Star Wars Insider 2018 - 01-02.

SPECIAL STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI SOUVENIR ISSUE
SP
PRINCESS
LEIA!
HER TOP 10
™ BRIGHTEST
T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E MOMENTS!
The
LAST
JEDI Rey, Finn, and Poe are back...
and the Force is with them!
MOVIE
SPECIAL
Rian Johnson
The Last Jedi’s director on
Luke, Rey, Finn, and the
most ground-breaking
Star Wars movie to date!
All Access
Interviews
Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley,
John Boyega, Adam Driver,
and more inside.
SWI178_000_Cover_Newsstand_US.indd 1 21/12/2017 12:29

Untitled-1 1 19/12/2017 12:10
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
™
JAN/FEB 2018
WELCOME...
TITAN EDITORIAL
Senior Executive Editor / Divinia Fleary

Editor / Will Salmon
Editor at Large / Jonathan Wilkins
Copy Editor / Simon Hugo
Editorial Assistants / Tolly Maggs,
And so here we finally are. After two anxious years of Jake Devine
waiting, The Last Jedi is here. Art Editor / Andrew Leung
When Rian Johnson was first announced as the director LUCASFILM

I was thrilled. His debut feature, Brick (2005), is a personal Senior Editor / Brett Rector
Image Archives / Newell Todd,
favorite—a brilliantly stylish and witty high school detective Erik Sanchez, Bryce Pinkos,
Nicole LaCoursiere, Tim Mapp
story, it clearly marked the arrival of a major new directorial Art Director / Troy Alders
talent. Creative Director / Michael Siglain
Story Group / Pablo Hidalgo, Leland Chee,
Johnson followed it up with The Brothers Bloom (2008) Matt Martin
and Looper (2012), two films that couldn’t be more different
CONTRIBUTORS
from each other, but which shared Brick’s impressive visuals, Chris Cooper, Simon Hugo, Tricia Barr, Kristin
intriguing characters and ability to surprise. However, I Baver, Meagan Crouse, Daniel Wallace
wasn’t surprised that The Last Jedi had all of those qualities SPECIAL THANKS TO
Lucy Goldsmith, Erich Schoeneweiss
in abundance. at Random House, Martin Eden, Holly
Of course, while this is the middle part of a trilogy, it’s also McIntosh, Joseph Taraborrelli, Andrea Towers
and Jim Nausedas at Marvel Comics, Lizzy
a film of new beginnings. The beginning of Rey embracing Draeger, Tracy Cannobbio and Chris
what seems like her true calling in life; of Luke taking on a Argyropoulos at Lucasfilm
new student; of Finn finding a place in the Resistance. And TITAN MAGAZINES
of new characters, like Rose, stepping up and choosing to Senior Production Controller / Jackie Flook
Production Supervisor / Maria Pearson
fight back against an imposing enemy. Production Controller / Peter James
Art Director / Oz Browne
It’s also a film of endings. This is the final time that we Senior Sales Managers / Steve Tothill,
will see Carrie Fisher play Leia—a character that has meant Santoosh Maharaj
Circulation Assistant / Frances Hallam
so much to so many people for over 40 years. But stop and Direct Sales & Marketing Manager
think about how incredible that is. Who could possibly have Ricky Claydon
Subscriptions Executive / Tony Ho
imagined back in 1977 that we’d be seeing her taking center Brand Manager, Marketing / Lucy Ripper
stage once more, four decades later? Enjoy the issue and, more Commercial Manager / Michelle Fairlamb
Advertising Assistant / Tom Miller
importantly, let us know what you thought of The Last Jedi. U.S. Advertising Manager / Jeni Smith
Publishing Manager / Darryl Tothill
Publishing Director / Chris Teather
Operations Director / Leigh Baulch
Executive Director / Vivian Cheung
Publisher / Nick Landau
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SWI178_003_REG_Welcome.indd 3 20/12/2017 14:30

CONTENTS
I S S U E 1 7 8 / J A N U A R Y / F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 8
22
The Last Jedi
Interviews, articles,
and amazing images
from the new movie!
4 / STAR WARS INSIDER
SWI178_004-005_Contents.indd 4 20/12/2017 14:35

NEWSSTAND COMIC STORE SUBS
EDITION EXCLUSIVE EXCLUSIVE
Subscribe
t Star Wars
to
Insider
Page 64
06 42 62
Launchpad Rian Johnson Do You Remember..?
News of more Star Wars to The Last Jedi’s cast discuss working The cast recall their first experiences
come as movies and TV series with the visionary director and of the saga.
are announced, we say goodbye to a Johnson himself describes his
Star Wars genius, and BB-8 goes
into orbit!
experiences making his first
Star Wars film!
66
Long Live Leia
22 48 Ten defining moments from the
princess-turned-general who
Moving Swiftly On Guide to the Galaxy has inspired generations.
Discover secrets about the new movie Johnson shares his insights on the new
as revealed by key cast and crew members. worlds and species in The Last Jedi.
74
30 52 Rising to the Challenge
Learn more about the new
Stories From the Set Behind-the-Scenes game that places players in the
The actors relive their experiences Behind-the-scenes photography from boots of the Jedi.
making The Last Jedi. The Last Jedi set.
84
34 57 Keeper of the Holocron
Name that Theme Concept Art Leland Chee on his amazing career
An indepth look at what the movie is A selection of stunning art created and who he thinks is really the star
about, as told by the filmmakers. for The Last Jedi. of the saga!
INCOMING TRANSMISSIONS
81 88 92 96
Jedi Master’s Quiz Fiction Worldwide Image Archive
Test your knowledge of the Jedi in this Read an extract from the compelling Meet inspirational Star Wars Mark Hamill and Harrison
midi-chlorian packed quiz! new book, Star Wars: Canto Bight. fans from around the world. Ford take a break from shooting!
STAR WARS INSIDER / 5
SWI178_004-005_Contents.indd 5 19/12/2017 13:13

LAUNCHPAD
N E W S / B O O K S / C O M I C S / T O Y S / G A M E S / FA S H I O N
More Star Wars Movies…

Rian Johnson to tackle brand new trilogy
brand new trilogy of Johnson is set to write and working with Rian on The Last Jedi.
A Star Wars films has been

announced! The movies
will be made under the
direct the first of the three new films,
which will introduce new characters
from a previously unexplored part of
He’s a creative force, and watching
him craft The Last Jedi from start to
finish was one of the great joys of my
creative control of The Last Jedi’s the Star Wars galaxy. No other details career. Rian will do amazing things with
writer/director, Rian Johnson, with have been announced yet, and info is the blank canvas of this new trilogy.”
Johnson’s longtime collaborator Ram likely to be scarce for some time to Johnson and Bergman issued a joint
Bergman as producer. come, given that the movies will not statement, saying: “We had the time of
The new trilogy will not be part of be released until the 2020s. our lives collaborating with Lucasfilm
the Skywalker saga (aka Episodes I-IX), The news was announced by Bob and Disney on The Last Jedi. Star Wars
and is separate from the standalone Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, is the greatest modern mythology and
Star Wars Story movies Rogue One in November, with Lucasfilm president we have contributed to it. We can’t wait
and Solo. Kathleen Kennedy adding: “We all loved to continue with a new series of films.”
SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 6 20/12/2017 11:24

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…And
more TV, Too!
As if the new Star Wars movie news
was not enough, Bob Iger has also
announced the first ever live-action
Star Wars TV series!
Set to launch as part of Disney’s
new streaming service in 2019, the
show will be available to subscribers
at a price that the Disney CEO
expects to be “substantially below”
the rates charged by other streaming
services, such as Netflix.
No details of the new show
are available at present, but the
Disney streaming service itself will
also feature small-screen adaptations
of Monsters Inc. and High School
Musical, as well as a new show based
on Marvel Comics characters.
The announcement follows years
of fan speculation about the
likelihood of a live-action series.
Previous animated shows Star Wars:
The Clone Wars (2008–2014), and
Star Wars Rebels (2014–2017) have
used the TV format to vastly expand
the Star Wars universe, and have won
a dedicated fanbase, independent of
the live- action movies.

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Master and apprentice!

Behind you, Rey! Daisy Ridley poses in front Ridley and Mark Hamill
of a battalion of First Order stormtroopers! have fun on the red carpet.
Princes, Jedi, and Droid!

A selfie with Finn! John
Boyega shares the love.
Royal Princes William and Harry meet the stars of Star Wars:
The Last Jedi at the European Royal Premiere, at London’s
Royal Albert Hall December 12, 2017
Prince William seems to be using the Force to Man in Black! Adam

make John Boyega reveal secrets of the film! Driver takes in the
atmosphere.
Supreme love for Snoke!

Andy Serkis signs a
lucky fan’s poster.
Oh my! Anthony Daniels

poses on the red carpet
before signing some
autographs.
Fantastic Phasma! The powerful

force that is Gwendoline Christie Hux appeal! Dapper Domhnall Gleeson:
meets the fans. a world away from the evil general!

LAUNCHPAD
Inside the Royal Albert Hall,

Stormtroopers and Praetorian
guards greet the audience.
BB-8, on his best behavior, bows

before Princes William and Harry.
Oscar Isaac at his

most suave.
A Rose by any other name!

Kelly Marie Tran wows the crowds.
Holdo captured? Laura Dern

Red razzle dazzle! under stormtrooper protection.
Mark Hamill brings
some showbiz
magic to a freezing
December evening!
Daisy’s devotees! Ridley poses for

photos with some delighted fans.
Hey, Mr. DJ! Benicio Del Toro signs for fans.

LAUNCHPAD
Who Said That?

The big names behind Star Wars: The Last Jedi can’t stop talking about how great the movie
is! The following are all quotes from the cast and other key creatives in the run-up to its release.
Can you identify who said what?
“[Carrie Fisher and I] were “First and foremost, we “Not to float my

sort of in an unofficial contest
to get to one million Twitter were trying to make it a Star
followers first. She was Wars movie. That means you own boat, but
63,000 ahead of me... I said, have the intensity and you’ve
‘Game on girl!’”
got the opera, but it also I’m a really
means it makes you come out good bartender.
I think that Oscar is of the theater wanting to
always looking at me with run in your backyard, grab I worked in two
love in his eyes, and I guess your spaceship toys and
that the fans saw it. make them fly around.” different pubs,
for a year and a
You have to do the work
“Snoke is very and block everything out, half, in a rowdy
but then C-3P0 comes up,
unimpressed that and you’re like… Ahhhh! London district.”
there is such a huge
female force that “Star Wars resonates so deeply because it’s our foundation story
has been growing in of good versus evil. There is something about this film—and I
think it’s because the world we live in is a changing and evolving
the universe.” place—that it retains the simplicity of those elements.”
The Force Awakens is the only movie I’ve been in

that I’ve sat down with an audience and watched.
Choose From...
Adam Daisy Mark John Rian Andy Gwendoline Kelly Marie

Driver Ridley Hamill Boyega Johnson Serkis Christie Tran

LAUNCHPAD
Use the Furze!

Inventive Brit builds life-sized TIE silencer
emember last year, when including LED lights, the steel required articulated trucks and a crane) in the
R YouTuber Colin Furze built

a giant AT-ACT playhouse to
celebrate the release of Rogue
for the frame, and even the welding
equipment used to construct the huge
model. The exact replica of Ren’s ship
grounds of Burghley House, in Colin’s
home town of Stamford, Lincolnshire,
in England last December. A troop of
One: A Star Wars Story? Well, the British is even kitted out on the inside with First Order stormtroopers was also on
inventor has been at it again for The Last a pilot’s chair, targeting screens, and a hand for the unveiling, along with a
Jedi! Challenged by eBay, he successfully joystick. The finished beast weighs in life-size, working replica of First Order
made a life-sized recreation of Kylo Ren’s at approximately seven tons, and took droid BB-9E, built by James Bruton
deadly new starfighter, the TIE silencer, Furze’s five-strong team a total of six from the XRobots YouTube channel.
using only parts sourced from the widely weeks to build. See the story behind the build
used auction site. Lucky fans were able to get up close by searching Colin Furze’s Epic Star Wars
Furze scoured eBay for every element and personal to the impressive ship Build, and go to www.colinfurze.com
of the build—his biggest project yet— when it landed (with the help of five for all his other incredible projects.
Photography provided by eBay
Hooray for Rey on eBay U.K.! in 2015’s The Force Awakens.

DC Comics’ Wonder Woman
comes a close second to
Star Wars hero tops online search list Rey at the top of the table,
her popularity boosted by
utranking Disney princesses, eBay in the U.K.. the Amazonian’s cinematic
O Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, and

even the legendary Princess
Leia, Star Wars: The Last
In fact, shoppers have
sought out items based on Rey,
played by Daisy Ridley in the
outing last summer, while
searches for Leia place her
high on the leaderboard in 3rd
Jedi’s Rey has emerged as 2017’s most- Star Wars sequel trilogy, almost 7,000 place, with hits coming in at almost
searched-for female movie character on times per hour since she first appeared 800 searches per hour.

The
Star Wars fleet
is available to
check out
Driving Force
now!
Nissan takes Star Wars for a spin in its new fleet of show cars
fleet of Star Wars-themed Captain Phasma, whose signature a Nissan Altima transformed into a
A Nissan show cars is touring

auto shows this year, after
debuting at the Los Angeles
styles add more than a hint of the
dark side to the already stunning
design language of the Nissan
Special Forces TIE fighter, complete
with the multi-paneled windshield.
The fifth vehicle in the edgy fleet is
Auto Show last December. Interests Maxima. a mighty Nissan TITAN, taking on
were piqued when Nissan unveiled The former is “a truly sinister the role of an AT-M6 walker.
the seven-strong fleet in Los Angeles, sedan,” according to Nissan, and Luckily, the Resistance has two
revealing the kind of modifications features a cool custom front spoiler vehicles of its own to mount a plucky
that would make Rey and Han Solo modelled on Ren’s iconic mask. defense of the roads, both of which
very proud. The latter has a highly reflective are based on Nissan Rogues. One is
A collaboration between Nissan’s silver finish that matches Phasma’s based on Poe Dameron’s T-70 X-wing
designers, Lucasfilm, and the artists stormtrooper armor, and which is starfighter (and could be a nightmare
at Industrial Light & Magic, ensured designed as a celebration of female to park with its locked, side-mounted
the show cars had the iconic looks strength. S-foils), while the other is inspired by
of Star Wars characters and starships Overall, the First Order is well the Resistance A-wing.
applied to vehicles from Nissan’s 2018 represented in the Nissan line-up, Sadly, the vehicles aren’t available
production range. with another Maxima being decked to buy, but you can find out where
The most striking of the vehicles out as Kylo Ren’s fearsome TIE to see them at nissanusa.com/star-
are perhaps the two based on First silencer—with angular wings, laser wars-the-last-jedi, and learn more
Order figureheads Kylo Ren and canons, and missile launchers—and about the fleet’s creation.
Nissan Maxima – Kylo Ren’s TIE Silencer Nissan Rogue Sport – A-wing

LAUNCHPAD
Timeline
Important dates
in Star Wars
history.
1922
May 27: Sir Christopher Lee
(Count Dooku) is born.
1929
April 10: Max von Sydow (Lor San
Tekka) is born.
1937
April 6: Billy Dee Williams (Lando
Calrissian) is born.
1973
August 19: Ahmed Best (Jar Jar
Binks) is born.
1976
November 12: Star Wars: From
John Mollo, 1931–2017

the Adventures of Luke Skywalker
by Alan Dean Foster is published.
1983
November 19: Adam Driver (Kylo
Farewell to the costume designer who helped define the lived- Ren) is born.
in look of the galaxy far, far away
1984
November 25: Caravan of
he Oscar-winning costume and Lucas’ vision of a galaxy with a
Courage: An Ewok Adventure
T designer John Mollo has died
aged 86.
Alongside concept artist
realistic, lived-in look, Mollo adopted
a thrift store approach to Star Wars,
making ingenious use of plumbing
is released.
1993
Ralph McQuarrie, he was responsible spares, old theatrical props, and pieces February: Star Wars: X-Wing
for defining the look of many of Star of household junk. is released on PC.
Wars’ most defining characters, such He devised the first iteration of
as Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, and Vader’s costume using a Nazi helmet, 2001
Obi-Wan Kenobi. a gas mask, and a monk’s cloak; and February 19: Star Wars:
Born in London in 1931, Mollo when he was given just four days to Starfighter is released for PC,
Xbox, and PS2.
lived through the Second World War establish the look of the Tatooine
and grew up with a lasting fascination sandtroopers, he assembled their gear
2007
for military uniforms. He wrote several using bikers’ chest protectors, seed January 30: Allegiance by
books on the subject, which led to him boxes, plastic drainpipe, and some Timothy Zahn is published.
serving as a consultant on period films metal backpack racks from a Boy
such as The Charge of the Light Brigade Scout shop.
(1968), Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), The results looked far from cheap,
and Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon however, and at the 1978 Academy
(1975). Awards Mollo took home the Oscar
When George Lucas was looking for Best Costume Design. He would
for a costume designer for Star Wars, later win a second Oscar for his work
he approached another Kubrick on Gandhi (1982).
collaborator, Milena Canonero. She Mollo returned to the Star Wars
was unavailable, but recommended galaxy once more for The Empire
Mollo based on their work together Strikes Back, notably designing the
on Barry Lyndon. Mollo professed cold-weather wear used by the rebels
that he knew very little about science on Hoth.
fiction, but Lucas offered him the job He went on to work on movie
precisely because his experience was projects including Outland (1981),
based in real-world military knowledge. Cry Freedom (1987), and Event Horizon
Faced with a small costume budget (1997), and wrote until his retirement.

LAUNCHPAD
Ground
Control
to BB-8
Droid toy reaches new
heights in U.K. stunt
rave Resistance droid BB-8 is
B no stranger to space flight,

but in September he took
his first solo flight, thanks
to a U.K. toy retailer!
To celebrate the first wave of
products tying in to The Last Jedi,
catalog-shopping store Argos partnered
with near-space experts SentIntoSpace
to launch a BB-8 toy into the Earth’s
stratosphere. The toy was modified
for the mission over the course of a road team with a mobile tracking world experience that Star Wars offers.”
a month, with a team of 12 experts station,” explained SentIntoSpace SentIntoSpace was founded in 2011
preparing the droid for lift-off. hardware engineer Jack Bryan. “We by Alex Baker and Chris Rose after the
The launch took place in a field tracked him using a radio-frequency duo successfully launched a weather
in northeast England, using a large scanning kit and satellite tracking balloon fitted with two video cameras
balloon to raise BB-8 skyward. Once systems as well.” and a tracking device. A series of
airborne, the astromech climbed to an Paul Kinge, toy buyer at Argos, prototypes led to increasingly predictable
altitude of 23 miles and reached speeds added: “Star Wars captures the hearts flights capable of returning bundles of
in excess of 200mph before returning and imaginations of every generation, useful data. Today, the company aims to
to Earth. Along the way, an on-board and the toys are part of what helps make near-space exploration as easy and
camera allowed BB-8 to capture some bring the films to life in homes across the accessible as possible, to inspire the next
awe-inspiring images, too. globe. We’re thrilled to offer so generation of scientists, engineers, and
“To follow BB-8’s journey, we had many a glimpse into the out-of-this- space enthusiasts.
THE LIGHT SIDE By Russ Brown and Jamie Cosley

LAUNCHPAD
All The Right Notes

Online auction turns Star Wars collectibles into charity cash
anknote manufacturer De only under UV light, and hidden set decorator Roger Christian,
B La Rue launched a limited

edition Star Wars: The Last
Jedi note in December 2017,
microtext. The premium notes also
include an intaglio hand-engraving
of Rey.
costume designer John Mollo,
and creature creator Neal Scanlan.
“It’s really exciting to be part of
in support of the U.K. children’s charity The money raised will be donated this very unique initiative to mark
Together for Short Lives. One thousand to Together for Short Lives on behalf the release of The Last Jedi and for
notes were listed for sale on eBay.co.uk of Star Wars: Force for Change, the a fantastic cause,” said Rian Johnson.
on December 7, alongside an auction for charitable initiative by Lucasfilm and “It was a joy filming in the U.K. and
50 premium notes, with all the proceeds Disney that harnesses Star Wars to truly working with a British crew and I’m
going to charity. At the end of the 10- improve the lives of children around the happy the GREAT Britain Campaign
day auction, the successful bidders had world. Together for Short Lives supports and De La Rue are celebrating this
contributed to a very worthy cause. children’s hospices in the U.K. to make with the commemorative note.”
The notes, which are purely sure every child with a life-threatening Additional items in the auction
commemorative and not legal tender, or life-limiting condition receives the included 10 very beautiful uncut final
are crafted from 100 percent cotton best possible care and leads as fulfilling proofs of the note signed by the De La
cylinder mold paper, fully securitized a life as possible. Rue studio manager, and 10 rare hand-
and printed in De La Rue’s high-security The commemorative note is also crafted engravings used for the raised
proofing department in Hampshire, intended to celebrate the U.K. film intaglio printing and signed by De La
England. The exclusive design features industry’s 40-year creative relationship Rue’s master engraver.
original light side/dark side artwork, with Star Wars. Produced in partnership To find out more about Together
an Aurebesh message, a replica of The with the U.K. Government’s GREAT For Short Lives, or to make a donation,
Last Jedi writer/director Rian Johnson’s Britain campaign, the design combines go to togetherforshortlives.org.uk.
signature, and security features British technical and artistic know-how Read more about Force for Change at
including serial numbers, scenes visible in a similar vein to U.K. creators such as forceforchange.starwars.com

LAUNCHPAD
Give
the First
Order its
Orders
Take charge of your own
interactive stormtrooper
f you’ve ever wanted to
I order a stormtrooper
around, a new interactive
robot can make your
dreams come true—and you won’t
be blasted for your efforts!
UBTECH Robotics’ Star Wars First
Order Stormtrooper Robot features
augmented reality (AR), voice
command, and facial recognition
software, so you can issue
commands and have them obeyed
with unprecedented accuracy.
Order the robot to act as a sentry, First Order
and it will patrol a designated Stormtrooper
area—responding to anything or Robot, $299.99
anyone that attempts to get past.
Train it to recognize your face, and
those of up to two other people
(three in total), and interactions
will be personalized depending on
who is giving the orders. Pair the global leading AI and humanoid
robot with the smartphone app to robotic company. It places a high
launch attacks on the Resistance in degree of importance on data
an immersive AR environment. security, and is at pains to point out
“We are thrilled to launch the that the Stormtrooper Robot does
Star Wars Stormtrooper Robot,” said not connect to the internet, and
UBTECH CEO, James Chow “Both no personal information is saved
Star Wars and UBTECH put a great to the robot or the companion
focus on innovation and family- app. All biometric data remains
friendly technology. Together, we secure within a closed network on
are delivering a new and interactive an encrypted platform that meets
experience for Star Wars fans.” at least the minimum Advanced
Founded in 2012, UBTECH is a Encryption Standard of 128 bits.

LAUNCHPAD
Little Wonders
Takara Tomy adds
The Last Jedi to its metal
miniatures range
ig news for fans of
B small things, as Japanese

toy company Takara
Tomy expands its line
of Star Wars Metakore figures to
include more characters from The
Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Mostly standing just three inches
tall and featuring articulated arms
and heads, the new figures include
Imperial Weights
Kylo Ren, Captain Phasma, BB-9E,
a First Order snowtrooper, and
a flametrooper. Updated sculpts
have also been introduced for
New exercise equipment is fit for the Empire Darth Vader, the original trilogy
stormtrooper, R2-D2, and C-3PO.
tar Wars fans can keep fit to chip-resistant coating, they are Packed full of characterful detail
S Imperial Academy standards

with a new range of workout
gear from fitness firm Onnit.
designed to build explosive strength
and muscular endurance, and will
appeal to collectors and athletes alike.
and shipped in desirably simple
boxes, the die-cast collectibles are
not widely available in U.S. stores,
The fun and functional items all Finally, the reversible, non-slip but can be ordered from online
have a dark side slant, and include a Han Solo yoga mat is made from top- retailers, go to ShopDisney.com.
Death Star slam ball, three helmet- quality, moisture-wicking polyurethane Previous releases have spanned
shaped kettle bells, and a Han Solo in rubber. At 70in by 25in, it is a striking the original, prequel, and sequel
carbonite yoga mat. conversation starter, but loses no grip trilogies, as well as Rogue One.
The 20 lbs, 10in Death Star slam ball as a result of its hi-res printing. It is
is ideal for overhead slams, squats, and 0.2in thick, for the perfect combination
wall ball training. A true technological of cushioning and ease of carriage, and
terror, it is made from incredibly strong could even make Jabba the Hutt take up
polyurethane rubber to give it the edge exercise!
over traditional medicine balls, while
its Death Star surface detail offers extra Death Star slam ball, $74.95
grip during intense workouts. Boba Fett kettle bell, $149.95
The kettle bells include a 50 lbs Boba Stormtrooper kettle bell, $179.95
Fett, a 60 lbs stormtrooper, and a 70 lbs Darth Vader kettle bell, $199.95
Darth Vader Cast in black iron with a Han Solo yoga mat, $64.95

LAUNCHPAD
Book Club
There’s something for every Star Wars reader with
these upcoming publishing releases.
Star
Wars:
Canto
Bight
Meet gamblers,
grifters, and
gangsters in four
themed stories set
on the casino planet
Canto Bight is one of
the key locations in The
Last Jedi—a glamorous
casino city full of intrigue
and species from across
the galaxy. But while the
city sits apart from the
conflict between the First
Order and the Resistance,
danger still lurks in the
shadows. This collection
of four linked stories by
bestselling Star Wars
authors takes place over
one eventful city night.
First up is “Rules of the
Game” by Saladin Ahmed,
which is described as an
“alien buddy comedy.”
Salesman Kedpin Shoklop’s
vacation takes a dark turn
when he gets caught up
with criminal Anglang
Lehet, and the pair must
work together to survive.
Next comes Rae
Carson’s “Hear Nothing, He tries his best to avoid trader Derla Pidys arrives Miller’s “The Rise,”
See Nothing, Say Nothing.” getting involved with the in Canto Bight to buy a professional gambler
Its protagonist, Lexo city’s criminal underbelly, priceless bottle of wine, Kaljach Sonmi meets the
Sooger, works at an elite however—until his daughter but all is not as it seems. Lucky Three, a trio of rival
spa in Canto Bight, where is abducted, that is. Could there be a con artist gamblers. It isn’t long
he is ideally placed to In “The Wine of Dreams” at work? before all he knows about
overhear important intel. by Mira Grant, renowned Finally, in John Jackson life in the city falls apart!
SWI178_018-021_Launchpad_Publishing_V1AL.indd 18 19/12/2017 12:28

LAUNCHPAD
02
04
01
03
01 02 03 04
Star Wars: Star Wars: The Star Wars: The Forces of
The Last Last Jedi: Heroes Big Golden Destiny: Daring
Jedi: Bomber of the Galaxy Book of Aliens, Adventures: The
Command This 48-page activity Creatures and Leia Chronicles
Get in the cockpit book by Ruth Amos
is aimed at helping
Beasts The third in the Forces
with Cobalt Squadron, From the cuddly and of Destiny book range
the Resistance bomber younglings develop focuses on Leia Organa,
cute to the hulking and
command introduced their reading skills, highlighting three of her
sinister, this 48-page
in The Force Awakens with help from famous most daring big-screen
book is packed with
and further explored characters such as Rey, adventures—including
stories about the many
in The Last Jedi. This Finn, and the adorable her encounter with the
and varied aliens from
companion book to BB-8. Published by Ewoks on the forest
the Star Wars films.
Elizabeth Wein’s middle Dorling Kindersley, Star moon of Endor in Return
Learn all about Ewoks,
grade novel entitled Wars: The Last Jedi: of the Jedi. The 128-page
wampas, Jawas, Mon
Cobalt Squadron Heroes of the Galaxy is book is available now
Calamari, and many more
contains short stories, available now. from Disney Lucasfilm
with text by Richard
facts about the unit, and Thomas and lavish, retro Press.
gatefolds packed with illustrations by Chris
starship schematics, and Kennett. It’s available
more. It’s available now now from Golden Books.
from Readerlink.

LAUNCHPAD
Comics Roundup
Marvel’s latest Star Wars comics offer
up an iconic villain and some classic tales.
Grand
Admiral
Drawn
A new Marvel miniseries charts the
rise of Rebels’ blue-skinned bad guy
Created by author Timothy Zahn, the
Imperial strategist Grand Admiral Thrawn
has a long history in print. But it was only
with Season Three of Star Wars Rebels that
he made his animated debut.
To celebrate that fact, Zahn returned to
the character with a new novel, named simply
Thrawn. Published in April 2017, it was full of
revelations for old and new fans alike, and
explored how the blue-skinned outsider rose
from exile to indispensible ally of the Emperor.
Now Thrawn has been adapted by Marvel
Comics as a six-issue miniseries. Written by
Jody Houser with art by Luke Ross, it promises
yet another fresh take on this multifaceted and
endlessly fascinating character.
Set between Revenge of the Sith and
A New Hope, the story begins with Thrawn far
from the trappings of a grand admiral, as the
man born Mitth’raw’nuruodo lives a precarious
life in the Unknown Regions. But an encounter
with Imperial troops gives the wily Chiss survivor
the opportunity he has been looking for, and
he soon attracts attention at the highest levels
of the Empire.
The character of Thrawn first appeared in
Zahn’s 1991 novel, Heir to the Empire, set
after Return of the Jedi. Now considered part
of Star Wars Legends, and therefore not part of
official continuity, it saw a New Republic forged
Authors and Artists by Luke, Leia, and Han seriously tested by a
resurgent Empire led by Thrawn. A classic of
Jody Houser is best known in Star Wars
circles for her expansive comic-book Star Wars literature, it spawned two sequels—
adaptation of Rogue One, but she has also Dark Force Rising (1992) and The Last Command
worked on Faith (Valiant), Agent May (1993)—to form The Thrawn Trilogy. This, in turn,
(Marvel), and Orphan Black (IDW). Luke was followed by The Hand of Thrawn Duology,
Ross is the acclaimed penciller of Darth
comprising Specter of the Past (1997) and Vision
Maul and The Force Awakens, and has also
worked on Spectacular Spider-Man and of the Future (1998). A new novel, Thrawn:
Captain America for Marvel and Green Allegiances, will be published in 2018.
Lantern for DC. Thrawn #1 is on sale from February 2018.

LAUNCHPAD Incoming
Don’t Miss These Great
Forthcoming Titles
DECEMBER
Star Wars #40
Writer Kieron Gillen
Artist Salvador Larroca
Cover artists David Marquez
and Matthew Wilson
Star Wars Adventures #5

Writer Landry Q. Walker
Artist Eric Jones
Cover artist Eric Jones
Star Wars: Poe Dameron #22

Writer Charles Soule
Artist Angel Unzueta
Cover artist Phil Noto
Jedi of the Republic - Mace

Windu #5
Writer Matt Owens
Star Wars: The Classic Newspaper
Ne spaper Comics Artist Denys Cowan
Cover artist Jesus Saiz
The classic “Han Solo at Stars’ End” Goodwin and artist Al Williamson—a Star Wars: The Last Jedi:
is the centerpiece of IDW’s second pairing chosen to handle the strip by Storms of Crait
collection of Star Wars newspaper George Lucas himself. This is the first Writers Ben Acker and
strips. Adapted from Brian Daley’s ever reprint of the newspaper strips in Ben Blacker
novel by Archie Goodwin and Alfredo their complete format, including Artist Mike Mayhew
Alcala, it finds Han and Chewie trying Sunday page title headers and bonus Cover artist Marco Checchetto
to track down Doc, an outlaw panels, fully restored to their original
technician who seems to have been color glory. It is published on January
JANUARY
abducted. The volume also includes a 30, 2018, with a third and final volume Star Wars #41
Writer Kieron Gillen
further seven complete adventures by to follow.
Artist Salvador Larroca
Cover artist David Marquez
Star Wars Adventures:

Star Wars Legends Epic Forces of Destiny: Leia
Collection: Legacy Writers Elsa Charretier
and Pierrick Colinet
Set more than a century after the Artist Elsa Charretier
events of the movies, the Legacy Cover artist Elsa Charretier
series explores a Star Wars galaxy
Star Wars: Darth Vader:
riven by conflict between the Sith
Dark Lord of the Sith #10
Empire and the Galactic Alliance. Writer Charles Soule
Follow the adventures of bounty Artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
hunter Cade Skywalker as he tries Cover artist Giuseppe Camuncoli
to take down Emperor Krayt, meet
the Chagrian Sith Darth Wyyrlok, Star Wars Adventures:
and find out whether the Mon Forces of Destiny: Rey
Calamari species can avoid total Writer Jody Houser
Artist Arianna Florean
extinction. Originally published from
Cover artist Arianna Florean
2006 by Dark Horse, Legacy ran for
50 issues and became one of the Star Wars Adventures #6
company’s bestselling and most Writer Delilah S. Dawson
critically adored Star Wars series. This Artist Derek Charm
second collection by Marvel Comics is Cover artist Derek Charm
on sale from January 30, 2018.

Star Wars: THE LAST JEDI
S t a r W a r s : T H E L A S T J E D I
SWI178_022-023_TLJ_Intro.indd 22
18/12/2017 14:41
36
page Movie
special

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
24 Moving Swiftly On...
J E D I
Rian Johnson and the film’s
key cast share how things
have changed since we last
saw them.
30 Stories from the Set

The cast reflect on their
personal experiences of
making the movie.
34 Name That Theme

Conversations with the actors
exploring the themes and
meaning of The Last Jedi.
42 Rian Johnson
The Last Jedi cast discuss the
director, while he reflects on
his very first Star Wars movie.
52 Behind-the-Scenes
Photos from the making of
the new movie.
57 Concept Art
A selection of the stunning
art used to help inspire the
visual tone of the movie.
62 Do You Remember...?
The cast discuss their first
Star Wars memories!
SWI178_022-023_TLJ_Intro.indd 23 18/12/2017 14:41

THE LAST JEDI SPECIAL
seen him before, and that’s
M OV I N G a big change in this movie.”

Mark Hamill, the actor who
has played Luke since he was a
S W I F T LY O N … young idealist more than 40 years

ago, agrees that this is far from
business as usual.
Nothing stands still in the Star Wars universe, and “To say that Luke is disillusioned
is an understatement,” says Hamill.
the characters of The Last Jedi are no exception.
“He’s literally turned off his link to
Here, writer/director Rian Johnson and the film’s the Force, and renounced the idea
key cast consider how things have changed of the Jedi Order. It was unexpected
since we last saw them, and what the future has for me as an actor, and it will be a
big change for the audience, too. My
in store for a couple of newcomers, too… character has always represented hope
WORDS: SIMON HUGO and optimism—and now, here I am
pessimistic and demoralized. When
Rey offers him the lightsaber, he just

stares at her, interminably.”
For Daisy Ridley, who plays Rey,
J E D I
facing such a reluctant Jedi has been

he Last Jedi “Before I could do anything else, the driving force for her character’s
picks up where The I had to figure out what Luke’s deal changes.
L A S T
T Force Awakens left

off—literally. With
is,” he says. “Why is he on Ahch-To?
I know he’s not a coward and I know
“This time, the emphasis is
very much on Rey pushing Luke,”
T H E
mere moments he’s not hiding, so there must be some she says. “And that opens up her
having passed other reason why he’s taken himself ongoing journey. After hearing all
W a r s :
between the end of the last movie out of the fight. these stories about Luke, and then
and the start of this new one, you “I worked and worked until finally I finding out that the truth is not so
might think there was little room got to a place where I could put myself rosy, she learns about her strengths
for character development, but in in his shoes. That’s kind of cryptic, but and weaknesses. She doesn’t see
S t a r
a fast-paced galaxy with the First it allowed me to understand Luke in herself as this powerful being, but
Order on the rise, our heroes can this movie.” when she sees that even the great
either keep moving—or die! With Luke’s motivation cracked, Luke Skywalker can make bad
So what is different by the time Johnson found himself in a position choices, she starts to come around
we rejoin the action, and what other to ask where the Jedi would go next— to her own potential.
changes can we expect to see as The and how his story would relate to Rey, “She’s really learning about the
Last Jedi progresses? For writer and the Force-sensitive young woman who human psyche in general, because
director Rian Johnson, these were would bring him out of exile. growing up on Jakku she never really
exactly the questions he had to ask “Rey has a desire for connection had relationships with anyone. And
himself as he sat down to script the to her past and wants answers about as she learns, she is trying to move
new movie. who she is,” says Johnson. “That’s forward and do the right thing, which
“After The Force Awakens, I wrote really what she’s on a quest to find out. is all she has ever done, really.”
down the names of every character, Not just who her parents are or where
and I asked myself what I knew about she comes from, but what is her place Dark Side Development
them,” Johnson recalls. “I asked: What in the galaxy? When she shows up on With Luke and Rey locked down to his
do they want? Where are they going? that island, there’s a part of her, and a satisfaction, Johnson allowed himself a
And what would be the hardest thing big part of us, that thinks she will get reward when choosing which character
for each of them to come up against those answers from Luke. to develop next.
in this next chapter?” “She has an expectation of Luke “Kylo Ren was the character that I
The first part of that puzzle was based on the mythology that has was the most excited about writing,” he
Luke Skywalker—an absent figure built up around him. Because of the says, “and it’s almost like Rey and Kylo
for all but the last few seconds of urgency of the situation, she doesn’t are two halves of the same protagonist,
The Force Awakens, and therefore have the luxury of getting to know and so I was always going to tackle him.
the hardest character for Johnson understand who he really is. But he is “My favorite kind of bad guys are
to get a handle on. in a very different place than we’ve ever the ones that you identify with, and
SWI178_024-029_TLJ_Moving Swiftly On.indd 24 20/12/2017 10:34

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
01 Luke Skywalker
is a changed
man, having
renouced the
Jedi Order.

in a way, you identify with Kylo as

much as you do with Rey. They are “My favorite kind of bad guys are
both growing and developing, and
they affect each other and play off the ones that you identify with...”
each other along the way.” Rian Johnson, Writer/Director
The big change for Kylo Ren this
time round is, of course, that he is
dealing with the fact he has killed movie,” Johnson explains, “but he is with responsibility. Poe Dameron,
his own father, and that’s something still there to be the out-and-out bad as Leia’s right-hand man, also finds
the film doesn’t flinch from. guy. Kylo Ren is a more complicated himself boxed in by problems that
“It is obviously something that character, but Snoke is the monster you sheer heroics can’t solve.
has really affected him,” says Adam need to drive the villainy. So whereas “Leia’s gone from shooting guns,
Driver, the man behind Ren’s mask. in The Force Awakens, you just get little swinging across chasms, and killing
“You can’t deny that it happened, so glimpses of Snoke through a hologram, Jabba the Hutt to being serious and
you have to explore the psychology in The Last Jedi we actually meet him, worrying a lot,” Fisher said before
behind it. In a way, that makes the and get more face time with him. That’s her untimely death in 2016. Oscar
new film more grounded in reality. the perfect way to develop him without Isaac, who plays ace pilot Poe,
“Ren is a changed man since we changing him, if you follow me. speaks on the stresses that are shaking
last saw him, but he is young, so it’s “It was actually my first time the upper echelons of the Resistance.
to be expected that he’s changing working with Andy Serkis [who “In The Force Awakens, Poe is a
all the time. He’s becoming more plays Snoke], and I was blown away man on a mission, a man of action,”
and more certain in his ideas, and by just how extraordinary he is. It was he says. “This time there’s a lot more
he’s experiencing something like a obvious we had to have more of him. conflict, and every move he makes
J E D I
religious fervor. For the longest time, we just left Andy matters all that much more. With
“Kylo Ren is actually the first in the cut [rather than the CG version the Resistance on the run, if something
person I’ve played who is younger of his motion-captured character], goes wrong, it could be catastrophic.
L A S T
than me, and that was something because seeing him perform was just “His old heroics aren’t necessarily
Kathy Kennedy was sure to remind so mesmerizing.” what they need in this moment, so
T H E
me of when we were shooting the he has to learn how to not just be

first time around.” Hard Times for Heroes a soldier, but to be a leader as well.”
W a r s :
Moving Kylo Ren into new Once the light and the dark started One character who is blissfully
territory left Johnson considering his to mingle in Johnson’s mind, the unaware of the Resistance’s plight
dark side master. As Rey grows with other characters soon began to find at the start of The Last Jedi is Poe’s
Luke, and Ren grows with Rey, where their definition—and their direction. friend Finn, last seen in a comatose
S t a r
does that leave Supreme Leader Snoke? Leia, in the words of the late Carrie condition following a run-in with
“We do move Snoke along in this Fisher, is “exhausted” and burdened Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base.
02 Rian Johnson
shares a
lighthearted
moment with
John Boyega
and Oscar Isaac
during filming.
03 Finn and BB-8

cross paths
again in The
Last Jedi.
(Right)
04 The Last Jedi

welcomes a new
face to the fight,
Rose Tico.
(Right)
05 Wise to the
game, the
mysterious
character,
DJ, is known as
an underworld
fixer. (Right)
02

Fans won’t be surprised that he 03

returns to the fray, but Johnson
did his best to make sure that he
remained otherwise unpredictable.
“The thing with Finn in The
Force Awakens is that he never
actually joins the Resistance,”
the writer/director notes. “His big
action is leaving the First Order;
after that, he’s just trying to help
a friend. He’s never done anything
for ideological reasons, but this
time around, he’s going to be
pushed into figuring out what he
believes in and what he’s fighting for.”
Finn actor John Boyega goes
even further when describing how
his character is changed, following
his rapid recuperation. “Finn is
really not the same person,” he says. 04

“He’s more aware of the part he has
to play, and gets more opportunities
to use the knowledge he gained in the
S t a r
First Order as a stormtrooper. Although
he’s matured a lot, he’s still confused
about where he belongs.”
W a r s :
New Angels, New Demons
Naturally, the changes in The Last Jedi
T H E
aren’t limited to established characters,
and also include the introduction of
L A S T
new ones. Two in particular help Finn
find his path: the Resistance technician
Rose Tico, and the underworld fixer
J E D I
known as DJ.
“Finn and Rose make a really good
team,” says Johnson. “His relationship
with her is different from his bond with
Rey, but it’s similar, in that it’s a couple
of people being thrown together by fate
without really having any say in it.” 05
Newcomer Kelly Marie Tran who
plays Rose describes her meeting Finn
as “like meeting a childhood hero.”
She continues: “Rose has always been
at the bottom of the Resistance food
chain, mending pipes and doing
maintenance. For her, Finn represents
why she’s there. It’s a big deal for her,
and when they end up on a series of
crazy adventures together, it’s really
interesting to see how their relationship
actually evolves.”
Johnson expands on this idea,
saying: “Rose is a true believer in the
Resistance, so she is very different
from Finn. She is idealistic, but also
very practical, and she becomes the
angel on Finn’s shoulder.”

J E D I
L A S T
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r
06 Rey is on
a quest to
uncover
her past.

07 BB-8 is hardwired to
assist the fight for good.
08 General Organa’s focus

is fixed firmly on the
Resistance.
09 Captain Phasma is
armed and ready to go.
07

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
08
09
J E D I
Of course, an angel on one there are no certainties anymore. best captured by an actor whose
shoulder needs a counterpart on the When Rey stood before Luke at character comes back with a vengeance
other, and that’s where DJ comes in. the end of The Force Awakens, we in The Last Jedi, with a new suit of
Superstar Benicio Del Toro is the devil were sure we knew what would armor but the same dedication to the
in this equation, arguing that there is happened next. The fact that we First Order.
no such thing as a real good guy, and were wrong is disconcerting, but “I think The Force Awakens was
that if you need a motto to live by, it also feels exciting—up there with the homecoming we all needed after
you can do worse than ‘Don’t Join.’ the buzz from the reveal of Luke’s such a long time,” says Gwendoline
“DJ is a cynic and a mercenary,” parentage in The Empire Strikes Back. Christie, who plays Captain Phasma.
says Del Toro. “He believes that good For Daisy Ridley, it’s “definitely “We all wanted to bathe in that story
guys and bad guys are basically the more intense,” but there are also again and rejoice in it. Now it’s time
same, so why take sides when you “little breaks for air.” She continues: to move on, and to reveal more about
can profit from both? He tries to “Everyone seems to be saying it’s our human nature.
show Finn that even the good guys darker, but I think we have a good “The Last Jedi feels richer
are dirty at times and perhaps corrupt balance. There are so many stories and like more of a reflection of
as well. Is he good or bad? We don’t happening simultaneously, which the world around us. But, it isn’t
know. He’s just an opportunist who is something we didn’t have before. at all heavy-handed: it’s beautiful
can get you out of a jam—or into one.” So there’s always something light and incredibly magical. We’re now
With characters such as DJ casting to even things out. There are some invested in these characters and we
shades of gray into the battle between genuinely funny moments, some of can watch them grow as their lives
good and evil, and Johnson explicitly which I didn’t expect, and it was a change and expand. And as they
drawing parallels between Rey lot of fun when we got to play them.” continue to develop, we can all
and Kylo Ren, perhaps the biggest That sense of moving things on learn lessons from the lives they
change this time around is that while still being Star Wars is perhaps lead and the choices they make.”

J E D I
L A S T
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r
SWI178_030-033_TLJ_OnSet_v2al.indd 30 20/12/2017 11:19

S TO R I E S
FROM THE SET
The cast of The Last Jedi explain what it’s like to go
to work on other worlds, surrounded by starships,
explosions, and iconic characters.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS inside a stormtrooper’s helmet,

where you can barely hear and
Kelly Marie Tran (Rose Tico) sometimes can’t see. I can’t feel
My first day on set, I walked on and anything because of the armor.
C-3PO was there. I just walked up to But I love having the costume on,
Anthony Daniels and asked for a hug, and I love being on the sets. I love
and he hugged me. It was actually the being around these phenomenal

best experience ever. It was so insane people who have been burned into
to have this mix of the new characters my mind since I was born.
and the older characters and me being
S t a r
a new character with all of them. I still Laura Dern (Vice Admiral
can’t separate reality from fantasy in Holdo)
my mind because I can’t believe it’s In a way, staying detached is the
W a r s :
really happening, and that I got to hardest part. I’m staring at iconic,
work with all these people. archetypal characters and creatures
and images from my own childhood.
T H E
Adam Driver (Kylo Ren) On my first or second day, Rian says,
You can try to be professional and “Laura, go over to C-3PO.” I’m sorry,
L A S T
forget that you’re making a Star Wars did you say C-3PO? It was like a Disney
movie, but there are times when it just ride. I couldn’t believe it was me in a
seeps in. You see a TIE fighter, and it’s scene with C-3PO.
J E D I
hard to ignore that it’s a TIE fighter! The
biggest moment for me was realizing I Mark Hamill (Luke
was in a film with Mark Hamill. It was Skywalker)
just surreal to see him. Growing up with Being back on board the Millennium
those movies, I’ve attached so much Falcon was bittersweet. Everywhere I
meaning to them that to suddenly be in looked, memories came flooding back.
a film with him was very surreal. He was It’s like going to your old high school
cool about it, though! or the house you lived in in sixth grade.
The detail is absolutely perfect, so it’s
John Boyega (Finn) just as I remember it. I climbed up and
When I’m on set I’m totally immersed. down the ladder, got in the hold where
They outdid themselves with the sets we stowed away, and sat in the cockpit
they built. It made me feel like I was on with my grown-up children and wife.
another planet, which is good. It’s like Later I slipped away and got really
being a 12-year-old kid at Disneyland, choked up. It was a moment, and then
but Disneyland turned up to level ten! it was gone.
Obviously, there’s a job to do, but I try
to do fan stuff and be an actor in the Domhnall Gleeson
film. I think I’m doing well so far with (General Hux)
the balance! A lot of the people making this film,
especially behind the scenes, are in
Gwendoline Christie this industry because of Star Wars. They
(Captain Phasma) went to see the original films, and that
It’s surreal being on a Star Wars set had a huge influence on them. Now
anyway, but it’s even more surreal they want to make something special of

their own inside this universe. You can still make it real for ourselves and huge fires around me. Rian shouted
see it everywhere: in the costumes and have it make sense and be personal. “Action,” I walked forward, and it
the set design. There’s so much care. It’s Rian [Johnson, writer/director] did a created the most beautiful effect in
a different level of filmmaking and a good job, I think, in erasing everything the smoke. But there was a moment
great thing to be a part of. he knew about the original Star Wars when I was in position and readying
and The Force Awakens and starting myself, when I thought, “What am
fresh, and that starts with the costumes I doing? Everyone else is sensibly at
SET and the sets. the other end of the room, and I’m
CRAFTSMANSHIP surrounded by fire!” But then I thought:
Oscar Isaac (Poe just go for it. Phasma wouldn’t be
Kelly Marie Tran Dameron) scared, and you are Phasma. You are
I would go to the set a lot, even if I Being on set and interacting with not scared. That’s very liberating: to
wasn’t working. I would just walk droids and aliens, the actual ships, and throw all of yourself out of the way and
into different departments and look hundreds of extras… All that infuses become someone else. As an actor it’s
at different stages to see what they you with the energy of the scene. quite something to be willing to walk
were doing that day. It was so much through fire and to feel safe.
fun to see the art department and the Daisy Ridley (Rey)
creature department, and production The sets were absolutely amazing. Carrie Fisher (General Leia)
design and costumes. As an audience Stunning. You forget that you’re We had some explosions. I’m a vet with
member, I had never realized how standing on a set, which does make the explosion stuff. Whenever they
much detail and how much time goes it easier. say, “Get ready, we’re going to have the
into everything. It was mind-blowing explosions,” it’s never as loud as they
to think about it, and to realize that I Kelly Marie Tran say it will be. I find that disappointing.
J E D I
was working with the best of the best The Canto Bight set was incredible. I like the explosions!
across all departments. There were hundreds of creatures
and extras. It was the biggest, most
GETTING PHYSICAL
L A S T
Benicio Del Toro (DJ) extravagant set. I walked in and I

It’s amazing to see the craftsmanship couldn’t concentrate because there Adam Driver
T H E
and detail of the sets. If I go to open were things to look at everywhere! Simon Waterson was our physical
a drawer or press a button, you can Then there were the scenes where trainer. The good thing about Star
W a r s :
guarantee it’s a real thing and it really we were running around, and there Wars is they make it really easy for you
works. They’re probably the best set were flames, and stormtroopers, and by hiring the best in the business! The
designers working anywhere in the explosions, and it felt like you were training went beyond getting muscular:
world. They really know the story and really in a war zone. It was such a cool it was about how my character uses
S t a r
allow for unexpected things to happen experience and such a cool thing to be his body. If Kylo Ren has been fighting
a part of. emotionally and physically all his life,
Adam Driver that has to be reflected in the way he
Star Wars is so much a part of our carries himself. You should be able to
vocabulary now that there are some
EXPLOSIVE ACTION get a sense of his temperament from
things that people take for granted. Gwendoline Christie the way he moves, how he fights, from
Everyone understands that people There was a moment when I had his physicality when nothing is being
are wearing masks, but we have to the armor on and they set off these said with words.
01
01 Poe Dameron,
Kaydel Connix,
and the team
keep a close
eye on events
as they unfold.
02 Rey takes aim

on First Order
TIE fighters.
(Right)
03 Kylo Ren deep

in thought.
(Right)

02
Daisy Ridley Gwendoline Christie together to get around the obstacle.

I do struggle with the training, because This is the hardest physical thing That’s something I really enjoy on a Star
physically I have never had to push I’ve done, because of the amazing Wars set. When the people are solid, the
that hard. It’s a psychological thing suit. It looks great, and it’s so shiny running is smooth.
of knowing you can do it more and that other members of the cast and
more. In The Force Awakens, I was crew come and fix their hair in it. But, Laura Dern
allergic to the fake snow, so I wasn’t it’s heavy and it can be very restrictive It’s the Special Forces of the film
able to do as much as I wanted to. This to move in. Normally, you’d do a move industry. You can’t navigate over
time, because I trained hard, I feel like and repeat it all day. In this, you do the 100 sets and not be Special Forces.
I pushed through. But the stunt team move and think: Gosh, is it lunchtime You never see a big crew. I thought
is absolutely amazing for the stuff I yet? It’s a big challenge, but you stick I’d see 125 crewmembers, but it’s so
can’t do. They’re the first people I made with it because it’s a really exciting, fun seamless that I never see more than
relationships with here. They’re my club, and there’s a feeling of joy about 15 people at a time. As an actor, that
boys and girls! being part of the process. I don’t think means you can really believe you are
I’ve been asked to be a part of a club the only people in this isolated space.
Kelly Marie Tran before. This is my first club.
The stunt team is amazing, one of
03
the best in the entire world. You
watched them fight, and it looks real. CAST AND CREW
So, the whole time I was trying to be Benicio Del Toro
as accurate as they were. They showed Coming into The Last Jedi, on the
us how to do different types of fighting heels of The Force Awakens, feels like
and jumping around—even how to working on a winning team. There’s
take a bullet and wield different types of a crew here that has worked on the
weapons. It was hard, but it was really previous movie and is really in sync.
cool. The hardest part for me was doing There’s no wasted time and tempers
any sort of jumping or falling while also don’t flare. Usually on big movies
trying to stay in character! there are so many elements that
have to click. On this one, there’s
Oscar Isaac the feeling that they allow creativity
There’s a stunt scene where Carrie to grow in front of the camera.
Fisher slaps me, and it was one of
the first things we shot. I think we John Boyega
did about 23 takes of that slap! And Unity is so important on a set like
when we had shot it from my side, this. It’s so massive, and there are so
we had to do it again from hers. She many ideas and so many challenges,
just kept slapping me! It was surreal that you need to have a cast and crew
to be in a starship getting slapped by who believe in the same vision. Making
Princess Leia, but it was OK, because a great movie and having a great time
I knew it was an important scene, and doing it is the fundamental goal, so, if
a chance to see some of her fire. something goes wrong, everyone comes

NAME
T H AT
THEME…
Star Wars is a saga of ideas as much
as action, and The Last Jedi explores
an array of themes as part of the
adventure. Conversations with cast
members and writer/director Rian
Johnson help identify some of the
key concepts…
WORDS: SIMON HUGO

J E D I
L A S T
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r
01 How deep does

the dark side of
the Force run
within Ren?
SWI178_034-040_TLJ_Themes.indd 34 20/12/2017 11:27

hat is The Last Jedi all about?

Ask the cast and crew about
W specific plot points, and they

will rightly stay tight-lipped.
They know that spoilers live up
to their name, and aren’t about
to ruin years of work with an off-the-cuff reveal.
But ask them about the movie’s themes and
an interesting thing occurs. Freed from narrow
speculation about who fights who, and whether
so-and-so is a bad guy, they find they can really
talk about what The Last Jedi means to them—
and what they hope it will mean to us.
So, here’s an honest spoiler warning: what

follows really doesn’t contain any spoilers, sorry.
But it is also what The Last Jedi is all about, in the
words of the people who made it.
S t a r
Shades of Gray
To date, the Star Wars saga movies have taken place
W a r s :
in a galaxy of good and evil. With few exceptions,
characters align themselves with the light or the
dark—capable of changing sides, but rarely walking
T H E
the line between the two. But if there is one theme
fans are already expecting to see in The Last Jedi, it’s
L A S T
the gray areas that exist for characters on both sides.
“People are never just one thing,” says Adam
Driver, aka Kylo Ren. “There’s a lot of gray in the
J E D I
world, especially within ourselves, and [writer/
director] Rian Johnson understands that.
“At the center of this epic drama are two
people—Rey and Kylo Ren—who are on opposite
sides but who are only divided by a very thin line.
There’s dark and light in both of them, and in a way
they’re on this journey together, even though they
both feel alone.
“Kylo Ren hasn’t come to terms with the fact
that there is light and dark within him,” concludes
Driver. “It’s still an internal battle, and that’s an
interesting thing that I find fun to play.”
Benicio Del Toro, who plays new character
DJ, agrees with his co-star about playing morally
complex characters—and about Johnson’s
understanding of them.
“It’s fun to walk the line between good and
bad,” he says. “Rian and I talked about similar
characters in other movies, and one that came
up was Eli Wallach in [classic 1996 Western] The
Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. His character, Tuco, is
cunning, but maybe there’s a good side to him—or
maybe not! DJ is like that in that he has to be both
repulsive and attractive, and that’s something the
film takes time to explore.”

A Family Affair 02
Speculation about which recurring
characters might show a different side
in The Last Jedi has seen a lot of fan
attention focus on Luke—something
actor Mark Hamill has been happy to
play along with on social media. In
teasing Twitter posts, he has sent up
fan theories that Luke has turned to
the dark side, and that Luke and Rey
could be related. Though the two
possibilities might seem unrelated at
first, both speak to ideas of affiliation,
and tie into another key theme of the
Star Wars saga at large: family and how
it affects us.
As Hamill himself puts it: “So
much about the previous stories has
to do with lineage. Who’s your father?
Who’s your sister? Wanting to know Swap with Luke picture,
as article leads with luke
what the relationships are has become

an obsession for people, and that’s
and page 33 focuses on
understandable. But this time around,
Leia and female charac-
J E D I
it’s not so simple. It’s broken down

a bit.” ters.
Quite what that means remains
L A S T
as tantalizingly vague as the actor’s

tweets, but his colleagues are at pains
T H E
to make clear that family remains a

defining factor.
W a r s :
“In the original films,” says

Johnson, “if there’s one thing we can
all identify with—to some extent at
least—it’s the battle Luke has with his
S t a r
father. As adolescents, we all want to

reject our parents and tread our own
path. And so, while Darth Vader was a 03
great villain, he was never the one we
identified with. Luke was the one going
through that transition, and Vader is
the scary father he had to navigate to
get to where he wanted to be.
“But now it’s Kylo Ren who’s
transitioning into adulthood—along
with Rey—and hopefully we can
relate to both of them. The anger of
adolescence is as familiar as the hope
Rey feels when she looks up at the stars
on Jakku. She has issues around her
parents, too, so it’s a common thread
that links them both.”
For Kelly Marie Tran, who plays
Resistance technician Rose Tico,
family is also a major motivation.
“Rose’s sister is a Resistance gunner, and
Rose has always lived in her shadow,”
she says. “But more than that, when
I talked to Rian about the character, it
became clear that she had experiences

“If there is one

thing we can all
identify with–to some
extent–at least –it’s
the battle Luke has
with his father.”
Rian Johnson, writer/director
that mirrored that of my own family.

“My parents both left the Vietnam
War, and my dad was a street kid. He
had everything taken away from him
and was very poor growing up. That’s
exactly where Rose’s family is from, so
a lot of the things she is dealing with
are things that I already had inside me.
She has such a specific relationship
with war and family, and I listened to
a lot of podcasts about the Vietnam
War in order to better understand that.”
Come Together
Yet not all families are linked by blood,
and friendships forged through shared
experience can also become a kind
of kin. That is the kind of family that
Star Wars represents for Gwendoline
Christie, the long-time fan now found
inside the armor of Captain Phasma.
“A New Hope is all about outsiders
making their own family,” she says.
“For me, seeing it all those years ago 04
threw up lots of things about what
family means.”
Someone who was part of that And, as if to impress just how important the theme 02 Luke explores a
different side of his
family from the very beginning was of family is to Star Wars in fiction and in real life, personality. (Left)
Carrie Fisher, and in one of the last Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, even had a role in The
interviews she gave before she passed Force Awakens—a part she is reprising for the new film. 03 Family ties keep
Rose‘s focus firmly
away in 2016, she talked about how “Her part [as Lieutenant Kaydel Ko Connix] got on the Resistance.
the theme of commonality has spread bigger and bigger as we went along, so Rian must have (Left)
out into fandom, too. liked her performance,” Fisher reported, proudly. “We
04 The powerful
“For me, it’s about family,” she had a lot of the same scenes together, so I was always General Organa.
said. “That’s what makes Star Wars so telling her what to do! She was really good and fit in
powerful. When I go to Comic-Con, really well. She had a fantastic time and it was great to
I meet lots of people and it’s very see that.”
powerful for them, too. They show
the films to their children and their Independent Women
grandchildren, and share something Leia, Phasma, Connix, and Rose all have very different
that moved them as a child. parts to play in The Last Jedi, yet their disparity is
“I’ve seen a lot of that over the indicative of another major theme in the movie. The
years—like people whose babies are diversity of female role models is a through-line that
in Princess Leia outfits! It creates a can’t be missed—though it is presented without fanfare
community, and anything that does or fuss. The galaxy is full of fascinating characters: it’s
that heals people. If you have one thing just a fact that many of them will be women.
in common, then you can find others.” “One of the first things [Lucasfilm president]

05
Kathy Kennedy told me when she
asked if I’d be interested in doing Star
“In The Last Jedi,
Wars was that the lead character is a there are a lot of really
girl named Rey,” says Johnson. “I was
instantly into that, because it just felt
interesting characters:
right. strong and powerful;
“In The Last Jedi, there are a lot
of really interesting female characters:
weak and conflicted.”
strong and powerful; weak and Rian Johnson, writer/director
conflicted; good and bad. Obviously
Leia came first as a figure that girls
and women could look up to. Now, became iconic. A young woman saving the day
in addition to Leia and Rey, we have wasn’t something we had seen before. And because
Rose, Phasma, and Vice Admiral Holdo, my character is a pupil of Leia’s, I get to continue her
too. There are a lot of kick-ass women legacy as a seer, as a fighter, and as someone who is
in this movie, which is great.” sassy, funny, and no-nonsense. New characters like
Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo is a mine are a tribute to that, and to all of the girls who
new character played by Jurassic Park have fallen in love with Star Wars over the years.”
and Twin Peaks star, Laura Dern. She
spoke to Johnson at length about how New Power Generation
her character should be portrayed in As one of those women who have always loved Star
the movie. Wars, Christie is inclined to agree with Dern.
“It was important for Rian that she “The whole new Star Wars world that came to 06
J E D I
had room to be feminine; ethereal and us in The Force Awakens felt genuinely exciting,”
other-worldly; even spiritual,” says she says. “I was so happy that it felt more reflective
Dern. “She’s a woman in a position of of our modern world. Having the opportunity to
L A S T
power, but she doesn’t dress like a man play the first major female Star Wars villain was
and set out to save the day in military incredible. But more than that, I loved the fact that it
T H E
garb. She is flirtatious and sensual, wasn’t sexualized. The focus was on Phasma’s deeds,
which is an interesting choice and rather than how she looked.
W a r s :
something you don’t often see in film, “There’s been a lot of talk about whether or not
so I was excited to be a part of that. we’ll get to see who Phasma is, but I thought it was
“It’s been an incredibly good time really interesting to have her remain incredibly
because Rian, Kathy, and [The Last mysterious, yet still have a lot of impact. We get a
S t a r
Jedi producer] Ram Bergman care sense of her only through her actions.
deeply about how the characters “I work with a charity called The Circle, which
are represented, and how women in is all about women empowering women. That’s
07
positions of power are represented. To something wonderful that comes out of a job like
have a female protagonist is a really this: characters like Phasma and Rose can really
beautiful thing, and new characters affect change, and give back to an audience. The
like mine are a tribute to that. They opportunity to enhance people’s lives outside of
serve something greater than just entertainment is beautifuI and should be embraced.”
storytelling; they serve to create new Tran herself sees an extra dimension to that
archetypes.” empowerment. “It’s so exciting to see women as
Dern continues: “I think about my badass characters—and to see women of color as
10-year-old daughter, and the idea badass characters,” she says. “It feels like a lot of 05 Having arrived on
Ahch-To a new
that she’s going to have heroines in responsibility to be this person that people will look
sequence of events
this story who all look very different up to, and I just want to do it right.” will take Rey deeper
and have very different qualities and It seems unlikely Tran need have any worries on on her journey to
self discovery.
natures—but who are all fierce—is really that score, but if she needed any guidance about (Right)
exciting to me. being a role model, she could do worse that talk to
“Of course, Carrie started that, and Daisy Ridley, aka Rey. 06 The First Order
poised to crush the
“You know, I never questioned being a heroic Resistance. (Right)
woman in a film,” Ridley says. “I like that, and it’s
07 General Organa’s
thanks to my upbringing. My mum always worked,
long-standing
and so did the other women I grew up around. Some friend, Vice Admiral
of them have families and some don’t, but they are Holdo. (Right)
all inspirational people just living their lives. 08 The ever-confilicted
“Rey is a great role, but not just because she’s a Kylo Ren. (Right)

08
woman. That’s how simple it was to

me. But for a lot of other people it was
a big deal, and it made me think about
the way things are a lot more than I
ever had before. It’s exciting to be a part
of that, and I’m like: Let’s continue!
This is how it should be.”
Power and Control

Of course, power isn’t solely the
purview of women in the Star Wars
universe, and its application is another
strand that binds characters on both
sides in The Last Jedi.
For the First Order, power is the
path to control—but not necessarily
to restraint. As General Armitage
Hux, Domhnall Gleeson serves as an
analogue for its officer class.
“From Hux’s perspective, it’s all
about order,” he says. “It’s called the
First Order for a reason! Individuality
scares him, and the First Order is
all about crushing that and keeping
everything in its ‘right’ place.
“Control is huge for him: control
over his circumstances; control over
people. And the fact that he has no
control over Snoke or Kylo Ren puts
him under extra pressure. Hux likes
discipline, but there’s a wildness to Ren
that inspires Hux’s fear and hatred. But
it also inspires a strange sort of respect,
because it’s another kind of power, and
that’s what Hux really cares about.”

09 Supreme
Leader Snoke
reveals more
of himself in
The Last Jedi.
10 The brutal
General Hux
and his
insatiable
thirst for
power.
09
Captain Phasma, too, is juggling

order and chaos on behalf of the First

Order—something that Christie was
keen to explore.
J E D I
“I talked to Rian a lot about what

sort of person would be driven to
behave in the way she does,” says the
L A S T
actor. “To have such focus and seeming

lack of emotion, yet to have such
T H E
vengeance when it comes to Finn. Hate

is a strong emotion—it’s not like dislike
W a r s :
or irritation—and cold hate is what she

feels toward Finn.
“We thought perhaps it was born
of fear: Finn scares Phasma because he
S t a r
moves her out of her comfort zone. He

has broken free of his confines and is
10
becoming the person he wants to be. He
is a romantic figure—a rebel—and that
sort of freedom terrifies Phasma. She and death, and the decisions made lines of what’s right and wrong, and
likes things to be precise and specific, affect so many. the same goes for too much power—
so his romanticism and his creativity go “It’s also exploring things that even in the hands of the good guys.
against everything she believes is right. haven’t been seen before about what “For me, that’s one of the most
From there, we found the foundation it means to resist and what it means interesting themes, and it says
on which to build up the character.” to win. There are some very truthful something about the nature of
messages about power and the nature rebellion and resistance as well.”
Life During Wartime of power, and how easily those seeking And that brings us full circle—back
For the Resistance, power is exercised it can go one way or the other. to the shades of gray described by
more softly, even in the heat of war. “Vice Admiral Holdo is an Driver and Del Toro. With a movie as
Vice Admiral Holdo is an example interesting character that speaks to the multilayered and meticulously crafted
of this, which could well put her at nature of leadership. She isn’t saying, as The Last Jedi, every theme overlaps
odds with ace pilot Poe Dameron. ‘Look at me, I’m the hero.’ She does with the others, and the few we’ve
And, as actor Oscar Isaac explains, the things more quietly. As for Poe, he covered here are only the beginning.
strengths that Poe has relied on in the can’t just stand on his own anymore as We promised no spoilers, and
past might not to be enough in these the man who gets things done.” when it comes to whether or not it’s
desperate times. Isaac continues: “When someone truly time for the Jedi to end, we have
“One of the themes we get to wants to prove themselves at the nothing more to add. But as a taster of
explore is what it is to be a hero and expense of others, it can be what the saga still has to offer in terms
what it is to be a leader,” he says. detrimental, no matter how noble the of topics and ideas, it seems as if we’re
“They’re in the midst of a war; it’s life aims. Too much ambition can blur the just getting started…

Untitled-1 1 19/12/2017 12:10
R AT I N G
J E D I
RIAN
L A S T
When the cast of The Last Jedi

T H E
talk about its writer/director,

Rian Johnson, they paint a picture of
W a r s :
a modest man with big ideas and an

inspirational attitude, who is ready to
S t a r
take Star Wars in bold new directions.
WORDS: SIMON HUGO
SWI178_042-046_TLJ_RianJohnson_Director.indd 42 18/12/2017 14:43

01 Rian Johnson
takes in the
views on the
set of Ahch-To.

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
J E D I

“Some of the stuff that happens
will surprise people, and I think
that’s really great.”
Daisy Ridley
02
ian Johnson is not I think it comes from the fact that he After Abrams
only the writer and trusts the people that he works with. Of course, no two directors are the
R
J E D I
director of The You really get the sense that he is same, and one of the challenges of
Last Jedi, he has giving you a lot of creative control.” a saga like Star Wars is being consistent
also recently been Speaking in 2016, Carrie Fisher with what has gone before, while also
L A S T
revealed as the (General Organa) also highlighted making it your own. For Johnson, that
driving force behind a whole new Johnson’s blend of personability meant following in the immediate
T H E
trilogy of Star Wars films that will and passion. “Rian has a very specific footsteps of a certain J.J. Abrams.
be separate from the Skywalker saga. vision,” she said, “but he doesn’t seem “To pick up where J.J. Abrams left
W a r s :
Clearly, he is doing something right, like that when you meet him! He’s off and take it further seems like an
but what is it that makes him the not a dominating man, but he has a insurmountable task,” says Driver,
man to take Star Wars to the next dominating vision. He’s a really good “but Rian has done it with ease. He is a
level? Ask the cast, and they are more director and he’s great with actors and great visual storyteller and he is really
S t a r
than happy to count the ways. structuring story.” good at giving direction that is very
“‘Amazing’ doesn’t do Rian Benicio Del Toro (DJ) agrees with playable.”
justice,” enthuses Adam Driver that assessment, too. “Rian is laid Daisy Ridley (Rey) sees just the right
(Kylo Ren). “He comes across as back, but that doesn’t mean he’s not mix of differences and similarities
very unassuming, but he isn’t prepared,” says the Oscar-winning between Johnson and his predecessor.
interested in making something that actor. “He knows his story backwards “Rian and J.J. are similar,” she says, “in
doesn’t have blood coursing through and forwards, which makes him very that they are both fanboys and they
its veins. easy to work with. both know the universe so well, and
“He is appropriately territorial “His attention to detail, his ear for they are both writers and directors.
when he thinks something works,” dialogue, and his general coolness all But they are very different in the kind
he continues, “but he is open to the trickle down through the crew and of energy they bring. Rian’s vibe is
possibility of being wrong. make it a very pleasant experience for very chilled. He knows exactly what
“That’s a great combination, and the actors.” he wants and he can just picture the
Oscar Isaac on Daisy Ridley on Mark Hamill

SHE SAID, Carrie Fisher and Adam Driver
HE SAID… “She was incredibly funny
and witty, and told the most
“Mark and Adam are very different men. Mark’s a
talker and Adam isn’t. Mark has lived a crazy life, a
It’s not just Rian Johnson! amazing stories. The scenes I lot of which has been influenced by Star Wars. He’s
The stars of The Last Jedi are had with her are very heartfelt, older, and he’s a father, so his energy is steadier.
eager to sing the praises of and there’s tenderness to them— Adam is incredible. He has this amazing depth of
their other colleagues, too… even when she slaps me!” emotion. I don’t know anyone else like him.”

02 Rian Johnson directs a shot you can really see why. Independent Spirit
with Daisy Ridley on Ahch-To.
(See previous page) “I’ve never known a set that’s Another actor who has worked with
so relaxed and lighthearted,” she her fair share of directors is Laura Dern
03 Rian and Carrie Fisher explains. “I’ve laughed so much (Vice Admiral Holdo). Perhaps best
explore a scene.
and had such a great time. But, known for her collaborations with
every moment is forensic, and David Lynch, she has also worked with
whole thing in his mind. that’s a rare and beautiful balance. Robert Altman, Clint Eastwood, Paul
“With the crazy success of The “Rian puts you at ease and asks Thomas Anderson, and, of course,
Force Awakens, there was a lot of you what you think about the story Steven Spielberg on Jurassic Park.
pressure to keep things feeling good,” and how you feel about the dialogue. “I’ve spent my life having different
she adds. “But it’s been really positive That’s an incredible freedom to give experiences and have always been
and everyone feels like it’s going in the an actor. It makes you feel more very fortunate to work with directors
right direction. invested in the project, and it makes who want to mine the material and
“Rian has written a story that for a better film.” find more in it,” says Dern. “What’s
people won’t expect, and it stands as Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker) has amazing about Rian is that you don’t
its own thing as well as being a bridge worked with many creators over the expect to have that process on
to the next one. Some of the stuff that years, and he can only concur. a blockbuster film like Star Wars.
happens will surprise people, and I “If you look at Rian’s movies, each “You get it on independent films
think that’s really great.” one is different than the last,” he and—I have to say—Kathy Kennedy
For John Boyega (Finn), Johnson’s says. “You can’t pigeonhole him and and Steven Spielberg were very diligent

input has been exactly what the say: that’s the kind of film he makes. about everything being very character
saga needed at this point. “Rian has And that’s true of The Last Jedi. It’s so driven on Jurassic Park, too. But when
elevated the stories of the individual different in many ways—subtle ways— I arrived to do this, I didn’t expect that
S t a r
characters and made them fresh and but it is satisfying in terms of delivering level of exploration, and Rian’s been
new,” he says. “He has really paid what the fans want to see as well.” wonderfully committed to it.
attention to detail, and his notes have
W a r s :
been specific and honest. The best
directors know how to collaborate, and
he has done just that.” “He’s not a dominating man,
T H E
Laughter on Set
but he has a dominating vision.
He’s a really good director and
L A S T
Johnson’s rise to prominence began
with Brick, a low-budget crime thriller
he wrote and directed in 2005. He took
he’s great with actors and
J E D I
the same dual credit on con-man caper structuring story.”
The Brothers Bloom (2008) and mind-
Carrie Fisher
bending time-travel thriller Looper
(2012) before he landed the Star Wars
gig. Gwendoline Christie (Captain
Phasma) is one of many fans of his
earlier work.
“Rian Johnson’s films are so
beautifully, brilliantly, and intelligently
executed,” she says. “They have such
depth, but a real lightness of touch. His
wonderful personality and his sense of
humor are all over them, and on set 03
Carrie Fisher on Rian Johnson on Adam Driver on Mark Hamill

Mark Hamill Laura Dern “Mark is very approachable, totally available,
“I always think of him as Luke. “Laura is a great actor who and willing to talk about anything you want.
Mark and I have a very sibling-like makes unexpected choices. She He wants it to be good, and he wants to talk
relationship. Our relationships in has a real humanity to her, even about it and make it as connected as possible
the movie are very much like our when she’s being tough. She is and as deep as possible. Harrison Ford and
relationships in life. We take care definitely not your average, hard- Carrie Fisher were like that, too. They had
of each other, in a way.” ass, cigar-chomping admiral!” a youthful ambition to make it the best.”

“He makes remarkable movies with

an independent vision, and we worked
as we would on any independent
film. I think that’s why Rian is making
something so special. It’s in keeping
with what J.J. Abrams set up—which is
a return to character-based stories that
have a simplicity to them—and I think
that audiences will be thrilled.”
Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) is a
newcomer compared to Hamill and
Dern. He got his big break working
with the Coen Brothers as the star
of 2013’s Inside Llewyn Davis, but
he had plenty of indie experience 04 Director hall of
beforehand. He does see differences fame! Rian updates
J.J Abrams’
when it comes to making Star Wars— signature on the
albeit ones that are alleviated by Millenium Falcon.
having Johnson at the helm.
“It’s a massive undertaking, and
there are so many people around that

it’s not really like an indie movie at is that it didn’t feel like work at all. that make people want to go that extra
all,” he argues. “But Rian has created “Rian is one of my favorite people mile on his behalf.
J E D I
a space within that where we can really in the world,” she says. “As a director, “Rian Johnson is one of the nicest
delve into the characters and explore he is so open and collaborative. And people I’ve ever met,” says Hamill, as
them. It’s those moments—where even though he wrote it, he isn’t if to assuage any last doubts. “He’d
L A S T
there’s no sense of a pressing clock— precious about the words. If an actor be a friend of mine even if we didn’t
that have an indie quality. felt that something wasn’t working, work together. Every so often you
T H E
“On The Force Awakens there was or if someone wanted to talk through meet someone like him, who has such
an enthusiasm and a momentum that something, he was totally ready a passion for film and television and
W a r s :
pushed everything forward. This time, for that. pop culture, and I had this instant
the characters are getting tested in a “I know that I’m very lucky, connection with him.
more complicated way, so it’s right that because even though it’s a huge movie, “He came over to my house to get to
we get to explore things a little more.” it felt more like I was hanging out know me, and we hung out and talked
S t a r
Isaac is also a talented guitarist, with friends. There was no pressure about this, that, and the other.
which gives him another insight into there, and that’s important for an I invited him into my den where I keep
Johnson’s approach. “Rian reminds actor, because you need to be in a all my DVDs, toys, and memorabilia,
me of a West Coast jazz musician,” he comfortable place if you’re going to be and we watched some [of Phil Silvers’
concludes. “He knows his scale and he honest in the moment. 1950s sitcom] Sergeant Bilko. I don’t
knows what he’s playing, but he’s open “Rian was so good at inspiring that ask just anyone into my den to watch
to trying out new things, too. He’s very trust, and I think everyone on set felt Sergeant Bilko, but Rian has a golden
laid-back, but very sharp.” as comfortable as me.” ticket in my book!
Of all the terms used to describe “He is so gifted a filmmaker. He told
Writer, Director, Friend working with Johnson, ‘friendship’ me, in so many words, to stop acting
Another newcomer is Kelly Marie and ‘trust’ are perhaps the most telling. and just to ‘be’. There’s no one more
Tran (Rose Tico). What she values While his output inspires respect and deserving of trust I can think of than
most about working with Johnson admiration, it is his personal qualities Rian Johnson.”
Kelly Marie Tran on John Boyega Gwendoline Christie Kelly Marie Tran on
“John is so naturally funny, and just very generous on Kelly Marie Tran Benicio Del Toro
and giving. We were always laughing and joking “Kelly is such a talented and “John [Boyega] and I are obsessed
around, but I learned so much from him, too. warm and ebullient human being. with Benicio Del Toro! He’s so
We immediately hit it off because his parents are She inspires such joy in me! She is amazing, and we learned so much
immigrants and so are mine, and we had quite so hilarious and glorious and fun from him. Every time he did
similar upbringings. He was the best partner I that I know she will be a positive anything, we would just turn to each
could have had on a massive movie like this.” role model for girls and women.” other and say, ‘He’s such a legend!’”

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Star Wars The Last Jedi_Book1_Approved.indd 2 19/12/2017 09:50

RIAN
JOHNSON’S
G U I D E TO
T H E GA L A X Y
The writer/director at the helm of The Last Jedi
shares some behind-the-scenes insights about the
new worlds and species seen in the movie.
WORDS: SIMON HUGO

J E D I
athleen Kennedy What look did you settle on for

once described Rian Canto Bight?
K Johnson as “moving For the costumes, I told our designer,

L A S T
the camera as well as Michael Kaplan, that I wanted to see

Steven Spielberg.” what the Armani tuxedo of the Star
T H E
It’s high praise Wars world looks like. I didn’t want

indeed, and as Johnson was recently the outfits to look very ornate or
W a r s :
announced as the creator of an sci-fi—I wanted it to feel like these

all-new Star Wars trilogy, there’ll be guys could show up at the Oscars,
more to come. But for now, there’s the and you’d buy it. We created a very
small matter of the middle chapter of rich, warm environment with the set,
S t a r
the new trilogy. so I wanted all the costumes to be just

black and white, and Michael did an
What new destinations do we extraordinary job.
visit during The Last Jedi? The casino set was the biggest that
One of the new planets we go to is we built, and we just filled it up with
Cantonica, where the city of Canto incredible, practical [as opposed to
Bight is located. It’s kind of the Monte CGI] creatures. A lot of them are just
Carlo of the Star Wars universe, where there in the background, but they
the galaxy’s one percent hang out. create this incredible palette. Neal
We’ve seen luxury before, in the Scanlan and his creature department
prequels, so there is some precedent did an insane amount of amazing
for it design-wise, but it was still a fun creatures. You can keep going back and
challenge figuring out what it should seeing new ones in the background
look like. that you hadn’t noticed before.
The other big new world is Crait,
which is a mineral planet. I had a What’s it like working with so many
really specific visual idea for Crait practical creatures?
from the start: it would be white, Entering Neal’s workshop is like
thanks to a thin layer of salt, and walking into Willy Wonka’s Chocolate
then under that would be ruby red. Factory, and it was my favorite place to
I liked the whole notion of what a review stuff. His team would sketch out
battle on a planet like that would look designs for these creatures, and then
like. It felt like it would give incredible we would pick ones to proceed with.
possibilities in terms of design. The next step would be a sculpture,
SWI178_048-051_TLJ_RianJohnsonINTER.indd 48 20/12/2017 11:32


S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
01 Rian Johnson
offers some
directorial
advice to Joonas
Suotamo
(Chewbacca).

and then a working puppet. By that 02

point, you could get six inches away,
look into its eyes, and believe it was a
real, living creature. It was just
absolutely extraordinary.
Did it take long for you to learn

the visual language of Star Wars?
In terms of design, we had a lot
of early conversations about what
makes something feel like Star Wars.
It’s an interesting balance, trying to 03
design new things that also feel like
they could be in a toy box from 1977.
Luckily, designers like Kevin Jenkins
and James Clyne at ILM are able to
hone in on the Star Wars feel of
things instantly.
In terms of shooting, Steve [Yedlin,
cinematographer) and I looked at The
Empire Strikes Back as a reference and

figured out pretty quickly that we
couldn’t just copy the look of previous
04
J E D I
Star Wars movies—it would be like

going through your day trying to
imitate someone else’s accent. I had
L A S T
to tell the story in a way that’s visually

exciting to me, and after starting
T H E
out trying to be very formal with the

composition of each shot, the camera
W a r s :
moves started getting more and more

groovy. Eventually we gave in and
said: “You know what? We just have
to make this movie look cool the
S t a r
05
way we think it would look cool.”
How many sets were built for the

movie in total?
We shot for about 100 days and we
had something like 114 sets, which
is insane. The entirety of Pinewood
Studios was just us: every single stage.
It was like a big game of Tetris in terms
of shuffling things around. “You’re
done with this set? OK, so let’s instantly
tear it down and build another while
you’re shooting over there.”
But it was really worth having What real-world locations did you Warwick Davis. It was a night shoot,
all those practical sets [rather than visit during the shoot? so I ended up hanging out with him
relying on greenscreen and CGI]. We did some traveling. We went high in an alleyway at two in the morning,
When you watch the film, it gives up in the salt flats of Bolivia to get listening to stories about Willow and
that sense of everything being elements for the battle on Crait, and Return of the Jedi !
grounded in the real world. A big to the city of Dubrovnik in Croatia for
part of what defines this world is the a chase scene in Canto Bight. I had And you returned to Ireland,
feeling that you could reach out and been to Dubrovnik before, and it’s which is briefly seen as Ahch-To
touch it. Combining the tactile, real one of the most beautiful cities on at the end of The Force Awakens?
sets with all that Ben Morris and his the planet. Yes, the big location was Ireland. A
ILM team can do is what makes Star We went there with a second unit, big chunk of the movie takes place
Wars feel really special. and one of the actors in the scene is on Luke’s island, which is actually

02 Finn takes
control of his ski
speeder on the
mineral world
of Crait. (Left)
03 Chewbacca and
a porg aboard the
Falcon. (Left)
04 The First Order’s

military might
faces the
Resitance. (Left)
05 General Organa
faces a personal
crisis as Kylo Ren
attacks the fleet.
(Left)
06 Poe, Finn and

Kaydol Connix
witness the First
Order’s terrifying
advance.
07 Rey confronts

Luke on Ahch-To.
08 Showdown! Finn
is reunited with
S t a r
his former boss,
Captain Phasma.
W a r s :
06
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
07 08
a couple of locations. One is Skellig were shot nearby in County Kerry, instantly in the scene. We could have
Michael, which is a tiny, uninhabited which shares the same attributes, but just set up a greenscreen, but when you
island off the southwest coast of is far more accessible. watch it, you can tell it is actually real.
Ireland, and the other is a stretch We had so much fun shooting
of the nearby mainland. in Ireland, and the Irish crew was Tell us about the porgs…
Skellig is a bird sanctuary and a amazing. They built the set that Every time they would come out on
UNESCO World Heritage Site, so we Luke is living in—cantilevered over to the set, our first assistant director,
could only shoot there for two days. a massive cliff, just outside of Dingle. Jamie Christopher, would say, “Ladies
It is quite inaccessible, and we had They even built a temporary road for and gentlemen, please welcome the
to really pick our battles in terms of everyone to get up to it. It was a porgs!” We joked that they shouldn’t
what we could shoot there. The vast massive project, but totally worth it, be with us on set: they should be out
majority of the scenes set on the island because once you’re up there, you’re playing gigs!

J E D I
The Last Jedi

Behind
L A S T
the scenes
T H E
W a r s :
01 Johnson and Bergman listen to

Joonas Suotamo (Chewbacca).
02 Johnson and the crew shoot

on a waterlogged set.
S t a r
03 The crew get a close-up shot of Rey

handing over the lightsaber to Luke
Skywalker on Ahct-To. (Right)
01
02
SWI178_052-055_TLJ_BehindScenes.indd 52 20/12/2017 11:36

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
03

04
The Last Jedi

Behind
the scenes
04 Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie)
rules the scene as the crew capture her
work.
05 Finn (John Boyega) and Rose Tico (Kelly

Marie Tran) share a hearty laugh on set.
(Right)
06 Veteran commander Admiral Ackbar proudly

shows off the number of filming days.
J E D I
07 Rian Johnson sees Carrie Fisher right

during filming, as Leia takes command
of the Raddus.
L A S T
06
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r

05

S t a r
W a r s :
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
07

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SWI_SE_HA_version 5.indd 1 19/12/2017 09:53

The Last Jedi

Concept Art
The beautiful illustrations that helped
inspire the movie.

S t a r
W a r s :
01
T H E
L A S T
J E D I
02
01 Luke Skywalker oversees as Rey sits in
meditation on Ahch-To. Art by Justin Sweet
02 Luke, Chewie, and Rey gather around the

fire to keep warm. Art by James Carson and
Rick Heinrichs
SWI178_057-060_TLJ_ConceptArt.indd 57 20/12/2017 11:38

03
J E D I
L A S T
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r
04

03 AT-M6 Walkers
head into battle.
Art by Kevin
Jenkins. (Left)
04 The Resistance in
formation in the
trenches on Crait.
Art by Kevin
Jenkins. (Left)
05 The ultralight ski

speeders race
across Crait.
05

06 06 Performance
artists Rhomby and
Parallela Grammus.
07 The well-heeled
visitors to Canto
Bight mingle. Art
by Mauro Borelli
and Aaron McBride
08 Attack on the hangar

bay as Poe and BB-8
are thrown back by
an explosion. Art by
Kevin Jenkins
07
J E D I
L A S T
T H E
W a r s :
S t a r
08

32246 SW Front Lines Full page for Star Wars Insider magazine.indd 1 19/12/2017 09:55
D O YO U R E M E M B E R
T H E F I R S T T I M E ...?
Some of the stars of The Last Jedi weren’t even born when the
original trilogy came out—while others were at the heart of it! Here,
they reflect on when they first encountered the galaxy far, far away…
J E D I
L A S T
T H E
DOMHN ALL GLEESON
D O M HNA LL G LE E S O N
W a r s :
GEN ERAL H U X
The sheer size of Star Wars is what I recall from when I was a
S t a r
kid. I hadn’t seen the original movies all the way through, but
I still knew all about it.
“Later, I saw the prequels in the cinema, and I also saw the
originals on a big screen when I was getting ready to do The Force
Awakens. That’s the way everybody should see Star Wars: in a
cinema full of people, on the big screen!
OSC AR ISAAC
OSCAR ISAAC
P O E DA M E R O N
The first movie I saw in

D A ISY R I DLE Y
the theater was Return
DAISY RID L EY of the Jedi. I would only have
RE Y been four or five years old,
and it really stayed with me.
My first memory of Star Wars is going to the cinema and I remember the moment
being terrified! But culturally it’s so massive that it reached Darth Vader’s helmet came
me through osmosis over the years. Even people who have never off, revealing this vulnerable
seen it have more awareness than they think. Look around and man. It was very shocking to
you’ll see T-shirts and hear references and quotes… It’s crazy! me. I was also a big fan of the
It’s literally everywhere, and it feels as if it always has been. Ewoks!
SWI178_062-063_TLJ_Memories.indd 62 18/12/2017 15:45

MARK HAMILL
M A R K HA M I LL
L U K E SK Y WAL K ER

I have so many memories from the
early days that it’s hard to single
S t a r
one out. But doing the cantina sequence
was an experience I’ll never forget. That
and swinging across the chasm with the
W a r s :
BENICIO DEL TORO
Princess! We were in harnesses and flown
BENICIO DEL TO RO by the people who developed that system
DJ to fly Peter Pan on Broadway in the 1950s!
T H E
It was so much fun and I was ready to do it
I was in New York City in the summer of ’77, and a stranger came over to me in a again, but sadly they had four cameras
L A S T
restaurant and handed me a little booklet from a movie he’d just seen. He said, and they got it in one take. I was so
‘This movie has just opened and you have got to see it!’ disappointed! But then someone said,
‘You really want to fly? Unhook him from
J E D I
“That was my introduction to Star Wars, and so obviously I went to see it. Then, when I Carrie.’ Then they flew me all around the
went back to Puerto Rico I was the one telling everyone else about it! But in those days it set. It’s the closest to playing Peter Pan I’ll
took about five months for movies to come to Puerto Rico, so I was this kid talking about ever get! So is there one moment I
a movie that would never show up! Luckily I had the book this guy had given me, and I remember more than any other? No.
think I still have it somewhere! There are a million moments!
GWEN DOLIN E C HRIST IE
G W E ND O LI NE C HR I S T I E
CAPTAIN PH ASMA
I saw my first Star Wars film when I was six. I

thought it was so exciting and had so many
incredible elements: the misfit rebels, the dark side…
That image of the two droids in the sand was the
weirdest thing I’d ever seen. It’s our most ancient story
of good versus evil, but told in the most fascinating,
light-hearted, funny way.
“I thought it was a beautiful story, and it was so powerful

that it has stayed with me, as it has stayed with millions
of other people. It’s woven into our consciousness now,
and it resonates in a way that not many things do. It’s
such an outrageously surreal thing to be a part of!
SWI178_062-063_TLJ_Memories.indd 63 18/12/2017 15:45

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LEIA ORGANA
AN UNFORGETTABLE HERO
Insider looks back on the character Carrie Fisher

made her own, and picks 10 immortal Leia
moments that will live forever in the hearts of fans.
WORDS: TRICIA BARR
S
electing 10 memorable moments for a character
should be an easy task. But consider the legacy of
Leia Organa in the Star Wars universe and beyond it,
and you realize it is no such thing. Leia is heroic and
flawed, like any good character should be, and so was Carrie
Fisher, the actor who portrayed her.
Fisher was candid about her own life, and made us laugh,
even when she was hurting on the inside. She was aware of
how important her character was to fans facing their own
struggles, especially when they involved mental illness,
substance abuse, or bigotry—all battles that she fought herself.
Little girls aspired to be Leia in 1977, and little girls are still
putting on the white robes and signature buns to this day.
But what are the moments that make her character resonate?
Is it the princess planting a kiss on the dashing hero before
they swing across a chasm? The adopted daughter seeing
her father’s world destroyed? Or the mother asking her
former partner to bring their child home? There are so
many instances throughout the saga that fans could
cite as their favorite instance of Leia gracing the
screen. Here are a few that are special to me.
SWI178_066-073_FEAT_LeiaMoments.indd 66 18/12/2017 11:57

10
IntroDUCing a hero
Fearless. That is the main
trait that comes to mind when
we first meet Princess Leia in
A New Hope. She is confident
in the face of adversity, and
has the steely composure of a
warrior. As the movie continues,
everything we see of her only
reinforces our initial assessment.
Indeed, over 40 years of the
Star Wars franchise, nothing has
made the character waver from
those traits. We have seen her as
a daughter, a lover, a friend, and
a mother, but always as a
woman who defies fear. When
she reappears in The Force
Awakens, she still radiates the
confidence needed to lead the
Resistance, and inspires it in
others—now as a general.
From the start, everything
we learn about her is garnered
through “show not tell”
techniques. A woman concealed
by a hood hides something in a
small droid. As the droid leaves,
she peeks out from cover and
draws back her hood to reveal
herself. Immediately, we know
she is hunted, she is beautiful,
and she is brave. She is clearly
a fighter, as she draws a weapon,
but she is also a tactician, as she
allows herself to be captured so
that her droid can escape. It is
a selfless, heroic moment. She
is then taken to Darth Vader,
but does not cower before his
towering figure. Instead she
asserts her rights, insisting that
she is on a diplomatic mission.
Everything we have seen so far
suggests otherwise, and we can
only admire her brazen attitude
in the face of overwhelming
odds. Though she seems
doomed, we know this character
will be one to watch.

LEIA ORGANA
09
Self-Rescuing
Princess
The escape from the Death
Star detention block is one
of Star Wars’ most iconic
scenes. From Han’s awkward
conversation with Imperials to
Luke’s breathless introduction
as he bursts into Leia’s cell, the
rescuers seem to be in over their
heads. But the prisoner remains
calmly acerbic, with Leia coolly
declaring Luke “a little short for
a stormtrooper,” and critiquing
the lack of an escape plan even
as she gratefully flees with her
rescuers.
This is the first time that Leia,
Luke, and Han are all together,
and they quickly fall into their
familiar roles. The rebel leader
Leia takes charge, snatching
Luke’s blaster and firing across
08
the hall to a spot right next to a sense of structure and tradition
Han. Han shows his trademark in a galaxy that the Empire would
incredulity as she explains: remake as new. In storytelling
“Someone has to save our skins. terms, her presence on the dais
Into the garbage chute, flyboy!” reminds us just how important
Luke is the only one not to she is to the Rebel Alliance, even
question Leia’s actions (even after the destruction of her home
Chewie has his doubts), acting planet, Alderaan.
on youthful, reckless bravery, Of course, in this moment
and perhaps already feeling
a bond of trust with Leia.
Yavin Medal we are not invited to remember
Alderaan: it is a scene of triumph,
Ceremony and—in a way—the best tribute
the atomized planet could have.
Leia does many awesome Life finds a way, and the young,
things over the course of A New vivacious princess flirting with
Hope, but in keeping with her two handsome men represents
selflessness, she doesn’t give herself the fun, romantic spirit that the
an award at the end of it. When Empire simply cannot quash, even
she presents medals to Luke and with a superlaser. Leia has a new
Han, she does so as a princess and outfit and new hair, the assembled
a symbol of something greater. She audience is huge, the medals are
has responsibilities beyond those magnificent, and the music is
of other rebel fighters, and must rousing. It is a lavish, uplifting
stand apart from time to time. scene that makes the heart soar
The pomp of her role provides and imaginations run wild.

LEIA ORGANA
07
Briefing the Pilots on Hoth
Some Leia scenes gain greater significance
with hindsight. The Hoth scenes in The Empire
Strikes Back include some fun Leia moments
that build on the romantic possibilities set up
in A New Hope. Yet it is the briefing of the rebel
pilots on the icy planet that invites reassessment
after seeing The Force Awakens. Whereas, in
A New Hope, Leia is the natural leader of a small
group, and a proficient fighter, on Hoth she is
already in her element as a military commander.
The screenplay captures this accepted authority
in a few lines:
LEIA: All troop carriers will assemble at the

north entrance. The heavy transport ships will
leave as soon as they’re loaded. Only two fighter
escorts per ship. The energy shield can only be
opened for a short time, so you’ll have to stay
very close to your transports.
HOBBIE: Two fighters against a Star Destroyer?
LEIA: The ion cannon will fire several shots to
make sure that any enemy ships will be out of
your flight path. When you’ve gotten past the
energy shield, proceed directly to the rendezvous
point. Understood?
PILOTS: (in unison) Right. OK.
LEIA: Good luck.
She might still be known as ‘Princess,’ but

to all intents and purposes, this is our first
glimpse of ‘General’ Leia. She is an even more
empowering figure than the one we meet in A
New Hope, and in 1980, she helped to convince
a generation of women that they had a place in
the military and other high-status strategic roles.
The scene remains inspirational today.

LEIA ORGANA
06
says she has finished “welding
the valves she has been working
on” on the Falcon as Han steps
in to the confined area to help
her “reengage the system.”
In this moment, we can feel
Leia resisting the temptation to
give into the proximity and the
attraction. It starts out with a
The Kiss return to the playful repartee.
Han calls Leia “Your Worship”
If romance is your thing, and she asks him to stop. She
The Empire Strikes Back delivers calls him a scoundrel, and he
it in spades. Much of it is played accepts the insult with delight.
for laughs, which lightens the dire All the while Han is moving
situation on Hoth—such as when closer and Leia’s inner conflict
Han comes back for Leia to make becomes more obvious. Then
sure she escapes from Echo Base. Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford
The snarky banter that follows sets deliver on an ambitious moment
up a woman who is trying to stay in the screenplay:
emotionally detached. Dedicated
to thinking about others’ safety, HAN: You’re trembling.
she finds herself faced with a LEIA: I’m not trembling.
man who thinks about hers—and Then with an irresistible
is therefore forced to think about combination of physical strength
her own needs, too. The tension and emotional power, the space
builds as Han chips away at the pirate begins to draw Leia toward
wall she erected after Alderaan him...very slowly.
was destroyed. HAN: You like me because I’m a
Even as the story builds toward scoundrel. There aren’t enough
the release of this tension, Leia is scoundrels in your life.
portrayed as capable. The script Leia is now very close to Han and
as she speaks, her voice becomes an
excited whisper, a tone completely
in opposition to her words.
LEIA: I happen to like nice men.
HAN: I’m a nice man.
LEIA: No, you’re not. You’re...
He kisses her now, with slow, hot

lips. He takes his time, as though
he had forever, bending her body
backward…
To see Leia give in to feelings of
intimacy is rare and unexpected.
It is a standard storytelling move
for a male hero to convince a
woman of his charms, but here the
moment is more about Leia than it
is about Han. This is owing to the
skill with which the character has
been written and performed up to
this point, and it makes the kiss
beautiful. Leia is enriched by her
romance, rather than reduced to
the side role of ‘love interest,’ and
fans continue to find satisfaction
and empowerment in how it plays
out in this movie.

LEIA ORGANA
04
Ewok First Contact
After pursuing a personal quest to
rescue Han in the first act of Return
of the Jedi, Leia returns to the thick
of the fight against the Empire.
Before long, she is on Endor,
piloting a speeder bike as part of a
coordinated attack on the second
Death Star: the latest iteration of
the superweapon that destroyed
her homeworld. For a presumed
first-timer, Leia handles the bike like
a boss—her latent Force abilities no
doubt allowing her to keep up with
Luke. But a scout trooper gets off
a lucky shot, causing Leia to crash
05
mentor, “Ben” Kenobi. We and pass out.
know from A New Hope that When she wakes up, Leia has a
Ben can still reach out to Luke new companion: a small, bear-like
through the Force, but Luke does creature that is eyeing her with
not get the spectral assistance he caution and curiosity. Though the
is presumably hoping for. Instead, creature doesn’t look like a serious
it is Leia who senses her brother’s threat, Leia knows well enough
plight (though she doesn’t yet not to judge by appearances, and
know they are related), and turns affords it respect and space. This
The Force the Falcon around to go back and leads to a tentative alliance that
Calls to Her find him.
Does Ben nudge Luke’s own
proves surprisingly instrumental
in the downfall of the Empire.
In 1980, the world sat stunned Force powers in Leia’s direction, On a straightforward level, it’s a
as Darth Vader revealed, “No. I am or help Leia’s own sensitivity on its heartwarming scene that makes
your father.” Yet while that one way? Do Luke and Leia unwittingly good on Leia’s earliest claims to be
moment has become a shorthand tune into a Force link they have a diplomat. On a broader scale, it’s
for the entire Skywalker saga, always had without realizing it? indicative of how Leia’s sometimes
The Empire Strikes Back contains Perhaps the best part of this scene is snarky attitude is merely a shield
another key moment for that that we can all decide for ourselves for a deep humanity—something
crucial clan. Though it would not and have lively, fun-filled debates that proves as powerful against the
become a movie title for another about it. Empire as Luke’s mercy for Darth
35 years, the idea that the Force What is not up for debate, Vader in their final reckoning.
could awaken within a character however, is that Leia takes control
was seeded as Leia sensed Luke’s of the situation without pause.
peril on Cloud City. Where Luke She does not stop to question her
himself had trained to unlock his instincts or to weigh up the odds.
Force potential, Leia’s awakening is Having just lost Han to the carbon-
spontaneous and—tantalizingly— freeze chamber, she is not about to
never fully explained. ignore a chance to save Luke, and
As Luke hangs by his one hand the call to action is just the sliver of
from an antenna on the underside hope she needs. In that moment,
of Cloud City, still reeling from the Force is perhaps her own
Vader’s revelation, he calls out to his salvation as much as it is Luke’s.

LEIA ORGANA
03
a diplomat, Leia has a hard time
disguising her horror when Luke
reveals his lineage to her. But then he
also tells her that she is his sister, and
therefore Vader’s daughter, too! Leia
accepts this news with a simple: “I
know. Somehow, I’ve always known,”
but still the truth clearly shocks her.
When Luke leaves and Han enters, she
Brother and Sister has no words to explain to him what
she has learned, but takes comfort in
Return of the Jedi is undoubtedly his presence nonetheless. At first, Han
memorable for its big set pieces and is angry that Leia and Luke are keeping
special effects, but its story works secrets from him, but this swiftly
because of the intimate character passes. As Leia trusts Luke to face their
moments. Perhaps the only thing father despite the risks, so Han has
harder than finding out you are learned to support Leia’s choices, and
the child of the galaxy’s most to stand by her regardless. As the core
fearsome bad guy is admitting that of a rebellion built on trust, they are
you are the child of the galaxy’s all part of a family, whether or not
most fearsome bad guy. Even for they are bonded by blood.
02
Reunion With Han Solo
With a new generation of
heroes on the front line in The
Force Awakens, Leia’s screen time
is markedly reduced. Her presence,
however, is felt throughout the
film. For a start, it is Leia who has
been instrumental in establishing
the New Republic that has brought many deeply personal losses— option in story terms. But it has
relative peace to the galaxy. Again, it her brother, her son, her husband— still more significance for audiences
is General Leia who has spearheaded and yet she fights on with quiet who know the battles Carrie Fisher
the Resistance against the First Order resilience. When she is reunited with fought in her own personal life.
when the New Republic has proved Han, her composure almost falters, For Leia to have had an easy time
too peaceful for its own good. Rey but she holds it together over the past 30 years would have
is inspired by the Resistance long and they exchange a few words— shattered the symbiosis that existed
before she meets Leia, and is no an awkward echo of their one-time with actor and character, and done
doubt representative of many others back and forth. It’s a stark reminder a disservice to Fisher’s own life story.
across the galaxy who believe in the that heroes stay human, and that As a result of these choices,
same things (even if they lack Rey’s their stories don’t finish when their and Fisher’s subtle, sensitive
innate abilities). epic quests are complete. performance, Leia’s return to the
But for all that Leia is a To reintroduce Leia in such screen is a triumph, and as her
figurehead in The Force Awakens, a different place from where body language lets us know that
she is also allowed her intimate cinemagoers left her in Return of the she still loves Han, we can’t help but
moments. She has suffered Jedi is daring and far from an easy be reminded that we still love Leia.

LEIA ORGANA
GENERAL SLAYER
Carrie Fisher could slay anyone with
her wit, and she brought that sharp
tongue to her portrayal of Princess
Leia as well. Here are just some of
Leia’s best and funniest lines.
“Governor Tarkin, I should have
expected to find you holding
Vader’s leash. I recognized your
foul stench when I was brought on
board.” (A New Hope)
“Aren’t you a little short for a
stormtrooper?” (On first meeting
the disguised Luke Skywalker in
A New Hope)
“You came in that thing? You’re
braver than I thought.” (On first
seeing the Millennium Falcon in
A New Hope)
“Will somebody get this big walking
carpet out of my way?”
(On Chewbacca in A New Hope)
01
Resistance base, Leia locks
eyes with Rey, who witnessed “Why you stuck up, half-witted,
scruffy-looking, nerf-herder!” (To
Han’s death and Kylo Ren’s rage
Han after he brags about her to
on Starkiller Base. Heavy with her Luke and Chewie in The Empire
loss, Leia holds Rey, and the pair Strikes Back)
seem to support each other. But
“I don’t know where you get your
this is not the act of a widow delusions, laser brain.” (To Han in
seeking solace; it is the work of a The Empire Strikes Back)
tireless empath, giving comfort to
Leia Hugs Rey relieve another’s pain.
“Would it help if I got out and
pushed?” (To Han when the
Decades earlier, Leia embraced Millennium Falcon stalls on Hoth
Not long after she asks her new friend Luke as he mourned in The Empire Strikes Back)
Han to bring back their son, the loss of his mentor, Ben Kenobi. “You have your moments. Not many
she realizes she has lost him Now Luke is missing, and a new of them, but you do have them.”
forever. As she senses his death young friend needs her help to (To Han, with a peck on the cheek,
after he hides the Falcon amid
through her connection to the come to terms with the loss of her
an Imperial Star Destroyer’s trash
Force, she is left in the darkest own mentor—Han. It is a moment release in The Empire Strikes Back)
place she has been since the of beautiful symmetry, but also
“Oh, it’s not like that at all. He’s my
destruction of Alderaan, all those of circularity, as it is Rey who will
brother.” (To Han when he asks if
years ago. Leia hasn’t simply lost finally track down Luke, and seek she loves Luke in Return of the Jedi)
a husband; the fact he is slain to cast him in the role of mentor,
“When did that ever help? And
by Kylo Ren means she is losing too. Luke is the start and end point
don’t say the Death Star.” (To Han,
her son all over again. When the of the circle, but Leia is the thread when he says he is trying to be
Millennium Falcon returns to the that gives it shape. helpful in The Force Awakens)

JEDI CHALLENGES
SWI178_074-078_FEAT_VRFeature.indd 74 20/12/2017 10:37

JEDI CHALLENGES
Jedi challenge
Rising to the
challenge
Want to battle Kylo Ren in your own home? Or turn your
living room into the Millennium Falcon with your very own
holochess table? With new augmented reality game Jedi
Challenges, you can do just that, writes Megan Crouse
ightsabers mean Jedi Challenges is a new augmented
different things reality (AR) game that brings lightsaber
L to different people.
For a Sith Lord,
they are mighty,
play into the living room. Complete
with an authentic lightsaber hilt
controller, it uses Lenovo’s Mirage AR
dangerous weapons. technology to track your movements
For anyone under the protection of as you battle opponents seen through
a Jedi, they can be beacons of hope. an immersive headset.
But for many Star Wars fans in the real Your smartphone slots into the
world, they are simply the ultimate toy. headset to become your window on

JEDI CHALLENGES
this exciting world. What you see weapon in a very specific—and fun! And you have to defeat your own
while playing is not some involved —“training” experience. fear to be the better combatant.”
alien environment, but your own Insider spoke to head writer At the heart of the game’s story
home, with the villains overlaid in Michael Kogge about the creative is the Archivist: a manifestation of
classic Star Wars hologram style, as process, and to Mike Goslin, VP of the knowledge contained in the Jedi
if they were being projected into the Advanced Development at Disney holocron who serves as a Jedi teacher
room. Consumer Products and Interactive with vast knowledge of the battles
The effect is like being a real Jedi Media, about combining the story fought throughout the galaxy’s history.
in training, as you take on simulations with the game’s innovative technology. She guides the player through all three
of Kylo Ren and Darth Vader, your epic game modes, tying them together,
lightsaber blade sparking against theirs. Life Lessons and making the how-to sections into
You can even feel the impact of blade “I think what’s really cool about in-universe fun.
against blade, as the hilt controller Jedi Challenges is that you’re not just To create the Archivist, as well
vibrates in real-time with the action! taught how to fight with a lightsaber,” as to craft dialogue for the more
As well as the Lightsaber Battles says Michael. “You learn part of a Jedi familiar characters in the game,
mode, the game also has two more Code and a blueprint on how to live Michael worked with fellow writer
sedate options: Holochess, just like the your life. As a kid or a teenager, you Olivia Peterson.
version seen on the Millennium Falcon; can take the lessons that you learn “The story mostly focuses on
and Strategic Combat, where you use in the game and apply them in real life. the Archivist and the player,” says
the controller to command rebel forces “So in Jedi terms, the Holochess is Kogge, “with the Archivist helping
as they advance in miniature form a test of insight, and Strategic Combat you to understand what the different
across your carpet! is a test of leadership. In Lightsaber trials mean and why they are very
But it’s the ability to actually wield Battles, each villain you defeat involves important.
a lightsaber in one-to-one combat that overcoming a different aspect of evil. “But there are some fan-favorite
is perhaps the greatest feature of Jedi “For example, when you fight Darth characters in there, too, and you
Challenges, giving fans the experience Maul, at the basic level you fight his might learn a few new tidbits about
of practising their skills with the Jedi ferocity, which comes from fear. some never-before-seen Jedi Masters!”
“ You have to defeat

your own fear to be
a better combatant.
Micheal Kogge, Head Writer
76 / S
76 ST
STA
STAR
TA
TAR W
WARS
AR
ARS
ARS
RS IN
IINSIDER
NSID
SIIID
S DEER
R

“ You might just learn
some new tidbits
about some never-
before-seen Jedi
Masters!
Micheal Kogge,
Head Writer
Something Special “That was inspired by how I played beginning,” says Mike, “starting
To build a game that could live up to with Star Wars action figures when with Princess Leia in A New Hope
the concept, Mike and the team at I was a kid, when I was in my room asking Obi-Wan Kenobi for help.
Disney Interactive designed the AR and I believed they were moving So it’s a natural fit for this technology.
headset from the ground up, before around, and there were explosions, and “Also, one of the nice features of
partnering with Lenovo for manufacture all the other things you see in the films. augmented reality is that you can see
and distribution. With other popular “So what you get when you play the the real environment around it, so
interactive Star Wars experiences already game is action-figure scale soldiers who you can move around freely without
out there in many different ways (from really move—with dialogue and sound crashing into anything. That’s ideal for
panoramic behind-the-scenes footage effects—and who interact with vehicles this sort of context. Of course, AR also
you can explore on a smartphone to the on a real surface. means that you can see your friends,
fully immersive Star Wars Secrets of the “We weren’t sure it was going to so it’s more of a social experience.”
Empire experience at Disney resorts), work at first, but when it is room- Jedi Challenges doesn’t support
Mike knew this had to be something scale and all around you, it is really multiplayer just yet, but the ability
special if it was going to make its mark. immersive and fun.” to interact with friends is one of the
“When we started developing the Just like the other two interactive additional features that Mike says to
technology, we were trying to see what modes, Strategic Combat is presented look out for further down the line.
was possible,” says Mike. “No one had as a semi-transparent Star Wars
ever done it before, so we had to do a hologram, as if you are presiding over Jedi Journey
lot of experimentation. a war room, rather than trying to When it came to designing the
“We knew we wanted to create a convince you that you are really on a third game mode, Holochess, Mike
lightsaber game, but we also wanted battlefield, side by side with the troops. again harked back to one of his early
to do more, and that’s what led us to “Holograms have been a part of childhood experiences.
the Strategic Combat mode. the Star Wars story from the very “I remember being a kid and seeing

“ We wanted to
make sure that all
three modes were
a challenge for
hardcore gamers.”
Mike Goslin, VP of Advanced Development
the Holochess in A New Hope,” he says. ones pictured in the film aboard the Mike expects that many people
“You only get a quick glimpse of it, but Millennium Falcon and made them who are drawn to Jedi Challenges
I always wanted to get a closer look at part of the AR game, using some of will be picking up an AR headset for
it and perhaps even play it.” the assets from the original film to the first time, so he and his team have
So, after examining the scene in create new 3D models. set out to make it as accessible
great detail, Mike and his team took They devised a set of rules that as possible to everyone.
eight different monsters from the nurtures the skills needed as part of “A consumer might not know
a player’s training, with some of the why they need an AR headset,” he
monsters available to every player says. “They might not understand
from the start, and others only the difference between AR and virtual
becoming unlocked as rewards for reality. But they do know that they
specific accomplishments. love Star Wars and they’ve always
“We wanted to make sure all three wanted to wield a lightsaber, just like
modes were a challenge for hardcore they do in the movies. That’s what Jedi
gamers, as well as being an entertaining Challenges can give you, and it’s how
experience for more casual players,” we’re trying to introduce it: not as the
says Mike.“So that sense of next bit of must-have technology, but
progression can be found in all simply as wish-fulfillment.”
three modes, whether it’s the Star Wars: Jedi Challenges is available
acquisition of new Force now with the Lenovo Mirage AR set.
powers in Lightsaber Currently supported smartphones
Battles or additional include iPhone 6 and upward, Samsung
ground units in GALAXY S7 and upward, Google Pixel,
Strategic Combat.” and Motorola Moto Z.

Star Wars: Star Wars: A New Hope
Heroes of the Force The Official Celebration Special
ISBN 9781785851926 ISBN 9781785864605
THE BEST OF STAR WARS INSIDER
The Best of Star Wars Insider The Best of Star Wars Insider The Best of Star Wars Insider The Best of Star Wars Insider Star Wars: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
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SWI RANGE_Oct Update.indd 176 19/12/2017 11:28

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SWI178_DigitalAd.indd 40 20/12/2017 12:15

Master Yoda once
said “The Jedi use the
Force for knowledge and
defense, never for attack.” Is the
Force with you? Now’s the time to
find out! Take our Jedi test to see
if you are worthy of the title of
Jedi Master!
Compiled by Tolly Maggs
and Jake Devine
THE JEDI ORDER

The
ey were
e the guarrdians of peace and justtice fo
or ove
er a thousan
nd ge
enerattions–
–but how
w much do
o you know
w about them?
?
1. In Star Wars: Attack of the 4. The droid Professor

Clones, Obi-Wan describes Huyang instructs Jedi
Anakin’s lightsaber as: younglings on how to:
A: “Your greatest ally” A: Use the Force
B: “Your best friend” B: Do backflips
C: “A civilized weapon” C: Build their lightsabers
D: “Your life” D: Perform Jedi Mind Tricks
2. The Jedi who 5. What command

have renounced did Darth Sidious issue
the Jedi to his clone troopers to
Order over brand the Jedi Order as
the course of enemies of the Republic?
its history are A: Command 88 7. Which of these Jedi 10. What
known as: B: Decree 77 did not sit on the Council? was the
A: The Lost Boys C: Order 66 A: Ki-Adi-Mundi name
B: The Lost Causes D: Proclamation 55 B: Plo Koon of the
C: The Lost Twenty C: Kit Fisto ritual that
D: The Lost Legends 6. Name the water-logged D: Quinlan Vos Jedi younglings
planet that holds the undertook
3. During the Clone Wars, who location of the first Jedi 8. What species is to secure their
was the Jedi Grand Master? temple? Jedi Master Aayla Secura? own kyber crystal?
A: Obi-Wan Kenobi A: Hosnian Prime A: Twi’lek A: The Collective
B: Mace Windu B: Ahch-To B: Toydarian B: The Gathering
C: Ki-Adi-Mundi C: Ahch-Three C: Rodian C: The Meeting
D: Yoda D: Jakku D: Kel Dor D: The Undertaking
A. B.
9. Which planet did 11. Who was a Padawan
Ahsoka Tano hail from? to Luminara Unduli?
A: Ryloth A: Barriss Offee
B: Dantooine B: Ahsoka Tano
C: Shili C: Knox
D: D’Qar D: Nahdar Vebb
C. D.
SWI178_081_0082_Quiz_v2al.indd 81 19/12/2017 12:29

PICTURE ROUND!
Can
n yo
ou give these
e chara
acters theirr correct name
es?
1. 2. 3.
12. On which of these

planets could you find
kyber crystals for a Jedi’s
lightsaber?
A: Toydaria
B: Ilum
C: Moraband
D: Dagobah
13. What color were

the lightsaber pikes
used by Jedi temple
4. 5. 6.
guards?
A: Blue
B: Red
C: Yellow
D: White
14. Where was the

Great Library based
before the Jedi Temple
Archives?
A: Ahch-To
B: Tatooine
C: Jedha
D: Ossus
15. Who was the Chief Librarian

of the Jedi Archives during the
Clone Wars? 7. 8. 9.
A: Yaddle
B: Ki Adi Mundi
C: Jocasta Nu
D: Sammo Quid
16: What is the name of

Obi-Wan Kenobi’s planet
of origin?
A: Coruscant
B: Stewjon
C: Tatooine
D: Jakku
HOW DID YOU FARE?

1-8 You’ve clearly got a way to go before you’re ready to face your destiny.
9-16 Good work, but you need to finish your training before you can confront the dark side.
17-25 You truly are a Jedi Master!
Answers - JEDI ORDER QUIZ! 1 D, 2 C, 3 D, 4 C, 5 C, 6 B, 7 D, 8 A, 9 C, 10 B, 11 A, 12 B, 13 C, 14 D, 15 C, 116 B PICTURE ROUND 1 Plo Koon 2 Yoda 3 Mace Windu 4 Kit Fisto 5 Shaak Ti 6 Ki-Adi-Mundi 7 Saesee Tiin 8 Eeth Koth 9 Ima-Gun Di
SWI178_081_0082_Quiz_v2al.indd 82 19/12/2017 12:29

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©2017 MARVEL.
THOR RAG_v4.indd 40 19/12/2017 11:49

TITAN TITAN TITAN
Keeper
Holocron Of The
Keeping track of Star Wars’ ever-expanding fictional universe

calls for a multilayered database and the skills of one
lifelong fan—Lucasfilm’s Leland Chee.
WORDS: CHRISTOPHER COOPER
SWI178_084-087_INTER_LelandChee.indd 84 20/12/2017 18:17

INTERVIEW: LELAND CHEE
sed by Jedi
Masters and
fact that was printed on the
back. I must have listened to the
“I was the kid that opened
my action figures, but kept
U Sith Lords alike,
the Holocrons
of the Star Wars
storybook on record a thousand
times, because there wasn’t video
or DVD. The only way to experience
the card backs...”
Leland Chee
universe are the movie was to see it, and as you
repositories of ancient knowledge couldn’t see the movie every day
and essential information— you ran to things like the record, January 1997, as the Special
teaching valuable lessons to Force so you could encapsulate the story Edition was coming out. I had
users across generations. In the in your brain. the interview on the Tuesday or
real world, where thousands of Wednesday, and there was going
fictional facts from a wealth of In your first ever blog post for to be a 10am showing of A New
stories make up the Star Wars StarWars.com, you said, “It’s Hope on the following Friday. I
canon, Lucasfilm has its very own mind-boggling to think of all remember going to the line that
version of a Holocron—a database the myriad little decisions was already massing days before
built and maintained by one very and circumstances that had to the movie came out at the Coronet.
important man. transpire for me to get to where I was having second thoughts about
Boasting the title of “Keeper I am.” That sounds like a long me being “the biggest Star Wars
of the Holocron,” Leland Chee’s and winding road. fan,” when these guys were doing
dedication to the Star Wars saga I knew when I was a kid that I the three-day sleepover and I wasn’t!
began in 1977, with a TV clip of wanted to work on Star Wars, But Friday comes round, I see the
the Millennium Falcon. Twenty but I never really thought that movie, I come out of the theater,
years later, he scored his dream was realistic, especially after 1983. and I’m so ecstatic. To have Star
job of working for George Lucas, Return of the Jedi came out and Wars come back in that way, and
but that was just the beginning George was saying he was taking to have Star Wars fandom come
of a glittering career with Lucasfilm. a break from movies, so things back, was a huge moment for me.
were looking dire. But I went Tears were running down my face!
How did your interest in through high school and college And, as fate would have it, when I
Star Wars begin? thinking: You know, it would be got home there was a message from
I was watching a TV show great if Star Wars were to come LucasArts on the answer machine
called Creature Features, hosted by back someday, and I’m going to saying that I had gotten the job!
Bob Wilkins. It was on a local Bay be there for it. But until then, I’m It was quite amazing.
Area monster movie program that going to get some skills, and maybe
showed horror movies late at night. I could apply to Lucasfilm, and So how did you progress to
They showed a brief clip from Star maybe one day end up working becoming Keeper of the
Wars—of the Millennium Falcon on Star Wars. Holocron?
vs. the TIE fighters sequence—and So I did a lot of work in At LucasArts, I was a games tester
it instantly piqued my interest. I entertainment. During college for about three years—which is
was six years old at the time, and and after graduating I did theater an eternity. Most people who
soon after we went to see Star Wars volunteering work, voluntary work came into that department would
at the Coronet Theater in San at public-access television, and I be a tester for a year, and then move
Francisco—I remember the lines worked on independent films. I on to a different division. It was an
going around the block. I don’t graduated in 1993, and I ended up entry-level job and a way to get
remember much about seeing the working at a TV station, but I was your foot in the door. I had applied
movie itself, but over the next few always checking the Lucasfilm job for jobs in the sound department
years, getting the soundtrack, the hotline. Back then, you had to call and production to no avail. I felt
storybook record, the action figures, in to learn of any openings. I’d call like I would be confined to QA
and the trading cards was what in once a week and send in résumés forever.
really cemented Star Wars in my for anything I could possibly get— Less than a year before the
brain. security guard, dishwasher. I did release of The Phantom Menace,
manage to get a phone interview I was chosen to be the lead tester
Were you filing away bits of with ILM [Industrial Light & Magic], on a multimedia CD-ROM called
information even back then? but I didn’t get the job. Behind the Magic. This was before
I was the kid that opened my That was the closest I got until DVDs or YouTube, so this was the
action figures, but kept the card I heard from a college friend that only place you could get the sort of
backs so I could refer to them and another friend of ours was working extras you would later get on DVDs.
remember all the names. And at LucasArts as a games tester. I sent It had the complete scripts, a
I went through all the trading cards, off an email to him, and he had me glossary, and scene-by-scene
reading every behind-the-scenes send in my résumé. This was in call-outs for the entire trilogy.
STAR WARS INSIDER/ 85

That opened my eyes, because the

more I learned about Star Wars, the
more I realized that there was much
more I needed to learn. The radio
adaptations of the trilogy, for
example, were a huge gap in my
Star Wars knowledge that I had
been oblivious to.
Not long after that, a company
called Wizards of the Coast got the
license to make Star Wars card
games, roleplaying games, and
miniatures games. The publishing
department at Lucas Licensing
decided that they needed a person
to track all the materials that were
being created for Star Wars—
because this material was feeding
those kinds of product—and that
somebody was me.
How did you go about collating

all the information?
The way to do it was with a
database. Previously this had been
done with binders. People would 01 ‘The Keeper of the
write up summaries of the books, Holocron,’ Leland Chee
has found a prime spot
with glossaries that would include to dream up some new,
character descriptions, and this great ideas.
was a physical binder that only
existed at Lucasfilm. By creating
a digital database, we could create
a searchable archive of all the Do you still upload all the data Which outside users would rely
content that was being created, yourself? upon the Holocron most of all?
and that would be a way to share I’m still the person that maintains Wizards of the Coast were creating
it all without having to go through everything which goes into the dozens and dozens of sourcebooks,
these binders. Holocron database. There are other which went into every detail of Star
We were able to share the systems that we use to catalogue Wars minutiae, so they really needed
database on CD with writers, with information inlcuding summaries, to have something that collated all
the people at Wizards of the Coast, character charts, and timelines. We the different pieces of information.
and later on with other partners, have a digital asset management It was useful to non-fiction
editors, and product managers. team that archives anything publishers whether it’s role-playing
This gave those creating Star Wars digital, whether it’s images, a PDF games, or DK books such as the
content access to the internal of a book or comic, a sound file, Visual Dictionaries and the
materials that weren’t easily or a movie clip. The Holocron is Cross-Sections books—things that
accessible before. the only archive of the story include lots of granular snippets of
content we are creating across information. That’s when the
What was the software you used all platforms. Holocron really came in handy.
to create the database?
FileMaker. It’s the same database And that’s an open resource for
that I’ve been using for the past
17 years. FileMaker gets new
everyone within Lucasfilm?
Because of the high security levels
“I knew when I was
features every once in a while, that we have within Lucasfilm, a kid that I wanted to
and I will update some of my
layouts, to build layouts that are
there are some people that have
access to certain portions of the
work on Star Wars, but
more useable for my purposes, or database and others that don’t. I never really thought
for the purposes of some of my
users. But the meat and bones
I developed it to do all I needed it
to, and how other people in the that was realistic...”
of the database are still the same. company use it is up to them. Leland Chee

“Wizards of the Coast were creating dozens likes the Jedi Knight video game
or the original Thrawn trilogy
and dozens of sourcebooks, that went into or Vader and Son or LEGO, those
every detail of Star Wars minutiae, so they are the building blocks that lay
the foundation, and go on to
really needed to have something that collated form their head canon.
all the different pieces of information.” How do you feel as a fan today,
Leland Chee compared to the fan you were
queuing up outside the Coronet
Theater, all those years ago?
Which is quicker—Leland Chee experiences, across the entire Star I just celebrated a huge milestone
or the database? Wars timeline. this year, which is 20 years with
I can definitely search the database In creating Legends, we could the Lucas companies.
quicker than anybody else! I know have that space, and if there were Coincidentally, that also means
that thing inside and out. I can do things that we liked, we could still I’ve been a Star Wars fan inside the
things with that database in mine that material for ideas. It’s company for as long as I was a fan
minutes that would take people easier, because new creators can outside of it. It’s great being on the
hours—or days. That’s just the tread their own path, but we can inside, getting to experience Star
way I have it set up. In the process still bring back great things like Wars in so many unique ways that
of maintaining the database, I’m Thrawn and the TIE defender, most people will never experience.
also feeding the database, so I know and finds other ways to give a nod Listening to Rian Johnson pitch
what to search for, and I have made to all the hard work we’d put into what he wants to do with The
the database work for me as much building up the Expanded Universe. Last Jedi, and then watching the
as possible. process, every step of the way,
What changes did you make to has been so amazing. And working
Back in 2012 there were an the database to accommodate the with all the creatives across all our
estimated 55,000 entries in the shift from the Expanded Universe platforms is a huge joy, because
Holocron. Where do you estimate to Legends? most of them are huge Star Wars
you’re at now? It was as simple as adding a fans themselves. I could never
I think we’re close to 80,000 entries. new field in the database for the have dreamed anything as big
We’ve been doing a lot of new canonical material and shifting as what we’re doing now. I can’t
content lately. For comparison, the Legends material to a less imagine a better place to be as a
Wookieepedia has well over 100,000 prominent place on the screen. Star Wars fan.
entries, but they have a lot more I did have to delete the timeline
people working on their database. I had in the Holocron because it
The Holocron is just me. was going to be much easier to
start from scratch.
How did you feel when the
novels and comics were How do you feel about the
recategorized as “Legends”? concept of ‘head canon,’
My mind was made up about the where fans decide on their
Expanded Universe the moment I own personal version of
learned we would be making new Star Wars continuity?
films that took place after Return of We make Star Wars for everyone,
the Jedi, which was something that and different platforms cater to
I truly believed would never different audiences whether they
happen. In the Expanded Universe, be fans of the movies, the animated
Chewbacca was dead post-Jedi and shows, the toys, the books or the
there’s no way anyone’s doing a Star games. And from that cornucopia
Wars movie post-Jedi without of Star Wars content, fans can pick
Chewbacca, so it was pretty clear to and choose what they want to
me that things in the EU were going enjoy without the burden of having
to have to change. We also needed to consume everything if they don’t 02 Leland having
to make sure we gave our creators as really want to. Star Wars means fun with the
much room to explore as possible, something different to everyone, Millennium
Falcon in the
and not just freedom for the films, and it’s this meaning, that is unique Lucasfilm
but freedom for new opportunities to each person, which makes up a hallway.
in books, games, and theme park person’s head canon. So if someone
STAR WARS INSIDER/ 87

N O V E L P R E V I E W
See Nothing,
Hear Nothing,
Say Nothing
BY RAE CARSON
SWI178_088-091_FEAT_Fiction_v2al.indd 88 18/12/2017 11:58

FICTION
exo Sooger The oil released the corwindyl’s odor fingers, allowing them to bend. But it
had 41 bones and color, turning the mixture bright wouldn’t be enough. Not today, anyway.
in each of his blue, filling their tiny apartment with His worst client was on the schedule.
hands—14 more its tangy-sweet aroma. Lexo felt “Do it,” he ordered.
than his human his shoulders begin to relax at the “I promise I’ll make it quick,” she
daughter Lula scent, because it signaled that real said, reaching for the injector probe
had in each of relief was coming. on the shelf.
hers—and every Gently, Lula rubbed a bit of the “I know.”
one of them burned like fire. He loved corwindyl paste against his knuckles, “You’ll be so relieved in just a few
to work with his hands, he truly did. along his tendons. Warmth seeped minutes.”
He was the star masseur at Zord’s Spa into his muscles, loosening his joints. “I know.”
and Bathhouse, with a loyal clientele “Thank you, my azure sea,” he said. The probe was scrap, salvaged from
and a two-month-long waiting list. He Something snagged against his an old interrogator droid. Lexo forced
could work out any knot, relax even the thumb, startling him. himself to watch, to not flinch away, as
most anxious customer. But decades of “Sorry,” Lula said. “Just a callus.” his tiny daughter leveled the probe’s tip
12-hour shifts would age anyone, even a Lexo grabbed her hand and turned at the base of his metacarpals, just above
Dor Namethian at the top of his game, it over, examining the offending bit his wrist. Lula had to manually depress
and Lexo knew his massaging days were of excess skin. Not a callus. A scab, the injector button.
nearing their end. barely covering a fresh injury on The initial puncture was never too
He didn’t know what would happen the fleshy part of her palm. “What bad, just a tiny pinch. But the liquid
to him and his daughter then. happened?” he demanded. flowing into his blood burned like
“Papa,” said a small, clear voice. “Let Lula wrenched her hand away. fire, and he half expected flames to
me help you with your hands?” “It’s nothing. My glove split is all.” start shooting from his fingertips. The
“Please,” Lexo said. He laid them flat “And Bargwill Tomder refused to injection cocktail—corticosteroids,
on the rickety wooden table that served provide a new one.” Lula worked at enzyme blockers, numbing agent—
“HE USED TO CONSIDER HUMANS REVOLTING, WITH THEIR

SMOOTH EPIDERMIS AND EXCESSIVE FINGERS, AND NECKS
THAT STOOD STRAIGHT UP LIKE FURLONG MARKERS.”
as the centerpiece for the tiny the fathier racing stables, and made it hard to draw breath, made his
apartment they shared. Their Tomder, the stable keeper, was scent glands fill with liquid. He
room was small, low-ceilinged, the cheapest, meanest fellow was glad none of his clients could
and windowless, with adobe walls, he’d ever met. It gave Lexo a see him like this. Only Lula knew
two built-in beds, and a single small shiver to send Lula off to work how hard it was.
hearth. The table, along with two with him every day. The pain, though exquisite, only
chairs and a sagging shelf, made up “It’s fine, Papa. I can handle it.” lasted a minute. It was always followed
the only furniture. She smiled. “I guess I inherited by delightful warmth, increased
Lexo contemplated his human some toughness from you.” flexibility, even a little surge of energy.
daughter as she gathered the necessary Lexo regarded her gravely. He There were better ways to get relief,
ingredients from the shelf. Lula was reached a pleading hand toward of course. But a derelict injector probe
slight, even for 13 years old, with bright her and announced in a solemn was the best they could afford, and
brown eyes, dark skin, and hair like a voice, “Lula. I am not your father.” besides, he could handle it. He was
cloud of charcoal. She feigned shock. “But we look tough, just like Lula said.
He used to consider humans revolting, so much alike!” “Better?” Lula asked.
with their smooth epidermis and It was a constant joke between “Better,” he agreed, flexing his fingers.
excessive fingers and necks that stood them, almost a family ritual. She They repeated the process with the
straight up like furlong markers. But bent to kiss the top of his head. other hand—stabbing pinch, incredible
on that day 13 years ago when he’d “Ready for the injections?” pain, slow but sure relief. Lexo rose from
found Lula abandoned in an empty His Lula missed nothing. “You his chair.
cargo box, staring up at him with big, can tell I need them.” “Papa,” Lula said, “I have a favor
trusting eyes, he’d decided humans “I always know,” she said with to ask.”
weren’t so bad. a shrug. Lexo grabbed his robe from the peg
Lula dropped a pinch of corwindyl Lexo glanced down at his hands. by the door and started to swing it on.
herbs into a mortar, added a little oil, Bright-blue corwindyl paste outlined “Oh?”
and mashed away with the pestle. every line and crease, warming his “Would it be all right if I took some

FICTION
corwindyl to the stables today?” corwindyl will help? I mean, he’s gelded, was responsible for maintaining her
He nearly dropped his robe. so they won’t retire him if he’s lame. own equipment. She worked hard,
“My azure sea…” They’ll just take a blaster and… But he’s long hours in the hope that she’d
“I know it’s expensive. I know so sweet, Papa. The best fathier in the pay off her indenture debt one day.
how hard it is to acquire. It’s just…” whole stable. He loves treats, and every If she never missed work, if her
Tears welled in her eyes, and she time he sees me he dances in place, his equipment didn’t break down too
blurted, “Hard Luck got hurt!” ears flopping, and—” often, Lula could be a free woman by
“Your favorite fathier.” The long- “Yes, you can take some corwindyl.” the time she was 19.
legged, wide-eared fathiers were built for She wilted with relief. “Thanks.” After that, her dream, the thing
speed, and their races drew thousands of “Are you going to make a paste?” she wanted more than anything in
guests to the track every night. “No. Too hard to smuggle into the the galaxy, was to ride in the fathier
She explained, “Pinrado Jozo was stables. I’ll just rub the herbs directly races. She yearned to be a jockey, to
riding Casual Retort last night—you onto his hock joint.” feel the wind in her hair, to hear the
know what a cheat that jockey is. He Lexo watched silently as she screams of the crowd, as she urged her
pushed Hard Luck into the rail so he stashed some of the herbs in her pocket, mount toward the finish line. She felt
could pull Retort ahead. Luck’s got a then grabbed her ruined gloves, her connected to the fathiers. She insisted
nasty rail burn now, but only because pitchfork, and her leather bag from to Lexo all the time that they were more
his hock joint is giving out. He was too their place by the door. Like all the intelligent than people gave them credit
weak to push back, see, and maybe the indentured children at the stable, she for, that she understood them better
A Story with
time, content merely to survive, but
everything changed for him when he
found an abandoned human baby and
a Massage
took her in. Now, more than anything,
he wants to make a good life for his
adopted daughter.
What happens to Lexo in the story?

Award-winning fantasy author Rae Carson tells His position in the spa gives him
Insider about her new Star Wars novella, set in the access to all sorts of beings—and their
casino city of Canto Bight. secrets. This makes him invaluable as

an informant, and Canto Bight’s major
players will stop at nothing to exploit
est-selling fantasy Star Wars Insider: What inspired you him... When his daughter is threatened
author Rae Carson to write about an alien masseur? in order to force his compliance, Lexo
B made her Star Wars

debut in 2017, with a
short story in the 40th
Rae Carson: I have chronic pain from
some old sports injuries and a car
accident, and I can’t tell you how many
has no choice but to resurrect his secret
past and enter the game.
anniversary anthology times a massage has saved me from Canto Bight is full of very wealthy
From A Certain Point of View. Now missing a writing deadline! I was going people, but Lexo presumably isn’t
she’s stepping into the era of The Last through the creature concepts for The one of them. Does the story address
Jedi with Hear Nothing, See Nothing, Last Jedi looking for inspiration when issues of class and inequality in
Say Nothing—part of the new novella I saw this amazing alien masseur, and the city?
collection, Canto Bight. I was immediately drawn to him. My Absolutely. I spent my formative
Set in the exotic and dangerous imagination went wild: what ridiculous, years in poverty, and it seemed like
casino city visited by Finn and Rose cool, and dangerous clients must he every time my family was about to
in The Last Jedi, Carson’s first long- have had? Does he know any secrets get ahead, something awful happened
form Star Wars work tells the tale of a about them? What would it be like to to put us in our place—a creepy boss,
Dor Namethian masseur with a shady work on hundreds of different species? an unexpected car repair, a life-
past. When he is drawn back into the I had to know more about him... threatening illness. Poverty is horrific,
underworld he thought he had left and it’s a topic that’s showing up more
behind, both he and his adopted human So who is this character? and more in my work. Thematically,
daughter find themselves in danger. His name is Lexo. He’s a totally new it’s a good fit for the Star Wars
Insider spoke to Carson to find out species in the Star Wars universe, and universe, too. So many of our favorite
more about the story and her writing he’s a masseur in Canto Bight’s most characters—Luke, Rey, Anakin, and
process. famous spa. He’s been a loner for a long more—come from humble beginnings.

FICTION
than anyone. And she knew, she just was bothering him. “I have Big Sturg best in the galaxy,” she said. “Just…
knew, that if she got her chance Ganna on my schedule today.” Please be careful tonight.” They both
to ride she’d be the greatest jockey Her mouth formed a little ‘o’. worked a swing shift, which inevitably
Canto Bight had ever known. “I was hoping he’d given up on dragged into a night shift, and the sun
Lexo was the only person she’d me,” Lexo admitted. would be rising before they would be
ever told about her dream, and Lexo Lula frowned. “Don’t do it, Papa. reunited.
couldn’t bear to give her the dose of One of the stable kids agreed to inform They stared at each other a
reality she probably needed. A tiny for that gangster. He was dead inside moment. Maybe Lula had a bad
human girl, an indenture and orphan a month.” feeling, same as him.
besides, was about as likely to become “I have no intention of giving him But as her papa, it was his job to be
a fathier jockey as a droid was to become what he wants. I left that life encouraging. “I hope Hard Luck feels
a Jedi. behind decades ago.” better,” Lexo said.
Lula was heading for the door “Good,” she said fiercely. “He’s Lula gave him a final wave as she
when she whirled back around. “Papa, horrible.” exited their apartment. He watched
what’s wrong? If you’re mad about the “He’s also horrible to massage. the bag bounce against her back as she
corwindyl, I won’t—” So many hard-to-reach places.” hurried down the corridor toward the
“You’ve done nothing wrong, my sea.” She swung the strap of her bag long stairway that would take her up
“Then…?” over her shoulder and hefted her to the surface, to the shining,
He decided to tell her some of what pitchfork. “Good thing you’re the beautiful city of Canto Bight.
How do you depict the city itself?

Beautiful and luxurious, but also
wasteful, exploitative, and dangerous
as hell. Canto Bight is a playground for
the rich and famous—the kind of place
everyone dreams about going to on
vacation. But like many such places, it
has secrets—including a dark underbelly
of shadow labor and shady dealings. I
was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at
some photos and concept art from The
Last Jedi in order to write the story, and
I was blown away by how fully realized
it is in all its gritty and gorgeous detail.
What challenges does the novella

form bring?
I think the biggest challenge is one of
storytelling expectations. We belong to
a generation whose minds have been
shaped by long-form narrative—feature
films, novels, and television series. So
how do you make a novella immersive
and satisfying? For me, the answer lies
with character. If I create a character across the screen to the medal ceremony It’s both harder and easier. Harder
people love and give them some at the end. I was rapt, and I knew my life because I feel the weight of
memorable moments, my readers will would never be the same. And I knew, responsibility as a fan. It’s really
happily go along for the ride, no matter with the certainty that only a precocious important to me to get the details right
the length of the story. three-year-old can have, that the Force and make my story feel like it belongs
was strong with me and I was destined in the galaxy far, far away. But it’s also
When did you discover Star Wars? to become a Jedi. easier because it makes such a refreshing
I saw A New Hope in the theater in change from a professional point of
1977. I was three years old, and it’s one You’ve written several best-selling view. After six novels entirely of my own
of my most vivid childhood memories. fantasy novels. How does writing for creation, it’s a delight to play in another,
I loved everything about it, from the Star Wars differ from creating your more collaborative sandbox and stretch
moment the Star Destroyer cruised own universe? a different set of writing muscles.

WORLDWIDE C E L E B R AT I N G T H E S A G A
NEW HOPES other fans in similar situations.

“Star Wars has always been
that thing I can go to and find
Megan Cullinan’s love of Star Wars helped happiness, hope, and an escape,”
her to battle breast cancer she says. “I needed all of those
things throughout my treatments.”
T
he Star Wars saga has chemotherapy treatments that After her diagnosis, Megan wrote
helped many of us through would eventually mean the loss about having to work through
difficult times, but for Megan of her long hair. Faced with the “dark side” emotions such as fear
Cullinan its empowering message of choice between letting it fall out and anger.
hope became a literal badge of naturally or making a bold “Life before treatments for
courage in her battle against cancer. statement, Megan opted for a me was a daily routine of working
As documented on her blog, buzz-cut with the Rebel Alliance full-time at a bank, teaching part-
‘I Rebel,’ Megan was diagnosed Starbird emblazoned on the back time as a voice teacher, being
with breast cancer in 2016, when of her head. involved in community theatre, and
she was 35. Faced with a potentially Megan, who lives in Peru, Illinois, having some singing gigs here and
overwhelming challenge, she didn’t stop there, either. She wore a there. When I was diagnosed with
channeled her best Jyn Erso, using Star Wars T-shirt to every treatment, cancer, life came to a halt.”
the Rogue One quote “Rebellions describing it as her “shield.” On her “During the treatments, my body
are built on hope” as her rallying cry. blog, she charted her treatment and and mind were in a constant battle
Her fight back against the recovery through the prism of Star with the side effect. I was dealing
disease involved grueling Wars, to bring hope and comfort to with hair loss, loss of taste, loss of
SWI178_092-095_REG_Worldwide_V1AL.indd 92 19/12/2017 12:31

YOUR EMPIRE NEEDS YOU!
We want to hear from you! Tell us about your
Star Wars experience. What made you want
to become a fan? What have you done in the
name of Star Wars? Tell us your Star Wars
story by sending your photos, art, and
letters here:
starwarsworldwide@titanemail.com
ARTISTS’ ALLEY
Talented Star Wars fans share their amazing
Or via regular post:
UNITED STATES
Star Wars Worldwide,
UNITED KINGDOM
Star Wars Worldwide,
drawings inspired by the galaxy far, far away....
Star Wars Insider, Star Wars Insider,
Titan Magazines, 144 Southwark
2819 Rosehall Lane, Street
Aurora, IL, 60503, London, SE1 0UP,
U.S.A. U.K.
SKYWALKER SAGA
These two amazing pieces

are from Sebastien, “I’m
celebrating the Saga by
drawing it.” Sebastien Le
Bouthillier, pen name is
NegaZeeMan
appetite, and constant fatigue,

among many other things. It was
a very emotional time, but staying
positive and hopeful and having
the support of family and friends
got me through.”
Just over a year on from her
initial diagnosis, Megan has been
given the all-clear, but is still
coping with the side effects of her
intensive treatments and intends
to continue her blog. Echoing the
imperatives that brought many
different rebel cells together to
oppose the Empire, she says:
“Everyone who deals with cancer
has a different journey, but the
connective thread is that it needs
to be fought.”
Read more about Megan’s CREATURE
inspiring courage at: COMFORTS
rebelcancerwar.wordpress.com

WORLDWIDE
FROM NABOO, WITH LOVE

Florian Szaefer made sure his engagement to fellow Star Wars fan
Juliane Titze was out of this world
W
hen German Star Wars Tatooine in their gear, so they even event, but it took them until the
fan Florian Szaefer had genuine sand from Anakin’s midnight premiere of The Force
decided to ask fellow “homeworld” to bring along. Awakens to fall in love—in full
enthusiast Juliane Titze to marry “Bringing a jar filled with costume, of course! Following their
him, he knew location was all- ‘Tatooine sand’ to the exact spot romantic engagement on Naboo,
important. “With a girl that loves Star where Anakin moaned about sand, they are now planning some galactic
Wars as much as I do, it had was quite fun,” says Juliane. nuptials for an already auspicious
to be a Star Wars-related place But for Florian, the trip had only date. “We will be getting married on
we hadn’t visited before,” he said. one real purpose, and he was May the 4th, of course,” says Juliane.
To keep his intentions under understandably anxious. And for the honeymoon? Scarif
wraps, he invited six of the couple’s “Florian was really nervous, and seemed the obvious choice—or
Star Wars fan friends to make the took his chance just before we got rather the Maldives, where the
six-hour drive to Villa del Balbianello dressed at the exact spot where Scarif sections of Rogue One were
in Italy: the location used to film Anakin and Padmé got married,” filmed. “It is a popular location for
Padmé and Anakin’s secret wedding says Juliane. She said yes, and the honeymooners, so we can combine
on Naboo in Attack of the Clones. happy pair celebrated by donning that with the fact that Rogue One
Florian saved up for six months to their gleaming white armor for was shot there,” says Juliane.
buy the engagement ring before the photos at the scene. “Chances are high that we will
pair packed up their stormtrooper “I was the happiest man alive, be bringing costumes along, too”
armor and hit the road. The couple, dressed up as an engaged says Florian. “I’ve got a 501st-
who are both members of the 501st stormtrooper!” says Florian. approved Director Krennic outfit,
Legion, had previously traveled to The couple from Nuremburg met and some death trooper armor is
Tunisia to wander the desert planet several years ago at a Star Wars in the making!”

WORLDWIDE
LEARN, YOU WILL

toward goals, defeating inner
demons, and more. These are
themes that resonate with
everyone, no matter their age
Star Wars is bringing learning to life, thanks to Thomas and background.”
Riddle and Wes Dodgens Thomas and Wes themselves are
now being inspired in turn, thanks to
W
hen teacher Wes Wes. “I use the prequel trilogy to the ever-growing number of Rogues
Dodgens started working compare the rise of Adolf Hitler to connecting through the website.
at Mauldin High School, the rise of Emperor Palpatine, and “We’ve seen math teachers
South Carolina, in 2004, he struck the reforming of the Republic into explain and coordinate geometry
up a friendship with fellow educator the Empire. Every year, students using Star Wars Battleship, and
Thomas Riddle. The pair bonded laugh and seem skeptical, but at science teachers explore physics
over their shared love of Star Wars the end of the unit they do get it. in terms of Star Wars technology,”
and Indiana Jones movies, and hit “Star Wars helps students see says Thomas. “We now have art,
upon the idea of using their favorite how corruption, ruthlessness, and music, and physical education
fiction in the classroom. the failure of democracy can really teachers all using Star Wars to
“I was teaching Taoism and impact the world.” varying degrees.
drew the yin-yang symbol on the Thomas adds: “We also “It’s quite humbling to see how
board,” says Thomas. “The students teach the archetypes of ancient Star Wars is helping students on
didn’t get it at first, but then I mythology using the original trilogy. other continents that we’ll almost
described it in terms of the Force All the stages of Joseph Campbell’s certainly never meet in person.”
and its balance: Vader as dark, Luke Hero’s Journey can be found in the And now the pair have even
as light; Vader as mostly machine films, and seeing them in a familiar launched a community service
with a touch of man, Luke as mostly context really helps the students program: Serve Like a Jedi. “It’s
man with a touch of machine. And see how their values are universal— based on the teaching that ‘Jedi
suddenly, they began to understand. transcending time and culture.” serve others rather than rule over
“When I told them that a dagoba The approach helps children them,’” says Thomas. The students
is a type of Buddhist shrine that to go on their own journeys, too. then learn greater empathy for
pilgrims travel to, their minds were “We discussed the students’ others, as they explore the needs of
truly blown! own trials: the dragons they have those around them and create a
Now the pair run a website, Star slayed, labyrinths they have been plan of action to meet those needs.
Wars in the Classroom, which shares lost in, how wise and helpful guides “So far, we’ve had middle school
lesson plans and resources with a have helped them make sense of students collecting backpacks full of
network of almost 900 teachers their chaotic lives. And at the end school supplies for children in Haiti;
from more than 30 countries. Site of the unit, this student wrote a kindergartners raising money for
members call themselves ‘The very powerful essay about her earthquake relief in Nepal; and an
Rogues’ and describe themselves childhood and all of the difficulties entire school collecting donations
as “an elite group of educators she had faced. for a children’s homeless shelter. It
who seek to make learning more “Star Wars provides great has been beautiful to see this
fun and exciting.” lessons in character building. initiative grow.”
“It’s easy to get students The stories of Luke, Anakin, and To find out more about Star Wars
interested in their learning when Rey are filled with inspiring tales in the Classroom visit
Star Wars is used as a hook,” says of overcoming adversity, working starwarsintheclassroom.com
Thomas Riddle and Wes Dodgens use Star Wars to help sucessfully engage children in the classroom. Good job!

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SPECIAL STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI SOUVENIR ISSUE

SWI178_000_Cover_Newsstand_US.indd 1 21/12/2017 12:29

Senior Executive Editor / Divinia Fleary

When Rian Johnson was first announced as the director LUCASFILM

MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS... SUBSCRIPTIONS

For more info on advertising contact

3 / STAR WARS INSIDER STAR WARS INSIDER / 3

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4 / STAR WARS INSIDER

SWI178_004-005_Contents.indd 4 20/12/2017 14:35

STAR WARS INSIDER / 5

SWI178_004-005_Contents.indd 5 19/12/2017 13:13

More Star Wars Movies…

A Star Wars ﬁlms has been

6 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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STAR WARS INSIDER / 7

SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 7 20/12/2017 11:24

Master and apprentice!

Princes, Jedi, and Droid!

Prince William seems to be using the Force to Man in Black! Adam

Supreme love for Snoke!

Oh my! Anthony Daniels

Fantastic Phasma! The powerful

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SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 8 20/12/2017 11:24

Inside the Royal Albert Hall,

BB-8, on his best behavior, bows

Oscar Isaac at his

A Rose by any other name!

Holdo captured? Laura Dern

Daisy’s devotees! Ridley poses for

Hey, Mr. DJ! Benicio Del Toro signs for fans.

STAR WARS INSIDER / 9

SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 9 20/12/2017 11:25

Who Said That?

“[Carrie Fisher and I] were “First and foremost, we “Not to float my

The Force Awakens is the only movie I’ve been in

Adam Daisy Mark John Rian Andy Gwendoline Kelly Marie

10 / STAR WARS INSIDER

SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 10 20/12/2017 11:25

Use the Furze!

R YouTuber Colin Furze built

Hooray for Rey on eBay U.K.! in 2015’s The Force Awakens.

O Tomb Raider’s Lara Croft, and

STAR WARS INSIDER / 11

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A Nissan show cars is touring

12 / STAR WARS INSIDER

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John Mollo, 1931–2017

STAR WARS INSIDER / 13

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B no stranger to space ﬂight,

THE LIGHT SIDE By Russ Brown and Jamie Cosley

14 / STAR WARS INSIDER

SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 14 20/12/2017 11:26

All The Right Notes

B La Rue launched a limited

STAR WARS INSIDER / 15

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16 / STAR WARS INSIDER

SWI178_006-017_Launchpad_Merch_v2AL.indd 16 20/12/2017 11:26

B small things, as Japanese