How I Would've Done It

Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi

The Last Jedi had its moments, but I always imagined it with more weight, action, and character depth. Here's my vision for how the film could have unfolded—a darker, more action-packed journey that raises the stakes for both the Resistance and the First Order.

The film opens on a grim note: the Resistance is in disarray after a brutal encounter with the First Order. The base at D'Qar is abandoned, leaving the survivors to regroup in an isolated part of the galaxy, desperately low on resources and morale. General Leia Organa, though visibly exhausted, is unyielding. Her strength inspires those who remain, including Poe Dameron and Finn, who have become pillars in the fight for freedom. Poe grapples with new responsibilities, rallying pilots and soldiers while also questioning his own judgment after recent losses. Finn, meanwhile, finds himself haunted by memories of his stormtrooper past. He's seen the ruthlessness of the First Order up close, and now he's determined to tear down everything it stands for. With Leia's guidance, he and Poe embark on dangerous missions to secure supplies, recruit allies, and gather intelligence, solidifying alliances across the galaxy. Each victory brings renewed hope, but everyone knows that the First Order's retaliation is inevitable.

Meanwhile, far away on Temple Island, Rey arrives on Ahch-To, the legendary home of the first Jedi Temple, where Luke Skywalker has been in self-imposed exile. This Luke is weary but not entirely broken. While reluctant, he's not beyond hope—deep down, he's always been waiting for someone to carry on the Jedi legacy. The scene shifts forward two years, and Rey has been training under Luke's guidance, mastering the Force in ways she'd never imagined. Luke is a demanding teacher, pushing her to hone her skills with precision, discipline, and restraint. Rey studies the ancient Jedi texts, learning the history and philosophies of the Jedi Order, including the tales of Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Luke shares the hard truths of the Jedi path, emphasizing balance and self-awareness over blind allegiance to any doctrine. They discuss the failures of past Jedi, including his own with Kylo Ren, who succumbed to the dark side. Rey struggles with self-doubt, often haunted by visions of Kylo Ren and a sense of uncertainty about her purpose. Luke, though proud, is pensive, reflecting on his own mistakes and the tragic fate of his nephew. Rey senses his lingering guilt and resolves to be different—to learn from his mistakes and forge a path uniquely her own. As her strength in the Force grows, so does her understanding of the burden she carries.

Elsewhere, Supreme Leader Snoke tightens his grip on the galaxy. Consolidating power, he orders Kylo Ren to train with the Knights of Ren, molding him into an even darker weapon. But within Kylo, a storm brews. He's haunted by the memory of killing his father, Han Solo, a wound that Snoke exploits to deepen his hold on Kylo. Each reminder pushes Kylo further toward darkness, yet fragments of his past life keep pulling him back. This conflict manifests in violent outbursts, and the First Order commanders begin to question his stability. Kylo's relationship with Rey also adds to his internal struggle. His connection with her through the Force has only grown stronger, drawing them together in moments of vulnerability. Their conversations are laced with tension, curiosity, and a strange, unspoken bond. Rey senses the goodness within him, while Kylo envies her strength, freedom, and unbreakable spirit. Snoke, always watching, sees this connection as a threat and intensifies his efforts to sever it by manipulating Kylo's pain and feeding his anger.

Leia, aware that Snoke's forces are closing in, plans a bold mission: she, along with Rey, Poe, and Finn, will infiltrate Snoke's base to gather intelligence and disable its defenses, hoping to buy the Resistance time to regroup. Under the cover of darkness, they slip into the base, navigating the cold, sterile hallways that are crawling with stormtroopers and guards. But they're not alone—Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren lie in wait, tipped off by Snoke, who sees this as the perfect trap to crush the Resistance once and for all. They are ambushed, and chaos erupts. Rey ignites her lightsaber, ready to face Kylo and his dark enforcers, while Poe and Finn fight off the Knights of Ren alongside Leia, who remains calm and resolute in the face of overwhelming odds. The battle is intense and brutal, with Rey facing Kylo in a duel that tests her resolve and power. Despite her training, she finds herself outmatched as Kylo's aggression and ferocity bear down on her. As the base begins to shake and collapse around them, Rey senses another presence—a familiar strength she hasn't felt in years. Another lightsaber ignites: Luke Skywalker has arrived, entering the fray in a display of incredible power and skill. The tide turns, but they remain vastly outnumbered.

Amidst the chaos, Luke and Kylo Ren come face to face. Kylo orders the Knights to capture Rey, Poe, and Finn, allowing him to confront his former master alone. Their duel is fierce and deeply personal, each move weighted with their shared history and Kylo's simmering rage. Luke fights with a blend of skill and grace, but he's not there to kill. His purpose is to buy time for Rey and the others to escape, to give the Resistance another chance. As their clash reaches a crescendo, Luke and Rey join forces against Kylo, briefly overpowering him. But Luke knows that Kylo won't stop until Rey and the Resistance are crushed. With a solemn look, he forcefully pushes Rey toward the ship, urging her to flee. Rey, reluctant and confused, reaches out for him, only for Luke to tell her something unexpected: "You know, Rey, Jacen would be proud to see the warrior you've become." Rey stumbles back, stunned, as she watches Luke stand tall, ready to face Kylo alone. He gives her a last, knowing look before turning back to Kylo. Rey, Poe, and Finn board the ship, and with a heavy heart, she watches as Luke's figure disappears in the haze of the collapsing base.

In their final moments, Luke and Kylo duel in silence, each fully aware of what's to come. Luke drops his lightsaber, choosing not to resist. Kylo delivers a killing blow, but instead of falling, Luke vanishes, leaving behind only his cloak. Kylo is left in stunned silence, confronted by the man who showed him compassion even until the end. Rey, Poe, and Finn return to the Resistance base, their hearts heavy with the weight of Luke's sacrifice. The Resistance holds a solemn funeral, honoring Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, who had given her all to the cause. Rey reflects on Luke's final words, wondering how he knew the name Jacen and what it could mean for her. The mysterious connection, hinting at her parentage and her legacy, remains an open question.

The film ends on a somber but hopeful note. The Resistance, though battered, is resolved to carry on, more determined than ever to rise against the First Order. Rey stands at the forefront, no longer just a Jedi in training but a warrior ready to honor her mentors and her newfound family. With a renewed sense of purpose, she leads the Resistance into the uncertain future, the flicker of hope burning brighter than ever.