The logo for 'The Last Jedi' was released this week. (Photo: Lucasfilm)
'The Last Jedi': What the 'Star Wars' cast is saying about the new title
And find out which famous actor is comparing it to 'The Empire Strikes Back.'
After more than a year of anticipation, Disney finally revealed the name of "Star Wars: Episode VIII." Dubbed "The Last Jedi," the new title has fans around the world buzzing and trying to figure out what's in store for the plot. Meanwhile, what did the cast think of the new name?
"It's got a real samurai [feel]. It's straightforward and minimalist, and I like that," said American actor Mark Hamill, who plays Jedi Luke Skywalker in the sci-fi movies. (But does he play the titular "Last Jedi?" Only time will tell.)
"[They] told me that when we were making the movie and I said, 'Don't tell me these things. I talk in my sleep. They have us so jacked up with paranoia over leaks. But that's the way of the world. It's funny 'cause back when we were making the original nobody cared."
Hamill's co-star, British actress Daisy Ridley, couldn't package her excitement into words, so she posted this meme to social media instead:
The movie is helmed by American director Rian Johnson and Ram Bergman, a prolific Israeli producer. Now that the title has been released, they can insert it into the iconic opening scrawl sequence.
Other celebs also expressed excitement about the new name. William Shatner, the Canadian actor best known for his role in that other popular space franchise, was elated.
🙄Finally! 🙌🏻😝 https://t.co/vjuBHYiFkl
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) January 23, 2017
And Josh Gad – you know, Olaf the Snowman from the Disney hit "Frozen," – says it's his favorite Star Wars title since "The Empire Strikes Back."
May be my favorite title since The Empire Strikes Back because of how loaded it is. One? Multiple? The end? Tickets now. NOW!!! https://t.co/cZCczdk0eE
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) January 23, 2017
And what are other fans saying about the title? We gathered a handful of tweets for you to see:
The Last Jedi pic.twitter.com/c49hnynVwq
— Cameron Esposito (@cameronesposito) January 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/CapJab/status/823845555704971264
The force awakens the last Jedi before his nap was finished. https://t.co/eAXv47Xnub
— Why So Serious? (@JustForFun7405) January 24, 2017
Who is the last Jedi? Is Rey the last Jedi? But the plural for Jedi is Jedi so it could mean more than one. pic.twitter.com/2YFZMrqLtT
— Jack (@captaincelly) January 23, 2017
https://twitter.com/lightsaberseb/status/823647903751106560
This latest episode of "Star Wars" will feature the final performance of Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia, after her untimely passing last month. Fisher was also scheduled to be a part of the as-yet-untitled "Star Wars: Episode IX," and the producers are currently trying to figure out the best way to include and honor her in that film.
As for "The Last Jedi," the highly anticipated movie will be released later this year on Dec. 15, 2017.
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