A major character may return in Star Wars Episode IX

Did you think you saw the last of Luke Skywalker after the insanely awesome Jedi duel with Kylo Ren? You have much to learn, young Padawan. Present company included, because I too thought he was a goner, but Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson just opened up the door for his return Episode IX.

Spoiler alert: Major Star Wars: The Last Jedi spoilers are discussed.

Johnson has been on a non-stop press junket ever since The Last Jedi opened last month. In a recent interview, he was expanding upon the unknown qualities of the Force, and he just so happened to mention how that can play into the return of major characters in future movies. The main character that came to mind was Luke Skywalker, who seemingly passed away at the end of the movie and became one with the Force.

Here is what Johnson said:

I don’t know where the next movie is going to go. J.J. (Abrams) and Chris Terrio are writing it right now. But it seemed like the potential of Luke crossing into a new realm, that offers exciting possibilities for the role he plays in the coming chapter. No one’s ever really gone. Again, I’m not writing the script, so I don’t know. But as a fan, I would hope [he returns].

First of all, we have to state the obvious: Rian Johnson is not returning to direct or write Star Wars Episode IX. That distinction goes to The Force Awakens director J. J. Abrams. So that doesn’t guarantee Luke’s return, but he may have left an roadmap of ideas behind with Luke returning as a Force Ghost.

With Obi Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker and Yoda making appearances as Force Ghosts in the movies, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if Force Ghost Luke shows up in Episode IX to parlay some words of wisdom to Rey. That wouldn’t be too crazy of an idea when you consider Johnson set up a world where Force-positive characters can use the Force to float around in space.

Star Wars Episode IX won’t be arriving for another two years, so hardly any information about the movie is known. As J.J. Abrams and Chris Terrio finish up the script, here’s hoping they throw in a scene with Force Ghost Luke.