with
S
“We do move Snoke along in this Fisher, is “exhausted” and burdened Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base.
02 Rian Johnson
shares a
lighthearted
moment with
John Boyega
and Oscar Isaac
during filming.
03 Finn and BB-8
cross paths
again in The
Last Jedi.
(Right)
04 The Last Jedi
welcomes a new
face to the fight,
Rose Tico.
(Right)
05 Wise to the
game, the
mysterious
character,
DJ, is known as
an underworld
fixer. (Right)

02



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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL




Fans won’t be surprised that he 03
returns to the fray, but Johnson
did his best to make sure that he
remained otherwise unpredictable.
“The thing with Finn in The
Force Awakens is that he never
actually joins the Resistance,”
the writer/director notes. “His big
action is leaving the First Order;
after that, he’s just trying to help
a friend. He’s never done anything
for ideological reasons, but this
time around, he’s going to be

pushed into figuring out what he
believes in and what he’s fi ghting for.”
Finn actor John Boyega goes
even further when describing how
his character is changed, following
his rapid recuperation. “Finn is
really not the same person,” he says. 04
“He’s more aware of the part he has
to play, and gets more opportunities
to use the knowledge he gained in the
First Order as a stormtrooper. Although S t
he’s matured a lot, he’s still confused a
about where he belongs.” r W a

New Angels, New Demons r s
Naturally, the changes in The Last Jedi : T
aren’t limited to established characters, H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
and also include the introduction of E L
new ones. Two in particular help Finn A

find his path: the Resistance technician S
Rose Tico, and the underworld fi xer T J
known as DJ. E D
“Finn and Rose make a really good I
team,” says Johnson. “His relationship
with her is different from his bond with
Rey, but it’s similar, in that it’s a couple
of people being thrown together by fate
without really having any say in it.” 05
Newcomer Kelly Marie Tran who
plays Rose describes her meeting Finn
as “like meeting a childhood hero.”
She continues: “Rose has always been
at the bottom of the Resistance food
chain, mending pipes and doing
maintenance. For her, Finn represents
why she’s there. It’s a big deal for her,
and when they end up on a series of
crazy adventures together, it’s really
interesting to see how their relationship
actually evolves.”
Johnson expands on this idea,
saying: “Rose is a true believer in the
Resistance, so she is very different
from Finn. She is idealistic, but also
very practical, and she becomes the
angel on Finn’s shoulder.”



STAR WARS INSIDER / 27




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06 Rey is on
a quest to
uncover
her past.





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07 BB-8 is hardwired to
assist the fight for good.
08 General Organa’s focus
is fixed firmly on the
Resistance.
09 Captain Phasma is
armed and ready to go.
07























08 S t a r W a r s : T H E L A S Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
09 T J E


Of course, an angel on one there are no certainties anymore. best captured by an actor whose D I
shoulder needs a counterpart on the When Rey stood before Luke at character comes back with a vengeance
other, and that’s where DJ comes in. the end of The Force Awakens, we in The Last Jedi, with a new suit of
Superstar Benicio Del Toro is the devil were sure we knew what would armor but the same dedication to the
in this equation, arguing that there is happened next. The fact that we First Order.
no such thing as a real good guy, and were wrong is disconcerting, but “I think The Force Awakens was
that if you need a motto to live by, it also feels exciting—up there with the homecoming we all needed after
you can do worse than ‘Don’t Join.’ the buzz from the reveal of Luke’s such a long time,” says Gwendoline
“DJ is a cynic and a mercenary,” parentage in The Empire Strikes Back. Christie, who plays Captain Phasma.
says Del Toro. “He believes that good For Daisy Ridley, it’s “defi nitely “We all wanted to bathe in that story
guys and bad guys are basically the more intense,” but there are also again and rejoice in it. Now it’s time
same, so why take sides when you “little breaks for air.” She continues: to move on, and to reveal more about

can profit from both? He tries to “Everyone seems to be saying it’s our human nature.
show Finn that even the good guys darker, but I think we have a good “The Last Jedi feels richer
are dirty at times and perhaps corrupt balance. There are so many stories and like more of a refl ection of
as well. Is he good or bad? We don’t happening simultaneously, which the world around us. But, it isn’t
know. He’s just an opportunist who is something we didn’t have before. at all heavy-handed: it’s beautiful
can get you out of a jam—or into one.” So there’s always something light and incredibly magical. We’re now
With characters such as DJ casting to even things out. There are some invested in these characters and we
shades of gray into the battle between genuinely funny moments, some of can watch them grow as their lives
good and evil, and Johnson explicitly which I didn’t expect, and it was a change and expand. And as they
drawing parallels between Rey lot of fun when we got to play them.” continue to develop, we can all
and Kylo Ren, perhaps the biggest That sense of moving things on learn lessons from the lives they
change this time around is that while still being Star Wars is perhaps lead and the choices they make.”



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STORIES



FROM THE SET




The cast of The Last Jedi explain what it’s like to go
to work on other worlds, surrounded by starships,
explosions, and iconic characters.



FIRST IMPRESSIONS inside a stormtrooper’s helmet,
where you can barely hear and
Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) sometimes can’t see. I can’t feel

My first day on set, I walked on and anything because of the armor.
C-3PO was there. I just walked up to But I love having the costume on,
Anthony Daniels and asked for a hug, and I love being on the sets. I love
and he hugged me. It was actually the being around these phenomenal
best experience ever. It was so insane people who have been burned into
to have this mix of the new characters my mind since I was born.
and the older characters and me being
a new character with all of them. I still Laura Dern (Vice Admiral S t
can’t separate reality from fantasy in Holdo) a
my mind because I can’t believe it’s In a way, staying detached is the r W
really happening, and that I got to hardest part. I’m staring at iconic, a r
work with all these people. archetypal characters and creatures s
and images from my own childhood. : T
Adam Driver (Kylo Ren) On my first or second day, Rian says, H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI

You can try to be professional and “Laura, go over to C-3PO.” I’m sorry, E L
forget that you’re making a Star Wars did you say C-3PO? It was like a Disney A
movie, but there are times when it just ride. I couldn’t believe it was me in a S
seeps in. You see a TIE fighter, and it’s scene with C-3PO. T J

hard to ignore that it’s a TIE fi ghter! The E D
biggest moment for me was realizing I Mark Hamill (Luke I
was in a film with Mark Hamill. It was Skywalker)

just surreal to see him. Growing up with Being back on board the Millennium
those movies, I’ve attached so much Falcon was bittersweet. Everywhere I
meaning to them that to suddenly be in looked, memories came fl ooding back.
a film with him was very surreal. He was It’s like going to your old high school

cool about it, though! or the house you lived in in sixth grade.
The detail is absolutely perfect, so it’s
John Boyega (Finn) just as I remember it. I climbed up and
When I’m on set I’m totally immersed. down the ladder, got in the hold where
They outdid themselves with the sets we stowed away, and sat in the cockpit
they built. It made me feel like I was on with my grown-up children and wife.
another planet, which is good. It’s like Later I slipped away and got really
being a 12-year-old kid at Disneyland, choked up. It was a moment, and then
but Disneyland turned up to level ten! it was gone.
Obviously, there’s a job to do, but I try
to do fan stuff and be an actor in the Domhnall Gleeson
film. I think I’m doing well so far with (General Hux)

the balance! A lot of the people making this fi lm,
especially behind the scenes, are in
Gwendoline Christie this industry because of Star Wars. They
(Captain Phasma) went to see the original films, and that


It’s surreal being on a Star Wars set had a huge influence on them. Now
anyway, but it’s even more surreal they want to make something special of


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their own inside this universe. You can still make it real for ourselves and huge fires around me. Rian shouted
see it everywhere: in the costumes and have it make sense and be personal. “Action,” I walked forward, and it
the set design. There’s so much care. It’s Rian [Johnson, writer/director] did a created the most beautiful effect in
a different level of filmmaking and a good job, I think, in erasing everything the smoke. But there was a moment

great thing to be a part of. he knew about the original Star Wars when I was in position and readying
and The Force Awakens and starting myself, when I thought, “What am
SET fresh, and that starts with the costumes I doing? Everyone else is sensibly at
and the sets. the other end of the room, and I’m
CRAFTSMANSHIP surrounded by fire!” But then I thought:

Oscar Isaac (Poe just go for it. Phasma wouldn’t be
Kelly Marie Tran Dameron) scared, and you are Phasma. You are
I would go to the set a lot, even if I Being on set and interacting with not scared. That’s very liberating: to
wasn’t working. I would just walk droids and aliens, the actual ships, and throw all of yourself out of the way and
into different departments and look hundreds of extras… All that infuses become someone else. As an actor it’s
at different stages to see what they you with the energy of the scene. quite something to be willing to walk

were doing that day. It was so much through fire and to feel safe.
fun to see the art department and the Daisy Ridley (Rey)
creature department, and production The sets were absolutely amazing. Carrie Fisher (General Leia)
design and costumes. As an audience Stunning. You forget that you’re We had some explosions. I’m a vet with
member, I had never realized how standing on a set, which does make the explosion stuff. Whenever they
much detail and how much time goes it easier. say, “Get ready, we’re going to have the
into everything. It was mind-blowing explosions,” it’s never as loud as they
to think about it, and to realize that I Kelly Marie Tran say it will be. I find that disappointing.

I
D was working with the best of the best The Canto Bight set was incredible. I like the explosions!
E
T J across all departments. There were hundreds of creatures
S and extras. It was the biggest, most GETTING PHYSICAL
A Benicio Del Toro (DJ) extravagant set. I walked in and I
E L It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship couldn’t concentrate because there Adam Driver
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI and detail of the sets. If I go to open were things to look at everywhere! Simon Waterson was our physical
: T a drawer or press a button, you can Then there were the scenes where trainer. The good thing about Star
s guarantee it’s a real thing and it really we were running around, and there Wars is they make it really easy for you
r works. They’re probably the best set were flames, and stormtroopers, and by hiring the best in the business! The

a
r W designers working anywhere in the explosions, and it felt like you were training went beyond getting muscular:
a world. They really know the story and really in a war zone. It was such a cool it was about how my character uses
t allow for unexpected things to happen experience and such a cool thing to be his body. If Kylo Ren has been fi ghting
S
a part of. emotionally and physically all his life,
Adam Driver that has to be reflected in the way he

Star Wars is so much a part of our EXPLOSIVE ACTION carries himself. You should be able to
vocabulary now that there are some get a sense of his temperament from
things that people take for granted. Gwendoline Christie the way he moves, how he fi ghts, from
Everyone understands that people There was a moment when I had his physicality when nothing is being
are wearing masks, but we have to the armor on and they set off these said with words.
01
01 Poe Dameron,
Kaydel Connix,
and the team
keep a close
eye on events
as they unfold.
02 Rey takes aim
on First Order
TIE fighters.
(Right)
03 Kylo Ren deep
in thought.
(Right)















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02


Daisy Ridley Gwendoline Christie together to get around the obstacle.
I do struggle with the training, because This is the hardest physical thing That’s something I really enjoy on a Star
physically I have never had to push I’ve done, because of the amazing Wars set. When the people are solid, the
that hard. It’s a psychological thing suit. It looks great, and it’s so shiny running is smooth.
of knowing you can do it more and that other members of the cast and
more. In The Force Awakens, I was crew come and fix their hair in it. But, Laura Dern

allergic to the fake snow, so I wasn’t it’s heavy and it can be very restrictive It’s the Special Forces of the fi lm
able to do as much as I wanted to. This to move in. Normally, you’d do a move industry. You can’t navigate over
time, because I trained hard, I feel like and repeat it all day. In this, you do the 100 sets and not be Special Forces.
I pushed through. But the stunt team move and think: Gosh, is it lunchtime You never see a big crew. I thought
is absolutely amazing for the stuff I yet? It’s a big challenge, but you stick I’d see 125 crewmembers, but it’s so

can’t do. They’re the first people I made with it because it’s a really exciting, fun seamless that I never see more than
relationships with here. They’re my club, and there’s a feeling of joy about 15 people at a time. As an actor, that
boys and girls! being part of the process. I don’t think means you can really believe you are
I’ve been asked to be a part of a club the only people in this isolated space.
Kelly Marie Tran before. This is my fi rst club.
The stunt team is amazing, one of
03
the best in the entire world. You CAST AND CREW
watched them fight, and it looks real.

So, the whole time I was trying to be Benicio Del Toro
as accurate as they were. They showed Coming into The Last Jedi, on the
us how to do different types of fi ghting heels of The Force Awakens, feels like
and jumping around—even how to working on a winning team. There’s
take a bullet and wield different types of a crew here that has worked on the
weapons. It was hard, but it was really previous movie and is really in sync.
cool. The hardest part for me was doing There’s no wasted time and tempers
any sort of jumping or falling while also don’t flare. Usually on big movies

trying to stay in character! there are so many elements that
have to click. On this one, there’s
Oscar Isaac the feeling that they allow creativity
There’s a stunt scene where Carrie to grow in front of the camera.
Fisher slaps me, and it was one of

the first things we shot. I think we John Boyega
did about 23 takes of that slap! And Unity is so important on a set like
when we had shot it from my side, this. It’s so massive, and there are so
we had to do it again from hers. She many ideas and so many challenges,
just kept slapping me! It was surreal that you need to have a cast and crew
to be in a starship getting slapped by who believe in the same vision. Making
Princess Leia, but it was OK, because a great movie and having a great time
I knew it was an important scene, and doing it is the fundamental goal, so, if
a chance to see some of her fi re. something goes wrong, everyone comes



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NAME




THAT




THEME…





Star Wars is a saga of ideas as much
as action, and The Last Jedi explores
an array of themes as part of the
adventure. Conversations with cast
members and writer/director Rian
Johnson help identify some of the
key concepts…


W ORDS: SIMON HUGO
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01 How deep does
the dark side of
the Force run
within Ren?
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hat is The Last Jedi all about?
Ask the cast and crew about
W specific plot points, and they

will rightly stay tight-lipped.
They know that spoilers live up
to their name, and aren’t about
to ruin years of work with an off-the-cuff reveal.
But ask them about the movie’s themes and
an interesting thing occurs. Freed from narrow
speculation about who fights who, and whether

so-and-so is a bad guy, they find they can really

talk about what The Last Jedi means to them—
and what they hope it will mean to us.
So, here’s an honest spoiler warning: what
follows really doesn’t contain any spoilers, sorry.
But it is also what The Last Jedi is all about, in the
words of the people who made it. S

Shades of Gray t a
To date, the Star Wars saga movies have taken place r W
in a galaxy of good and evil. With few exceptions, a r
characters align themselves with the light or the s
dark—capable of changing sides, but rarely walking : T
the line between the two. But if there is one theme H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
fans are already expecting to see in The Last Jedi, it’s E L
the gray areas that exist for characters on both sides. A
“People are never just one thing,” says Adam S
Driver, aka Kylo Ren. “There’s a lot of gray in the T J
world, especially within ourselves, and [writer/ E D
director] Rian Johnson understands that. I
“At the center of this epic drama are two
people—Rey and Kylo Ren—who are on opposite
sides but who are only divided by a very thin line.
There’s dark and light in both of them, and in a way
they’re on this journey together, even though they
both feel alone.
“Kylo Ren hasn’t come to terms with the fact
that there is light and dark within him,” concludes
Driver. “It’s still an internal battle, and that’s an

interesting thing that I find fun to play.”
Benicio Del Toro, who plays new character
DJ, agrees with his co-star about playing morally
complex characters—and about Johnson’s
understanding of them.
“It’s fun to walk the line between good and
bad,” he says. “Rian and I talked about similar
characters in other movies, and one that came
up was Eli Wallach in [classic 1996 Western] The
Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. His character, Tuco, is
cunning, but maybe there’s a good side to him—or
maybe not! DJ is like that in that he has to be both
repulsive and attractive, and that’s something the

film takes time to explore.”


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A Family Affair 02
Speculation about which recurring
characters might show a different side
in The Last Jedi has seen a lot of fan
attention focus on Luke—something
actor Mark Hamill has been happy to
play along with on social media. In
teasing Twitter posts, he has sent up
fan theories that Luke has turned to
the dark side, and that Luke and Rey
could be related. Though the two
possibilities might seem unrelated at

first, both speak to ideas of affi liation,
and tie into another key theme of the
Star Wars saga at large: family and how
it affects us.
As Hamill himself puts it: “So
much about the previous stories has
to do with lineage. Who’s your father?
Who’s your sister? Wanting to know Swap with Luke picture,
what the relationships are has become as article leads with luke
an obsession for people, and that’s and page 33 focuses on
understandable. But this time around,
I Leia and female charac-
D it’s not so simple. It’s broken down
E ters.
T J a bit.”
S Quite what that means remains
A as tantalizingly vague as the actor’s
E L tweets, but his colleagues are at pains
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI to make clear that family remains a
: T defi ning factor.
s “In the original fi lms,” says
r Johnson, “if there’s one thing we can
a
r W all identify with—to some extent at
a least—it’s the battle Luke has with his
t father. As adolescents, we all want to
S
reject our parents and tread our own
path. And so, while Darth Vader was a 03
great villain, he was never the one we

identified with. Luke was the one going
through that transition, and Vader is
the scary father he had to navigate to
get to where he wanted to be.
“But now it’s Kylo Ren who’s
transitioning into adulthood—along
with Rey—and hopefully we can
relate to both of them. The anger of
adolescence is as familiar as the hope
Rey feels when she looks up at the stars
on Jakku. She has issues around her
parents, too, so it’s a common thread
that links them both.”
For Kelly Marie Tran, who plays
Resistance technician Rose Tico,
family is also a major motivation.
“Rose’s sister is a Resistance gunner, and
Rose has always lived in her shadow,”
she says. “But more than that, when
I talked to Rian about the character, it
became clear that she had experiences



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“If there is one

thing we can all
identify with–to some
extent–at least –it’s
the battle Luke has
with his father.”

Rian Johnson, writer/director

that mirrored that of my own family.
“My parents both left the Vietnam
War, and my dad was a street kid. He
had everything taken away from him
and was very poor growing up. That’s
exactly where Rose’s family is from, so
a lot of the things she is dealing with
are things that I already had inside me.
She has such a specifi c relationship
with war and family, and I listened to
a lot of podcasts about the Vietnam
War in order to better understand that.”

Come Together
Yet not all families are linked by blood,
and friendships forged through shared
experience can also become a kind
of kin. That is the kind of family that
Star Wars represents for Gwendoline
Christie, the long-time fan now found
inside the armor of Captain Phasma.
“A New Hope is all about outsiders
making their own family,” she says.
“For me, seeing it all those years ago 04
threw up lots of things about what
family means.”
Someone who was part of that And, as if to impress just how important the theme 02 Luke explores a
different side of his
family from the very beginning was of family is to Star Wars in fi ction and in real life,
personality. (Left)
Carrie Fisher, and in one of the last Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, even had a role in The
interviews she gave before she passed Force Awakens—a part she is reprising for the new fi lm. 03 Family ties keep
Rose‘s focus firmly
away in 2016, she talked about how “Her part [as Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix] got
on the Resistance.
the theme of commonality has spread bigger and bigger as we went along, so Rian must have (Left)
out into fandom, too. liked her performance,” Fisher reported, proudly. “We
04 The powerful
“For me, it’s about family,” she had a lot of the same scenes together, so I was always General Organa.
said. “That’s what makes Star Wars so telling her what to do! She was really good and fi t in
powerful. When I go to Comic-Con, really well. She had a fantastic time and it was great to
I meet lots of people and it’s very see that.”
powerful for them, too. They show
the films to their children and their Independent Wo men

grandchildren, and share something Leia, Phasma, Connix, and Rose all have very different
that moved them as a child. parts to play in The Last Jedi, yet their disparity is
“I’ve seen a lot of that over the indicative of another major theme in the movie. The
years—like people whose babies are diversity of female role models is a through-line that
in Princess Leia outfits! It creates a can’t be missed—though it is presented without fanfare

community, and anything that does or fuss. The galaxy is full of fascinating characters: it’s
that heals people. If you have one thing just a fact that many of them will be women.

in common, then you can fi nd others.” “One of the first things [Lucasfi lm president]


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Kathy Kennedy told me when she “In The Last Jedi, 05
asked if I’d be interested in doing Star
Wars was that the lead character is a there are a lot of really
girl named Rey,” says Johnson. “I was interesting characters:
instantly into that, because it just felt
right. strong and powerful;
“In The Last Jedi, there are a lot weak and confl icted.”
of really interesting female characters:
strong and powerful; weak and Rian Johnson, writer/director

conflicted; good and bad. Obviously
Leia came first as a figure that girls


and women could look up to. Now, became iconic. A young woman saving the day
in addition to Leia and Rey, we have wasn’t something we had seen before. And because
Rose, Phasma, and Vice Admiral Holdo, my character is a pupil of Leia’s, I get to continue her

too. There are a lot of kick-ass women legacy as a seer, as a fighter, and as someone who is
in this movie, which is great.” sassy, funny, and no-nonsense. New characters like
Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo is a mine are a tribute to that, and to all of the girls who
new character played by Jurassic Park have fallen in love with Star Wars over the years.”
and Twin Peaks star, Laura Dern. She
spoke to Johnson at length about how New Power Generation
her character should be portrayed in As one of those women who have always loved Star
the movie. Wars, Christie is inclined to agree with Dern.
“It was important for Rian that she “The whole new Star Wars world that came to 06
I
D had room to be feminine; ethereal and us in The Force Awakens felt genuinely exciting,”
E
T J other-worldly; even spiritual,” says she says. “I was so happy that it felt more refl ective
S Dern. “She’s a woman in a position of of our modern world. Having the opportunity to

A power, but she doesn’t dress like a man play the first major female Star Wars villain was
E L and set out to save the day in military incredible. But more than that, I loved the fact that it

H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI garb. She is flirtatious and sensual, wasn’t sexualized. The focus was on Phasma’s deeds,
: T which is an interesting choice and rather than how she looked.
s something you don’t often see in fi lm, “There’s been a lot of talk about whether or not
r so I was excited to be a part of that. we’ll get to see who Phasma is, but I thought it was
a
r W “It’s been an incredibly good time really interesting to have her remain incredibly
a because Rian, Kathy, and [The Last mysterious, yet still have a lot of impact. We get a
t Jedi producer] Ram Bergman care sense of her only through her actions.
S
deeply about how the characters “I work with a charity called The Circle, which
are represented, and how women in is all about women empowering women. That’s
07
positions of power are represented. To something wonderful that comes out of a job like
have a female protagonist is a really this: characters like Phasma and Rose can really
beautiful thing, and new characters affect change, and give back to an audience. The
like mine are a tribute to that. They opportunity to enhance people’s lives outside of
serve something greater than just entertainment is beautifuI and should be embraced.”
storytelling; they serve to create new Tran herself sees an extra dimension to that
archetypes.” empowerment. “It’s so exciting to see women as
Dern continues: “I think about my badass characters—and to see women of color as
10-year-old daughter, and the idea badass characters,” she says. “It feels like a lot of 05 Having arrived on
Ahch-To a new
that she’s going to have heroines in responsibility to be this person that people will look
sequence of events
this story who all look very different up to, and I just want to do it right.” will take Rey deeper
and have very different qualities and It seems unlikely Tran need have any worries on on her journey to
self discovery.
natures—but who are all fi erce—is really that score, but if she needed any guidance about
(Right)
exciting to me. being a role model, she could do worse that talk to
“Of course, Carrie started that, and Daisy Ridley, aka Rey. 06 The First Order
poised to crush the
“You know, I never questioned being a heroic Resistance. (Right)

woman in a film,” Ridley says. “I like that, and it’s
07 General Organa’s
thanks to my upbringing. My mum always worked,
long-standing
and so did the other women I grew up around. Some friend, Vice Admiral
of them have families and some don’t, but they are Holdo. (Right)
all inspirational people just living their lives.
08 The ever-confilicted
“Rey is a great role, but not just because she’s a Kylo Ren. (Right)
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woman. That’s how simple it was to
me. But for a lot of other people it was
a big deal, and it made me think about
the way things are a lot more than I
ever had before. It’s exciting to be a part
of that, and I’m like: Let’s continue!
This is how it should be.”

Power and Control
Of course, power isn’t solely the
purview of women in the Star Wars
universe, and its application is another
strand that binds characters on both
sides in The Last Jedi.
For the First Order, power is the
path to control—but not necessarily
to restraint. As General Armitage
Hux, Domhnall Gleeson serves as an
analogue for its offi cer class.
“From Hux’s perspective, it’s all
about order,” he says. “It’s called the
First Order for a reason! Individuality
scares him, and the First Order is
all about crushing that and keeping
everything in its ‘right’ place.
“Control is huge for him: control
over his circumstances; control over
people. And the fact that he has no
control over Snoke or Kylo Ren puts
him under extra pressure. Hux likes
discipline, but there’s a wildness to Ren
that inspires Hux’s fear and hatred. But
it also inspires a strange sort of respect,
because it’s another kind of power, and
that’s what Hux really cares about.”



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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL














09 Supreme
Leader Snoke
reveals more
of himself in
The Last Jedi.
10 The brutal
General Hux
and his
insatiable
thirst for
power.
09


Captain Phasma, too, is juggling
order and chaos on behalf of the First
Order—something that Christie was
keen to explore.
I
D “I talked to Rian a lot about what
E
T J sort of person would be driven to
S behave in the way she does,” says the
A actor. “To have such focus and seeming
E L lack of emotion, yet to have such
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI vengeance when it comes to Finn. Hate
: T is a strong emotion—it’s not like dislike
s or irritation—and cold hate is what she
r feels toward Finn.
a
r W “We thought perhaps it was born
a of fear: Finn scares Phasma because he
t moves her out of her comfort zone. He
S

has broken free of his confines and is
10
becoming the person he wants to be. He
is a romantic figure—a rebel—and that


sort of freedom terrifies Phasma. She and death, and the decisions made lines of what’s right and wrong, and
likes things to be precise and specifi c, affect so many. the same goes for too much power—
so his romanticism and his creativity go “It’s also exploring things that even in the hands of the good guys.
against everything she believes is right. haven’t been seen before about what “For me, that’s one of the most
From there, we found the foundation it means to resist and what it means interesting themes, and it says
on which to build up the character.” to win. There are some very truthful something about the nature of
messages about power and the nature rebellion and resistance as well.”
Life During Wartime of power, and how easily those seeking And that brings us full circle—back
For the Resistance, power is exercised it can go one way or the other. to the shades of gray described by
more softly, even in the heat of war. “Vice Admiral Holdo is an Driver and Del Toro. With a movie as
Vice Admiral Holdo is an example interesting character that speaks to the multilayered and meticulously crafted
of this, which could well put her at nature of leadership. She isn’t saying, as The Last Jedi, every theme overlaps
odds with ace pilot Poe Dameron. ‘Look at me, I’m the hero.’ She does with the others, and the few we’ve
And, as actor Oscar Isaac explains, the things more quietly. As for Poe, he covered here are only the beginning.
strengths that Poe has relied on in the can’t just stand on his own anymore as We promised no spoilers, and
past might not to be enough in these the man who gets things done.” when it comes to whether or not it’s
desperate times. Isaac continues: “When someone truly time for the Jedi to end, we have
“One of the themes we get to wants to prove themselves at the nothing more to add. But as a taster of
explore is what it is to be a hero and expense of others, it can be what the saga still has to offer in terms
what it is to be a leader,” he says. detrimental, no matter how noble the of topics and ideas, it seems as if we’re
“They’re in the midst of a war; it’s life aims. Too much ambition can blur the just getting started…



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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL































RATING


I
D
E
T J RIAN
S
A
E L When the cast of The Last Jedi
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI talk about its writer/director,
: T
s Rian Johnson, they paint a picture of
r a modest man with big ideas and an
a
r W inspirational attitude, who is ready to
a take Star Wars in bold new directions.
t
S
W ORDS: SIMON HUGO


































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01 Rian Johnson
takes in the
views on the
set of Ahch-To. S t a r W a r s : T H E L A S Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
















































































STAR WARS INSIDER / 43 T J E D I




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“Some of the stuff that happens
will surprise people, and I think
that’s really great.”
Daisy Ridley
























02

ian Johnson is not I think it comes from the fact that he After Abrams
only the writer and trusts the people that he works with. Of course, no two directors are the
I
D R director of The You really get the sense that he is same, and one of the challenges of
E
T J Last Jedi, he has giving you a lot of creative control.” a saga like Star Wars is being consistent
S also recently been Speaking in 2016, Carrie Fisher with what has gone before, while also
A revealed as the (General Organa) also highlighted making it your own. For Johnson, that
E L driving force behind a whole new Johnson’s blend of personability meant following in the immediate

H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI trilogy of Star Wars films that will and passion. “Rian has a very specifi c footsteps of a certain J.J. Abrams.
: T be separate from the Skywalker saga. vision,” she said, “but he doesn’t seem “To pick up where J.J. Abrams left
s Clearly, he is doing something right, like that when you meet him! He’s off and take it further seems like an
r but what is it that makes him the not a dominating man, but he has a insurmountable task,” says Driver,
a
r W man to take Star Wars to the next dominating vision. He’s a really good “but Rian has done it with ease. He is a
a level? Ask the cast, and they are more director and he’s great with actors and great visual storyteller and he is really
t than happy to count the ways. structuring story.” good at giving direction that is very
S
“‘Amazing’ doesn’t do Rian Benicio Del Toro (DJ) agrees with playable.”
justice,” enthuses Adam Driver that assessment, too. “Rian is laid Daisy Ridley (Rey) sees just the right
(Kylo Ren). “He comes across as back, but that doesn’t mean he’s not mix of differences and similarities
very unassuming, but he isn’t prepared,” says the Oscar-winning between Johnson and his predecessor.
interested in making something that actor. “He knows his story backwards “Rian and J.J. are similar,” she says, “in
doesn’t have blood coursing through and forwards, which makes him very that they are both fanboys and they
its veins. easy to work with. both know the universe so well, and
“He is appropriately territorial “His attention to detail, his ear for they are both writers and directors.
when he thinks something works,” dialogue, and his general coolness all But they are very different in the kind
he continues, “but he is open to the trickle down through the crew and of energy they bring. Rian’s vibe is
possibility of being wrong. make it a very pleasant experience for very chilled. He knows exactly what
“That’s a great combination, and the actors.” he wants and he can just picture the





SHE SAID, Oscar Isaac on Daisy Ridley on Mark Hamill
and Adam Driver
Carrie Fisher
HE SAID… “She was incredibly funny “Mark and Adam are very different men. Mark’s a
and witty, and told the most talker and Adam isn’t. Mark has lived a crazy life, a
It’s not just Rian Johnson! amazing stories. The scenes I lot of which has been infl uenced by Star Wars. He’s
The stars of The Last Jedi are had with her are very heartfelt, older, and he’s a father, so his energy is steadier.
eager to sing the praises of and there’s tenderness to them— Adam is incredible. He has this amazing depth of
their other colleagues, too… even when she slaps me!” emotion. I don’t know anyone else like him.”




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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL




02 Rian Johnson directs a shot you can really see why. Independent Spirit
with Daisy Ridley on Ahch-To.
(See previous page) “I’ve never known a set that’s Another actor who has worked with
so relaxed and light hearted,” she her fair share of directors is Laura Dern
03 Rian and Carrie Fisher explains. “I’ve laughed so much (Vice Admiral Holdo). Perhaps best
explore a scene.
and had such a great time. But, known for her collaborations with
every moment is forensic, and David Lynch, she has also worked with
whole thing in his mind. that’s a rare and beautiful balance. Robert Altman, Clint Eastwood, Paul
“With the crazy success of The “Rian puts you at ease and asks Thomas Anderson, and, of course,
Force Awakens, there was a lot of you what you think about the story Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park.
pressure to keep things feeling good,” and how you feel about the dialogue. “I’ve spent my life having different
she adds. “But it’s been really positive That’s an incredible freedom to give experiences and have always been
and everyone feels like it’s going in the an actor. It makes you feel more very fortunate to work with directors
right direction. invested in the project, and it makes who want to mine the material and
“Rian has written a story that for a better fi lm.” find more in it,” says Dern. “What’s

people won’t expect, and it stands as Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) has amazing about Rian is that you don’t
its own thing as well as being a bridge worked with many creators over the expect to have that process on
to the next one. Some of the stuff that years, and he can only concur. a blockbuster fi lm like Star Wars.
happens will surprise people, and I “If you look at Rian’s movies, each “You get it on independent fi lms
think that’s really great.” one is different than the last,” he and—I have to say—Kathy Kennedy
For John Boyega (Finn), Johnson’s says. “You can’t pigeonhole him and and Steven Spielberg were very diligent

input has been exactly what the say: that’s the kind of film he makes. about everything being very character
saga needed at this point. “Rian has And that’s true of The Last Jedi. It’s so driven on Jurassic Park, too. But when
elevated the stories of the individual different in many ways—subtle ways— I arrived to do this, I didn’t expect that
characters and made them fresh and but it is satisfying in terms of delivering level of exploration, and Rian’s been S t
new,” he says. “He has really paid what the fans want to see as well.” wonderfully committed to it. a
attention to detail, and his notes have r W
been specific and honest. The best a r

directors know how to collaborate, and s
he has done just that.” “He’s not a dominating man, : T
but he has a dominating vision. H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
Laughter on Set E L
Johnson’s rise to prominence began He’s a really good director and A
with Brick, a low-budget crime thriller he’s great with actors and S
he wrote and directed in 2005. He took T J
the same dual credit on con-man caper structuring story.” E D
The Brothers Bloom (2008) and mind- Carrie Fisher I
bending time-travel thriller Looper
(2012) before he landed the Star Wars
gig. Gwendoline Christie (Captain
Phasma) is one of many fans of his
earlier work.
“Rian Johnson’s films are so

beautifully, brilliantly, and intelligently
executed,” she says. “They have such
depth, but a real lightness of touch. His
wonderful personality and his sense of
humor are all over them, and on set 03





Carrie Fisher on Rian Johnson on Adam Driver on Mark Hamill
Mark Hamill Laura Dern “Mark is very approachable, totally available,
“I always think of him as Luke. “Laura is a great actor who and willing to talk about anything you want.
Mark and I have a very sibling-like makes unexpected choices. She He wants it to be good, and he wants to talk
relationship. Our relationships in has a real humanity to her, even about it and make it as connected as possible
the movie are very much like our when she’s being tough. She is and as deep as possible. Harrison Ford and

relationships in life. We take care definitely not your average, hard- Carrie Fisher were like that, too. They had
of each other, in a way.” ass, cigar-chomping admiral!” a youthful ambition to make it the best.”



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“He makes remarkable movies with
an independent vision, and we worked
as we would on any independent
film. I think that’s why Rian is making

something so special. It’s in keeping
with what J.J. Abrams set up—which is
a return to character-based stories that
have a simplicity to them—and I think
that audiences will be thrilled.”
Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) is a
newcomer compared to Hamill and
Dern. He got his big break working
with the Coen Brothers as the star
of 2013’s Inside Llewyn Davis, but
he had plenty of indie experience 04 Director hall of
beforehand. He does see differences fame! Rian updates
J.J Abrams’
when it comes to making Star Wars—
signature on the
albeit ones that are alleviated by Millenium Falcon.
having Johnson at the helm.
“It’s a massive undertaking, and
there are so many people around that
it’s not really like an indie movie at is that it didn’t feel like work at all. that make people want to go that extra
all,” he argues. “But Rian has created “Rian is one of my favorite people mile on his behalf.
I
D a space within that where we can really in the world,” she says. “As a director, “Rian Johnson is one of the nicest
E
T J delve into the characters and explore he is so open and collaborative. And people I’ve ever met,” says Hamill, as
S them. It’s those moments—where even though he wrote it, he isn’t if to assuage any last doubts. “He’d
A there’s no sense of a pressing clock— precious about the words. If an actor be a friend of mine even if we didn’t
E L that have an indie quality. felt that something wasn’t working, work together. Every so often you
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI “On The Force Awakens there was or if someone wanted to talk through meet someone like him, who has such
: T an enthusiasm and a momentum that something, he was totally ready a passion for film and television and

s pushed everything forward. This time, for that. pop culture, and I had this instant
r the characters are getting tested in a “I know that I’m very lucky, connection with him.
a
r W more complicated way, so it’s right that because even though it’s a huge movie, “He came over to my house to get to
a we get to explore things a little more.” it felt more like I was hanging out know me, and we hung out and talked
t Isaac is also a talented guitarist, with friends. There was no pressure about this, that, and the other.
S
which gives him another insight into there, and that’s important for an I invited him into my den where I keep
Johnson’s approach. “Rian reminds actor, because you need to be in a all my DVDs, toys, and memorabilia,
me of a West Coast jazz musician,” he comfortable place if you’re going to be and we watched some [of Phil Silvers’
concludes. “He knows his scale and he honest in the moment. 1950s sitcom] Sergeant Bilko. I don’t
knows what he’s playing, but he’s open “Rian was so good at inspiring that ask just anyone into my den to watch
to trying out new things, too. He’s very trust, and I think everyone on set felt Sergeant Bilko, but Rian has a golden
laid-back, but very sharp.” as comfortable as me.” ticket in my book!
Of all the terms used to describe “He is so gifted a filmmaker. He told

Writer, Director, Friend working with Johnson, ‘friendship’ me, in so many words, to stop acting
Another newcomer is Kelly Marie and ‘trust’ are perhaps the most telling. and just to ‘be’. There’s no one more
Tran (Rose Tico). What she values While his output inspires respect and deserving of trust I can think of than
most about working with Johnson admiration, it is his personal qualities Rian Johnson.”





Kelly Marie Tran on John Boyega Gwendoline Christie Kelly Marie Tran on
“John is so naturally funny, and just very generous on Kelly Marie Tran Benicio Del Toro
and giving. We were always laughing and joking “Kelly is such a talented and “John [Boyega] and I are obsessed
around, but I learned so much from him, too. warm and ebullient human being. with Benicio Del Toro! He’s so
We immediately hit it off because his parents are She inspires such joy in me! She is amazing, and we learned so much
immigrants and so are mine, and we had quite so hilarious and glorious and fun from him. Every time he did
similar upbringings. He was the best partner I that I know she will be a positive anything, we would just turn to each
could have had on a massive movie like this.” role model for girls and women.” other and say, ‘He’s such a legend!’”



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THE SOUVENIR GUID E T O THE MO VIE E VENT O F 2017











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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL







RIAN


JOHNSON’S


GUIDE TO



THE GALAXY



The writer/director at the helm of The Last Jedi
shares some behind-the-scenes insights about the
new worlds and species seen in the movie.

W ORDS: SIMON HUGO


I
D athleen Kennedy What look did you settle on for
E
T J once described Rian Canto Bight?
S K Johnson as “moving For the costumes, I told our designer,
A the camera as well as Michael Kaplan, that I wanted to see
E L Steven Spielberg.” what the Armani tuxedo of the Star
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI It’s high praise Wars world looks like. I didn’t want
: T indeed, and as Johnson was recently the outfits to look very ornate or


s announced as the creator of an sci-fi—I wanted it to feel like these
r all-new Star Wars trilogy, there’ll be guys could show up at the Oscars,
a
r W more to come. But for now, there’s the and you’d buy it. We created a very
a small matter of the middle chapter of rich, warm environment with the set,
t the new trilogy. so I wanted all the costumes to be just
S
black and white, and Michael did an
What new destinations do we extraordinary job.
visit during The Last Jedi? The casino set was the biggest that
One of the new planets we go to is we built, and we just filled it up with

Cantonica, where the city of Canto incredible, practical [as opposed to
Bight is located. It’s kind of the Monte CGI] creatures. A lot of them are just
Carlo of the Star Wars universe, where there in the background, but they
the galaxy’s one percent hang out. create this incredible palette. Neal
We’ve seen luxury before, in the Scanlan and his creature department
prequels, so there is some precedent did an insane amount of amazing
for it design-wise, but it was still a fun creatures. You can keep going back and

challenge figuring out what it should seeing new ones in the background
look like. that you hadn’t noticed before.
The other big new world is Crait,
which is a mineral planet. I had a What’s it like working with so many

really specific visual idea for Crait practical creatures?
from the start: it would be white, Entering Neal’s workshop is like
thanks to a thin layer of salt, and walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate
then under that would be ruby red. Factory, and it was my favorite place to
I liked the whole notion of what a review stuff. His team would sketch out
battle on a planet like that would look designs for these creatures, and then
like. It felt like it would give incredible we would pick ones to proceed with.
possibilities in terms of design. The next step would be a sculpture,





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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL S t a r W













































































01 Rian Johnson a r s : T H E L A S T J E D I Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
offers some
directorial
advice to Joonas
Suotamo
(Chewbacca).





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THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL




and then a working puppet. By that 02
point, you could get six inches away,
look into its eyes, and believe it was a
real, living creature. It was just
absolutely extraordinary.

Did it take long for you to learn
the visual language of Star Wars?
In terms of design, we had a lot
of early conversations about what
makes something feel like Star Wars.
It’s an interesting balance, trying to 03
design new things that also feel like
they could be in a toy box from 1977.
Luckily, designers like Kevin Jenkins
and James Clyne at ILM are able to
hone in on the Star Wars feel of
things instantly.
In terms of shooting, Steve [Yedlin,
cinematographer) and I looked at The
Empire Strikes Back as a reference and

figured out pretty quickly that we
couldn’t just copy the look of previous
I 04
D Star Wars movies—it would be like
E
T J going through your day trying to
S imitate someone else’s accent. I had
A to tell the story in a way that’s visually
E L exciting to me, and after starting
H Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI out trying to be very formal with the
: T composition of each shot, the camera
s moves started getting more and more
r groovy. Eventually we gave in and
a
r W said: “You know what? We just have
a to make this movie look cool the 05
t way we think it would look cool.”
S
How many sets were built for the
movie in total?
We shot for about 100 days and we
had something like 114 sets, which
is insane. The entirety of Pinewood
Studios was just us: every single stage.
It was like a big game of Tetris in terms

of shuffling things around. “You’re
done with this set? OK, so let’s instantly
tear it down and build another while
you’re shooting over there.”
But it was really worth having What real-world locations did you Warwick Davis. It was a night shoot,
all those practical sets [rather than visit during the shoot? so I ended up hanging out with him
relying on greenscreen and CGI]. We did some traveling. We went high in an alleyway at two in the morning,


When you watch the film, it gives up in the salt flats of Bolivia to get listening to stories about Willow and
that sense of everything being elements for the battle on Crait, and Return of the Jedi!
grounded in the real world. A big to the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia for

part of what defines this world is the a chase scene in Canto Bight. I had And you returned to Ireland,

feeling that you could reach out and been to Dubrovnik before, and it’s which is briefly seen as Ahch-To
touch it. Combining the tactile, real one of the most beautiful cities on at the end of The Force Awakens?
sets with all that Ben Morris and his the planet. Yes, the big location was Ireland. A
ILM team can do is what makes Star We went there with a second unit, big chunk of the movie takes place
Wars feel really special. and one of the actors in the scene is on Luke’s island, which is actually



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