Chris here. A full trailer for The Last Jedi is finally here! Now before anyone complains about long waits or lack of plot details, allow me to remind that the limited information for the new Star Wars films has been refreshing compared to other franchises. Which is good, because now officially starts a likely three month period of Star Wars invading conversation and consciousness with relentless vigor. Luckily, it looks like director Rian Johnson has created a thrilling and singular entry into the beloved franchise that even the indifferent can get excited about.
But the thing you will all be lamenting is that we get no glimpse of Laura Dern's mauve-haired Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo. I'll give you a moment to let out that frustration before we dive in to the trailer. Inhale. Vent. Exhale. Very good. Shall we begin?
No need to give this one a Yes No Maybe So treatment, because we've already bought our tickets! Take a look at the trailer (if you haven't devoured it a dozen times already) and I'll give some ecstatic notes after the jump...
Well, first thing's first (with this first image): these shots are stunning and distinct for the entire series. Those red flourishes everywhere, the fire and ice color palate, etc. This was shot on 35MM by Johnson's usual cinematographer Steve Yedlin, who might be heading towards his first Oscar nomination.
Rey in training, already making for some formiddable imagery. Already we're hearing a lot about Rey's raw talent and ability, which reminds a lot of Daisy Ridley's debut in The Force Awakens.
Most of the glimpses we get of Luke in this trailer he seems pretty scared shitless - which is a major shift from the scary/stoic vision we were presented with in the teaser. Does that mean it's not he that is tempted to the Dark Side? And knowing the screen history of Jedi with raw abilities... uh oh...
I don't think we're emotionally prepared to see her last screen performance. I miss her so much. Pleasepleaseplease send her off as she deserves.
"Kylo Ren. In the makeover challenge, you really just scratched the surface of your look. You're safe."
"YAAAAAAS!" I don't care about your dissent, I'm already obsessed with the porgs.
I'm so happy Rian Johnson clearly knows how much we just need to look at Internet Boyfriend's face a whole bunch. And it looks like this time we'll be getting more of him than his space boyfriend Finn, who just so happens...
... to get the fancy outfit upgrade, which feels correct. No word on how quickly he is inevitably awoken from his Force coma, but I'm worried it will be late in the film considering how little we see of him here. He looks to be battling his former fellow Stormtroopers - particularly chrome Captain Phasma.
IT ME!!
These images just nail it. Character iconography, production design that complements costume design, scale and intimacy. Simply breathtaking.
I think our snideness about Snoke can be put to rest now. This shot of the now non-hologram villain made me jump out of my skin. I'll be curious to see what people make of Andy Serkis here, as well, since it seems his contribution was quickly overlooked on The Force Awakens.
Rey tempted to the dark side?! I am choosing to believe that the next shot in the film is Rey screaming "NEVER!" before lightsabering off Kylo's hand for series symmetry. And maybe just to comfort myself against notions that one of our newest and brightest heroes could go bad so quickly.
We'll find out when The Last Jedi arrives on December 15!