The Last Jedi: A Singleton Story or the Heart of a Trilogy?

When Rian Johnson approached Star Wars: The Last Jedi, he did so with a singular focus: creating a compelling, self-contained narrative that resonated with his personal vision. However, did this singular focus lead to a movie that disconnected from the beloved Star Wars saga, or did it serve as a meaningful middle chapter in the larger storyline?

Rian Johnson's Vision vs. Fan Expectations

Rian Johnson has openly stated that his approach to The Last Jedi was about telling a story that resonated with him and pushing the boundaries of the Star Wars saga. He aimed to explore themes of failure, legacy, and the complexity of heroism, which he felt were crucial for the narrative. In doing so, Johnson prioritized storytelling over fan service, emphasizing the importance of creating a film that could stand on its own and contribute meaningfully to the larger Star Wars mythology.

The Perspective of Casual Fans

When Rian Johnson and his writers sat down to write The Last Jedi, they did so as "casual" Star Wars fans, not hardcore ones. This perspective led to choices that were unconventional, such as Rey's parents and Luke's arc. While these choices were refreshing for casual fans who had not delved deeply into the series, they were met with criticism from hardcore fans who felt that the movie was not respectful to the established canon of almost 40 years.

Disconnection from Established Canon

One of the most significant criticisms of The Last Jedi is its disconnection from established canon. For many hardcore fans, the movie spoiled crucial plot points, such as the origin of Rey's parents, the potential return of Luke Skywalker, and the significance of Snoke. These elements were pivotal to the narrative arc of the sequel trilogy, and their sudden shift threw off the trilogy's established continuity.

The Impact on the Sequel Trilogy

The abrupt changes in The Last Jedi not only upset the hardcore fanbase but also disrupted the overall narrative of the sequel trilogy. This disruption had a ripple effect, affecting the planning for the final episodes. JJ Abrams had to rewrite Episode 9 nearly from scratch, and Colin Trevorrow's carefully planned narrative for Episode 9 needed to be entirely redone. The entire trilogy's planning and execution suffered because of Johnson's singular vision for his movie.

Johnson's Misunderstanding of Genre Premise

Even at the core of the story, Johnson's understanding of the Star Wars genre premise was questionable. JJ Abrams had made it clear that the Resistance is very different from the Rebellion in the original trilogy. The Resistance is part of the current government, not a rebellion. Yet, Johnson repeatedly mixed them up in interviews, indicating a significant misunderstanding of the trilogy's continuity and its significance.

Conclusion

The question remains: Was The Last Jedi a singular, compelling story that pushed the boundaries of the Star Wars saga, or did it fail as a middle chapter in the larger Star Wars narrative? The answer depends largely on one's perspective. For casual fans, it was a good movie that brought fresh perspectives to beloved characters. For hardcore fans, it was seen as disrespectful to the established canon and a derailment of the overall trilogy. The controversy surrounding The Last Jedi highlights the ongoing debate between fan service and artistic vision in the Star Wars universe.