J.J. Abrams' Original Plan for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

The saga of 'Star Wars' has always captivated the world with its epic stories and compelling characters. However, the creation of the sequel trilogy, particularly Star Wars: The Last Jedi, has been a subject of intense debate among fans. Behind the scenes, J.J. Abrams and his team had a detailed plan for the trilogy, which aimed to create a cohesive narrative that would carry through all three films.

Story Continuity

From the outset, Abrams and his team envisioned creating a seamless narrative arc that would extend through all three films of the sequel trilogy. This included focusing on the legacy of the original characters while also introducing new ones. The goal was to maintain a connection with the beloved characters established inEpisode I, II, and III, while also introducing fresh, engaging characters such as Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren.

Character Arcs

One of the key elements of the original plan involved significant character development for Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren. Abrams intended for Rey's journey to be one of self-discovery, as well as an exploration of her place within the Force. Each of these characters was meant to undergo transformative arcs, with Rey emerging as a powerful and compassionate Jedi. The aim was to present Finn and Poe as emerging leaders in the Resistance, while exploring Kylo Ren's spiritual journey and moral complexities.

Mysteries and Revelations

The original plan for 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' also included an array of mysteries and revelations that were to be explored throughout the trilogy. These elements were designed to keep fans engaged and invested in the story. One of the most intriguing aspects was the investigation of the true nature of Kylo Ren and how he became a Supreme Leader, as well as the role of Snoke and the resurrection of Palpatine.

Themes of Legacy

The trilogy was intended to deeply explore the themes of legacy and the impact of the past on the present, particularly through the lens of the Skywalker family. The relationship between Rey and the Skywalker legacy was to be a central focus, providing a new line of Jedi to counterbalance the darkness of the first order. This theme was to be further developed in subsequent films, connecting it to the broader destiny of the galaxy.

Collaboration with Rian Johnson

Perhaps the most significant aspect of Abrams' original plan was his collaboration with Rian Johnson, the director of The Last Jedi. While Abrams was the writer and director of the first film in the trilogy, 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' he had the initial groundwork. However, the transition to Rian Johnson as the director of the sequel raised questions about whether the original plan was faithfully followed.

Johnson has stated that he was given carte blanche in terms of the story, with full creative freedom. This meant that he was free to interpret and develop the narrative as he saw fit, which led to some significant deviations from the original plan. For example, Rey's connection to the Skywalker family was more ambiguous in The Last Jedi than originally intended, and the death of Snoke was a major turning point that affected the subsequent films.

Some have argued that Abrams' approach, characterized by unanswered questions, contributed to the controversy surrounding The Last Jedi. This style of writing left many plot points open, encouraging fans to speculate and engage with the story. While Abrams himself had certain visions, Rian Johnson's interpretation of those ideas led to a different outcome, resulting in a trilogy that was more polarizing than expected.

Conclusion

While J.J. Abrams and his team had a detailed plan for the sequel trilogy, the transition to Rian Johnson as the director of The Last Jedi brought with it significant creative freedom. This freedom allowed for deviations from the original plan, leading to the most controversial movie in the saga. Fans are left to decide whether the original vision was maintained or if the trilogy took an unexpected and perhaps controversial turn.