Why Leia's Death in 'The Last Jedi' and Luke's Fate in 'The Rise of Skywalker' Were Controversial

TheStar Wars

franchise has always been a source of endless debate, with fans divided over critical decisions that shape the narrative and character arcs of beloved figures. Two such major moments are the decision to film The Last Jedi with a significant plot twist for Leia's (Carrie Fisher) death and the unforeseen absence of Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) in The Rise of Skywalker. While these choices were made with the best intentions, they have faced strong criticism from fans and even some industry professionals. This article will delve into the pros and cons of these decisions, providing a balanced overview of the controversies surrounding them.

The Controversy Surrounding Leia's Death

Shooting Decisions and Impact

One of the most talked-about moments in the The Last Jedi was the revelation of Leia's death. The fact that this was filmed as a bombshell was met with widespread disapproval from audiences, who felt the plot twist was more impactful when it was unexpected. The filmmakers faced criticism for not providing a more nuanced and organic end for the character, instead opting for a surprise narrative drop.

However, another point of contention revolves around the logistics of reshooting scenes. Given the tight timeline between Carrie Fisher's death and the release of The Last Jedi, the filmmakers were left with limited options. Some fans and critics argue that they should have re-shot scenes to make her death a more fitting and planned part of the story rather than a sudden shock. This would have provided a more satisfactory conclusion for her character arc, allowing for a gradual fadeout rather than a sudden cliffhanger.

Decision-Making Process for Luke's Fate

The Original Plan and Execution

The original plan for The Rise of Skywalker included Luke Skywalker playing a significant role. However, the absence of Mark Hamill in this film, which was a result of his untimely death, left the filmmakers with limited options. Many fans and critics argue that Luke’s death could have been integrated into the narrative in a way that would have been both impactful and fitting, especially given his status as a symbol of the Jedi order.

Others defend the decision, suggesting that the original intent was for Luke to return as a dying character, giving him a lingering presence without fully resolving his story. This would have created a poignant and meaningful send-off for both the character and the original trilogy. However, the sudden absence of his performance and his potential roles in the story left many viewers feeling that the film lacked the necessary complexity and resolution.

Aftermath and Controversy

Following Carrie Fisher's passing, fans and critics alike called for a re-evaluation of the plot and character arcs in The Last Jedi. Many expressed that altering the script to include additional material before Leia's death would have made the revelation more believable and organic. Similarly, the absence of a proper send-off for Luke in The Rise of Skywalker raised similar concerns. The choppy narrative and disjointed character development in The Rise of Skywalker were often attributed to these unresolved character arcs, further fueling the controversy.

The changes that could have been made, such as reshooting scenes or exploring alternate continuity paths, were often dismissed as too costly or logistically challenging. However, some argue that the cost and effort to revise these moments could have been justified to provide a more satisfying and coherent narrative.

Conclusion

While each decision was made with the best intentions and within the constraints of the production, the controversies surrounding Leia’s death in The Last Jedi and Luke’s fate in The Rise of Skywalker highlight the delicate balancing act faced by filmmakers. Constructing a narrative that resonates with fans, especially when dealing with iconic and beloved characters, is a complex task. Moving forward, it is crucial for the development team to consider both the emotional impact and the narrative coherence to ensure a satisfying conclusion for both the story and the audience.

Key Takeaways:

The decision to film Leia's death as a surprise plot twist in The Last Jedi was criticized for its impact and narrative flow. The absence of Luke Skywalker in The Rise of Skywalker raised concerns about the film’s depth and resolution, especially given his status as a central figure. Fans and critics argue that re-evaluating and revising these character arcs could have provided a more satisfactory and coherent narrative.

These controversies underscore the critical role of planning and reimagining in the storytelling process, emphasizing the ongoing importance of fan feedback in shaping the future of the Star Wars saga.