How Star Wars: The Last Jedi Has Improved Poe Dameron’s X-Wing

Poe Dameron was first seen piloting a TIE Fighter in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but as one would expect from a pilot in The Resistance, he was at his best when settled in the cockpit of an X-Wing. Like Luke Skywalker more than 30 years before him, Poe was able to blow up a planet-destroying superweapon while flying in one of these starfighters, but his piloting duties didn't end with Starkiller Base's explosion. Poe will be back inside an X-Wing during Star Wars: The Last Jedi later this year, and fortunately for him, his trusty ship has been enhanced so that it will be easier for him to avoid enemy fire.


In addition to Lucasfilm providing Empire an exclusive image of Poe Dameron's enhanced X-Wing fighter in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, director Rian Johnson provided some details how the Resistance's engineers have upgraded the starfighter, a.k.a. Black One. Thanks to a new accelerator pod attached to the aft section, Poe will be able to trigger a burst of speed that will allow him to outrun The First Order's cannon emplacements. This particular thrust is only temporary, but it's just enough to ensure that he won't be shot down by Star Destroyers and other First Order vessels while he's moving in for the kill.


There's no question that Poe Dameron is The Resistance's best pilot, proving to be a worthy successor to both Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. But natural skill only goes so far, and it's crucial that Poe's X-Wing fighter is functioning to its maximum potential. With this accelerator pod, he'll ideally be able to inflict more damage on The First Order's forces. However, it's important to remember that the Star Wars: The Last Jedi teaser trailer seemingly showed Poe's X-Wing being blown up, so it's unclear if this accelerator pod is attached to Poe's replacement X-Wing or if we'll see this enhancement in action early in The Last Jedi before the ship is subsequently destroyed during a First Order assault.


Aside from flying around in his X-Wing as per usual, not many details have been released about what to expect from Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Oscar Isaac has said that his character shares more scenes with General Leia Organa, who sees Poe as a surrogate son and believes he can become a great leader within The Resistance when he's not in the pilot's seat. Perhaps Leia's faith in Poe will pave the way for him receiving a well deserved promotion in 2019's Episode IX.


Star Wars: The Last Jedi opens in theaters on December 15. Don't forget to also look through our movie premiere guide to find out when 2017's remaining theatrical offerings are being released.