Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker editors Maryann Brandon and Mary Jo Markey shared their thoughts on whether or not The Last Jedi undid The Force Awakens.
After J. J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens debuted in theaters, fans began developing theories on the many plotlines introduced in the first chapter of the sequel trilogy, including the origins of Snoke and the lineage of Daisy Ridley’s Rey. However, when Rian Johnson assumed writing and directing duties on the follow-up film, The Last Jedi, the filmmaker opted to take the story in unexpected directions that thrilled many but left others frustrated.
However, J. J. Abrams returned to the director’s chair for the final chapter of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and many believe the film attempted to undo many of the creative decisions made by Rian Johnson, perhaps most notably by jettisoning the choice to make Rey the daughter of simple junk dealers and having her be a descendant of Emperor Palpatine. However, many believe The Last Jedi was actually responsible for discarding the vision set up by The Force Awakens and the Episode IX editors revealed they are among those who share this belief during an interview on the Light The Fuse podcast:
Brandon: “I feel very much like, in hindsight, that the trilogy, the last part of the trilogy, needed one vision.”
Markey: “I couldn’t agree more. It’s very strange to have the second film… consciously undo the storytelling of the first film. I’m sorry, that’s what it felt like.”
Do you agree with their assessment of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi? Let us know in the comments section below.
Here is the official synopsis for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:
Lucasfilm and director J. J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
irected by J. J. Abrams, The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, and Billy Dee Williams. The late Carrie Fisher appears as General Leia Organa through the use of previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is now available on Digitial HD, 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray, and DVD.
Source: Light The Fuse podcast