There have been a few rumours regarding the death of Luke Skywalker in Episode VIII; many fans believe that Mark Hamill's iconic Jedi will go the way of Obi-Wan Kenobi during the events of the film, as to further drive Rey's hatred towards Kylo Ren and the Dark Side (and imbue the film with further emotional resonance, of course). Thing is, in killing Luke at any point in Episode VIII, the new trilogy of Star Wars films would only seem to cement themselves as pictures in which all the old heroes are bumped off, one by one. What next? Leia gets murdered in Episode IX? Do we really want three new Star Wars films, each one defined by the death of an old favourite? "It's the one where Han dies/Luke dies" is a phrase that shouldn't come to epitomise these new films. That's not to say that there might not be a genuine narrative reason for Luke Skywalker to meet his end, but - as it stands - the filmmakers would be better of looking for alternatives. If you absolutely must put Luke down, then at least wait until Episode IX, Disney. Han being offed in one film, followed by Luke in another, would just feel like the cinematic equivalent of shooting one's self in the other foot - you're wasting great, iconic characters. So Luke lives. Please. Like this article? Agree? Do you think any of these things should happen in Star Wars: Episode VIII? Let us know all your thoughts on the matter in the comments section below.
Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.
