Why Were the Knights of Ren Not in The Last Jedi?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has long been a subject of discussion and speculation among fans, with many questioning the absence of the Knights of Ren. The characters were minimally featured in The Force Awakens, but their non-appearance in The Last Jedi is well explained by the creative choices made by the filmmakers.

Isolation and Character Development

Given that Kylo Ren was isolated and had to face his pain and loneliness alone, the necessity of his complete solitude was key to his character development. His isolation allowed him to explore a strange new connection with Rey, which was crucial to the story's progression. Isolation was a powerful tool used to push Kylo Ren towards making critical decisions.

Plot Necessity and Storyline

Rian Johnson, the director of The Last Jedi, had to balance several plot lines while adhering to the story's requirements. The inclusion of the Knights of Ren would have required a significant revision to the existing storyline, particularly for the pivotal battle scenes where Kylo?deals with Snoke. Simply adding them to the throne room scene would have altered the dynamic and the outcome of the battle significantly. This was a critical moment in the film, and the removal of these characters helped maintain the intended storyline.

Rian did consider using the Knights as the guards in the throne room. However, this was the most logical place they could have been included without drastically changing the story. Yet, even here, they would have had to be killed off, which the director did not want to do as Kylo and Rey's victory was essential for the film's plot development.

Symbolism and Plot Design

The exclusion of the Knights of Ren from The Last Jedi was also symbolic. It allowed for a more focused and intense emotional and psychological journey for Kylo Ren. Keeping them out of certain scenes helped maintain the tension and drive for character transformation. The Knights were meant to be Kylo's loyal supporters, but their absence in key scenes reinforced his isolation and his willingness to push himself beyond his limits.

Future Appearances

Now that Kylo Ren has been named Supreme Leader, the Knights of Ren are likely to make an appearance in the next installment of the Star Wars saga as his personal guard. This transition will provide a new and exciting angle for these characters, allowing them to have a more significant role in shaping the narrative.

Overall, the decision to not include the Knights of Ren in The Last Jedi was made to maximize the impact of the storyline and to effectively portray the character development of Kylo Ren. Such choices are common in Star Wars, where the universe is often expanded through subtle references and allusions, making it feel vast and rich with untold stories.

Key Points:

Kylo Ren's isolation was necessary for character development. Rian Johnson considered using them as guards but had to kill them off for the plot. Their exclusion allowed for a focused and impactful storyline. They are likely to appear as Kylo's guards in future installments.

For more insights and discussions on Star Wars, keep following our updates. Explore the vast universe of Star Wars and dive into the intricate storylines and character development that make this franchise so beloved by so many fans around the world.