Rey Prepares for Training In New Star Wars 8 Image

Rey gets ready for training on Ahch-To in a new image from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. The highly-anticipated sequel finally hits theaters in December, picking up just moments from where The Force Awakens left off. Episode VII, of course, ended with the tantalizing cliffhanger of Rey holding out the Skywalker family lightsaber to a weary Luke, setting the stage for what is sure to be an intriguing chapter in the saga. It goes without saying that the dynamic between the scavenger and old Jedi is going to be a major component of the film, with Rey attempting to convince the reluctant Luke to rejoin the fight against the First Order.


Based on footage and dialogue from the teaser trailer, Luke eventually takes Rey under his wing to train her in the ways of the Force. Skywalker’s shocking proclamation that it’s time for the Jedi to end means he could have some new techniques up his sleeve, but regardless of what his teaching methods are, studying under the legendary war hero will be quite the challenge for Rey – both mentally and physically. Fortunately, the determined youngster knows how to prepare for the task at hand.


Yahoo! Movies recently published their fall movie preview, and debuted an exclusive picture from Episode VIII. In it, Rey has her back turned to the camera while she stands on a cliff overlooking the water on Ahch-To. Clutching her staff in her right hand, Rey appears to be in a moment of deep thought to attune her senses before taking part in a training exercise.


While the image itself is scant on new plot details, it is nonetheless exciting to get another look at Rey, signaling the ramping up of the Last Jedi marketing campaign. Ahch-To in particular has the potential to be one of the most unique locations ever depicted in the Star Wars films, as writer/director Rian Johnson used his creative sensibilities to craft an entire culture and society for the planet. The secluded world is home to the first Jedi Temple, as well as different alien species like the porgs and caretakers. It should prove to be a fascinating place to explore, especially as secrets like Rey’s lineage and Luke’s reason for exile are uncovered on their journey. Plus, its aesthetic is unlike anything that’s been seen on the big screen.

After The Force Awakens was criticized for aping original trilogy planets with Jakku and Starkiller base, it’s nice to see something completely new.

Some of the earliest Last Jedi rumors pointed to Kylo Ren and some allies (possibly the praetorian guards) finding their way to Ahch-To to confront Rey and Luke. This hypothetical encounter is probably what Rey is training for. At Starkiller, she was able to best the compromised dark side user, who was not in the best shape emotionally (he just murdered Han Solo) or physically (Chewbacca shot him with the bowcaster). Considering Kylo has recovered, Rey will need to be at the top of her game to defeat her rival again. Hopefully what she learns from Luke steers her in the right direction.