Star Wars: The Last Jedi Easter eggs you may have missed

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Star Wars: The Last Jedi was full of shocking moments, catching your eye in the process. But, what Easter eggs flew under the radar, ones that made the film subtly better?

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the most shocking Star Wars film since The Empire Strikes Back, has no doubt stirred the hornet’s nest of a galaxy far, far away. Rian Johnson took major chances, with them paying off immensely.

The Last Jedi provides us Star Wars fans with more than just shock and awe, with many Star Wars Easter eggs plugged throughout the two and a half hour film. Some of those nostalgic goodies are obvious, while others you’ll have to delve deep into the canon “Holocron.”

Han Solo’s presence was felt throughout the entire film, with hints of time’s past peppered with many scenes of The Last Jedi. Like with Kylo Ren, Han Solo will always be with us. Remember, “no one is truly gone.” Coincidently, that moment was a nod to Carrie Fisher, where the Force no doubt intervened to give us that tear-jerking moment of a Skywalker reunion and final goodbye.

Unlike The Force Awakens before it, The Last Jedi references the prequels, doing justice to the underrated films. It binds the galaxy together, expanding on the excellent story and characters created by J.J. Abrams and the Lucasfilm story group from a few years ago.

As of now, I’ve seen The Last Jedi at least ten times — I’ve lost count actually, it may be closer to 20. Anyways, here all the Easter eggs I’ve discovered, either from the film itself, The Last Jedi Visual Guide, and from discussing the movie with other fans and Star Wars experts.

Let’s delve deep into a galaxy far, far away, having a bit of fun in the process. That was the intent of George Lucas from the beginning anyways.

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The First Order reigns “Supreme.”

"The FIRST ORDER reigns. Having decimated the peaceful Republic, Supreme Leader Snoke now deploys his merciless legions to seize military control of the galaxy. Only General Leia Organa’s band of RESISTANCE fighters stand against the rising tyranny, certain that Jedi Master Luke Skywalker will return and restore a spark of hope to the fight. But the Resistance has been exposed. As the First Order speeds toward the rebel base, the brave heroes mount a desperate escape…"

The Last Jedi makes it clear as day who has the upper hand after the battle of Starkiller Base shown in The Force Awakens. The First Order. The Resistance is on the run, barely escaping with their lives while retreating from their base on D’Qar.

Speaking of the Resistance base, Johnson sparks the theme of “let the past die” by destroying the location where we spent a bit of time at during the final act of The Force Awakens. Right out of the gate, Johnson was establishing it crystal clear that nothing was off limits in the movie.

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The flagship of the Resistance is called the Raddus, which may sound a bit familiar. In Rogue One, the Admiral who received the Death Star plans, risking his life in the process, was a Mon Calamari name Raddus. Ironically, his comrade Admiral Ackbar dies on the bridge of the ship named after his former friend.

Before the events of The Force Awakens, Leia convinced Ackbar to come out of retirement to join the fight against The First Order. Instead of drinking Coronas on a Mon Cal beach and enjoying his golden years, he turned into fried fish — too soon?

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Cameos galore

Carrie Fisher’s daughter, Billie Lourd, has a more prominent role in The Last Jedi than she did in The Force Awakens. She plays Lieutenant Connix, who aids Poe Dameron in covering up Finn and Rose’s secret trip to Canto Bight.

Adrian Edmondson, a British actor, plays Captain Peavey. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Slowen Lo, the alien who turns in Rose and Finn in for parking on the beach on Canto Bight. Levitt has appeared or stared in every Rian Johnson film to date. Also, Michaela Coel, from Black Mirror, makes an appearance as a Resistance monitor.

Tom Hardy dons the infamous Stormtrooper gear, but it’s unknown which bucket-head he is in The Last Jedi. Princes William and Harry apparently played Stormtroopers but hit the cutting room floor. But to us, they’re royalty.

Warwick Davis plays an alien, Wodibin in the Canto Bight Casino in The Last Jedi.  Davis has played a “W” named character in each Star Wars movie he’s appeared in, with the only non “W” creature being Rukh from Star Wars Rebels. 

• Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi- Wicket 
• Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace – Wald and Weasel.
• Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens – Wollivan  
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story – Weeteef Cyu-Bee  
• Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi – Wodibin
• Star Wars Rebels – Rukh

Gary Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s dog, makes an appearance in Canto Bight. Mark Hamill voices the Dobbu Scay, the drunk alien which interacts and throws up all over BB-8. All three of Hamill’s children pop up in the film, also.

Two actors from the hit show The Leftovers, Justin Goro and Lily Cole make appearances in The Last Jedi. Also, the director of Rogue One, Garreth Edwards makes a cameo at the end of the film, as a Resistance soldier.

Game of Thrones appearances

Of course Captain Phasma, Gwendoline Christie is the most prominent Games of Thrones star in The Last Jedi, but actors from the show were peppered in throughout the entire film.

• Kate Dickie: Lysa Arryn. Plays a First Order Stormtrooper
• Mark Lewis Jones: Shagga of the Stone Crows. Plays Captain Canady of the First Order in the opening scene
• Amira Ghazalla: Dothraki. Canady’s First Order Commander.

The Force Awakens displayed, even more, GOT stars, with Episode IX likely continuing that trend. Emilia Clarke will play Qi’Ra in the upcoming Solo: A Star Story film.

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I have a bad feeling about this

Every single Star Wars film to date has uttered some variation of “I have a bad feeling about this.” But, did The Last Jedi omit this from the film?

Actually, it’s one of the first lines of the film, but you would have to understand droid to pick up on it. BB-8 is our winner, where he garners the response from Poe with “happy beeps.” What a clever way to implement this into the film. Well done, Rian Johnson. Well done.

Here are all of the “bad feeling” moments from all of the Star Wars films.

• The Phantom Menace: Obi-Wan Kenobi: “I have a bad feeling about this.” On board the  Saak’ak above Naboo. 
• Attack of the Clones: Anakin Skywalker “I’ve got a bad feeling about this.” On Geonosis, inside of the Petranaki arena.
• Revenge of the Sith: Obi-Wan Kenobi: “Oh, I have a bad feeling about this.” Inside of the Invisible Hand, General Grievous flagship.
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: K-2SO “I have a bad feeling about th…” On Scarif.
• A New Hope: Luke Skywalker: “I have a very bad feeling about this.” On the Millenium Falcon, approaching the Death Star. And, Han Solo: “I got a bad feeling about this.” Inside of the trash compactor on the Death Star.
• The Empire Strikes Back: Princess Leia: “I have a bad feeling about this.” On the Falcon inside of the space slug.
• Return of the Jedi: C-3PO: “Artoo, I have a bad feeling about this.” Entering Jabba’s palace. And, Han Solo: “I have a really bad feeling about this.” On Endor, while being prepared as a meal for the “guests of honor.”
• The Force Awakens: Han Solo: “I got a bad feeling about this.” On the Falcon, before the rathtars begin racking havoc.

Speaking of Poe, you might have noticed a necklace around his neck with an obscure ring attached to it. Come to find out; this jewel has a significance that ruins within his bloodline. It was the wedding ring of his mother, Shara Bey, who is introduced in the Shattered Empire comic — an A-Wing pilot who accompanied both Leia and Luke on separate missions shortly after the events of Return of the Jedi.

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Bey married an Alliance Special Forces soldier, Kes Dameron, where the two raised Poe on Yavin IV once the Galactic Civil War ended. Luke also gifted them a Force-sensitive tree, which could explain Poe’s string of good luck and elite piloting instincts.

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Leia mourns her late husband — Han Solo

The legacy of Han Solo lives on through Star Wars: The Last Jedi in many ways. The most creative venue is an Easter Egg which is hidden deeply, but one worth uncovering. In The Last Jedi Visual Guide, it’s revealed that Han Solo has a very special message for the First Order. 

Resistance bombs had messages inscribed on them saying: “HI SNOKE” and “HAN SAYS HI!” What a fun and fitting way to send off the coolest cat in a galaxy, far away. Ironically, Solo used the same thermal bombs to destroy Starkiller Base.

Solo’s presence was felt throughout the entirety of The Last Jedi. The pair of dice which was showcased over and over belonged to Han Solo himself. He won the Millennium Falcon, crediting them as a good luck charm — in a heated game of (Corellian Spike) Sabacc against his good pal Lando Calrissian.

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We first saw this pair of dice hanging on the cockpit of the Millenium Falcon in A New Hope. Rian Johnson’s subtle promotion of the upcoming Solo: A Star Wars story was a nice touch while honoring the late Captain Solo in the process — which we will discuss in more depth later on.

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Leia’s new hairstyle is for a reason — containing an Alderaainian mourning braid. Her wardrobe also displays a grieving widow, with purple resembling her home planet’s five stages of grief, so to speak.

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Cobalt Squadron

Paige Tico single-handedly saves the Resistance with heroics during the Battle of D’Qar. Both Paige and her sister Rose serve as part of the Resistance bombing squadron “Cobalt Squadron.” The sisters occasionally serve together on the vessel, but Rose was tasked to the Raddus at the time of their escape from D’Qar.

Paige and Rose share halves a medallion from their homeworld of Hays Minor in the Otomok system — which was ransacked and taken over by First Order forces, leading the duo to the Resistance. The keepsake is made of pure Hausian smelt (we’ve heard it’s the best conductor) which is a good luck charm for Paige, whose become superstitious with many close calls in battle.

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Kind of a big deal

We then meet Finn — who’s kind of a big deal in the Resistance. On his monitor in Aurebesh, it reads stable, which is a step up from where we last found him at the conclusion of The Force Awakens. He suffers a lightsaber wound to his shoulder, as well as across his spine, but held his own against the mighty Kylo Ren.

His friend, Poe Dameron stitches up the hole left in the jacket from such encounter, which is ready for him to wear once he awakens. Before that, the suit Finn dons is called Flexpoly bacta suit. When Finn comes to, he initially believes he’s on Starkiller base.

Finn’s first words are “Rey,” where he’s concerned about his friend’s well-being. When Poe finds Finn staggering down the hall of the Raddus, he asks him, “You must have a thousand questions.” Finn utters “where’s Rey,” in response.

The same rings true for the audience, where we all have many questions for The Last Jedi, but all we want to know at that moment is what’s going to happen when Rey first encounters Luke Skywalker.

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A broken Jedi Master

The moment we all were waiting for following the epic ending of The Force Awakens. Rey finally tracks down Luke Skywalker. Like all of us Star Wars fans, Rey is anticipating the heroic and legendary Luke Skywalker. Instead, she meets a broken and “get off my lawn” version of the Jedi Master.

In a sense, Luke has turned into his adoptive father, Uncle Owen. Grumpy, rough, and committed to a life of agriculture. Luke grew up as a farmer, skills which suite him well during his exile on Ahc-To.

When Rey hands Luke his father’s lightsaber, you can see a wound on his metallic hand — which he received on Jabba’s Sail Barge. Luke tosses the lightsaber off the cliff, another element of the theme “let the past die.”

All Luke wants to do, is be left alone and die. He has no purpose. No more optimism. He’s given up, due to the tragic events of his Jedi Temple destruction.

Luke has no intent on ever leaving the island, where you see his T-65 X-wing sunk in the waters on the Ahch-To shore. He also uses one of his S-foils as the door for his home. Master Yoda did the same thing, using remnants of his escape pod as the door for his hut on Dagobah.

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Luke Skywalker’s Jedi collectibles

When we get our first glimpse of Luke’s home on Ahch-To, there is a handful of blink, and you’ll miss its Easter eggs, of great significance. Over the course of 34 years since the events of Return of the Jedi, Luke has gathered artifacts, libraries, and many other mysteries of the Jedi Order.

If you’ve played the Star Wars Battlefront II campaign mode, you’re familiar with a unique compass in which Luke acquires on his Jedi quest. We see the same compass in his living quarters, which he stole back from one of the Emperor’s observatories on the planet Pillio.

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The Last Jedi Visual Dictionary reveals that the compass contains “Supraluminite lodestone attuned to hyperspace vectors,” no doubt the means in which Luke discovered the first Jedi Temple on Ahch-To.

Also hanging on the wall is a recovered “Jedi Crusader Pendant,” a trophy made from fragmented Sith lightsaber crystals. It’s unknown if this Dark Side crystal is from the laser sword of his father, Darth Vader, but it’s very likely.

In Star Wars Legends, this pendant has connections to the Knights of the Old Republic, even to the great (Darth) Revan. Lucasfilm has teased fans with hints of Revan — The Clone Wars deleted scenes, Star Wars comics, and now The Last Jedi. Give us what we want — but I digress.

Among Luke’s personal collection is an S-Foil actuator clutch disc from the same X-wing mentioned before, which he has as a keepsake. No doubt he reminisces about times past — destroying the Death Star and his many trips across the galaxy in it, including meeting with Master Yoda on Dagobah.

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Ahch-To wildlife and island history

Luke was not alone in the isolated world of Ahch-To, which is more populated than we initially believed. Porgs. Porgs. And more porgs. Rian Johnson brilliantly used these adorable bird-like creatures. At crucial times during The Last Jedi, they provided comic relief when the film needed balance from all of the darkness rising.

However, the Porgs weren’t created solely for a cash grab by Disney/Lucasfilm, but out of necessity. Apparently, on Skellig Michael in Ireland where scenes for Ahch-To were filmed, native island birds known as puffins overwhelmed the filming crew. The task of editing out these puffins would’ve been a daunting task for The Last Jedi, so Rian Johnson decided to keep them in the movie, of sorts.

This decision ended paying off royally, for both toy sales and The Last Jedi, with the Porgs stealing the show. A prime example was when a Porg nearly ignites the Skywalker lightsaber nearly destroying one of his counterparts. It’s likely that it’s poking fun at young Luke Skywalker when he points it at his face during A New Hope. 

The Caretakers are on the island are called Lanais. Currently, on Ahch-To, they are all female, but, monthly males pay a visit to — well, you know. They are also gifted musically, with a passion for playing percussion-based songs. The Lanai’s have graced their presence on the island for over one thousand years, with their primary duty in upcoming the Jedi structures.

When Rey damages their structures, it makes sense on why they are filled with sorrow and contempt for the young Jedi.

"Rey: “I dont think they like me.” Luke: “I can’t imagine why.”"

Chewbacca shows no restraint with Lukes door and could care less about these ancient structures. When Luke asks “where’s Han,” it displays that he has completely cut himself off from the Force, unaware of Han’s death or the destruction of the Republic by the Super Weapon of the First Order.

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The mighty Kylo Ren

"Where’s Han?"

Following Luke’s inquiry, the scene then shifts to Kylo Ren, answering that very question in the process. General Hux is grinning from ear to ear when he walks by Kylo Ren upon his departure from Snoke’s throne room, where he knows that Kylo Ren is about to be disciplined.

Since the inception of the First Order, Snoke has purposely initiated a rift between the two young men. When Snoke is describing Hux to his apprentice — on why he keeps someone like the General in such a place of power — he’s no doubt mocking Kylo Ren as well.

The throne room has an Emperor Palpatine-like vibe by design, with the First Order “rising from the ashes of the Empire. Snoke continues to use the structure of the Empire, making his improvements in the process.

Like Palpatine, he too has crimson guards, but are new and improved variations of the former Emperor’s Red Robed version. A total of eight soldiers make up the Praetorian Guards — with four sets of identical pairs. The origins of these elite remain a mystery, with the motto of “what’s past is future.”

Without hesitation, the Praetorian Guards will destroy any who threaten the Supreme Leader — unless he gives the command to refrain. You may have noticed a few alien servants hanging out in the throne room, as well. These mute navigators, along with Grand Admiral Thrawn, were responsible for the hyperspace routes which led the fleeing Imperial remnant to Snoke within the Unknown Regions.

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Snoke’s unlimited power

Even with Supreme Leader Snoke’s fragile physical state, The Last Jedi showcases his extreme power within the Dark Side of the Force. We know he hails from the Unknown Regions of the Star Wars universe, but not much else is known about his actual beginnings.

Snoke has a deep connection to Dark Side’s past — displayed in his golden ring, which is etched with glyphs of the Dwarti, ancient lawgivers of the original Republic thousands of years ago. The Dwarti are not new to the Star Wars galaxy, with ties to, guess who, Sheev Palpatine himself. In his personal quarters during the Prequel trilogy, Palpatine had four statues, representing these four Sages of Dwartii.

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1. Braata
2. Faya
3. Sistros
4. Yanjon

Palpatine fancied the Sistros the most and relocated it when he moved into the Imperial Palace — the former Jedi Temple — following Order 66. Braata is known to have adopted the Dark Side of the Force. Could Snoke even be one of these Sages himself?

Snoke’s ring is also made of obsidian from beneath Vader’s castle on Mustafar, which was the location of an ancient Sith Temple a long, long time ago. For some reason, Snoke seems more obsessed with Darth Vader, than Palpatine, but that is yet to be confirmed.

According to Andy Serkis, who plays Snoke via motion capture in The Last Jedi, the template for his attire is based on the extravagant Hugh Hefner. Unlike Palpatine before him, Snoke embraces the perks of being the most powerful baddie in the galaxy by sporting a golden robe and slippers. With great power, he’s able to seduce a promising young Jedi, Ben Solo to the Dark Side of the Force.

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Kylo Ren is no Darth Vader

The Force Awakens makes it (kyber) crystal clear that Kylo Ren is a cheap knockoff of Darth Vader. In The Last Jedi, Snoke mocks Kylo’s obsession with Vader, calling him out for being a child in a mask. Also, echoes of Rey telling the Master of the Knights of Ren:

"You’re afraid, that you’ll never be as strong as Darth Vader."

Rian Johnson modified Kylo Ren’s scar to look more like Anak in Skywalker’s from Episode III.  If you listen carefully, echoes of Vader’s Imperial March theme subtly play when Snoke mentions Vader, transitioning to Kylo’s theme.

Vader is not heard from again in The Last Jedi — another “let the past die.” moment. It’s capped off when he smash If you’re wondering what happened to Vader’s helmet in which Kylo Ren “communicated” within the previous film, he left it aboard the Star Destroyer Finalizer — Hux’s command ship.

Kylo Ren’s past still stays with him, with the words of his father echoing within his head:

"Snoke is using you for your power. When he gets what he wants, he’ll crush you."

Han Solo’s bravery and final words planted seeds of doubt within Kylo Ren, which would have a tremendous impact later in The Last Jedi, giving Kylo Ren the courage to turn on his Master. Once again, Han Solo lives in within Kylo Ren and throughout the story.

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The Last Jedi dives into the mysteries of the Force

We then journey back to Ahch-To, where deep and emotional scenes with Rey and Luke Skywalker take place.

"You think I’m gonna walk out with a laser sword and take down the whole First Order?”."

“Laser sword” is a reference to Episode I: The Phantom Menace, when a young Anakin Skywalker calls a lightsaber that very thing. Also, that statement by Luke is foreshadowing, because he does, in fact, end up facing the entire First Order, from a certain point of view.

Rey discovers the Jedi Temple, stumbling upon the ancient Jedi texts. With Holocrons containing Jedi knowledge in the modern Star Wars era, paper material is a rarity.  The tree holding what’s left of the Jedi religion are called “Uneti trees,” which have a strong connection to the Force.

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Chirrut Imwe’s fighting staff was made of the same Uneti material.

Luke’s inquiry of who Rey is again revealing her identity, of being truly from nowhere.

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For the very first time in a live-action Star Wars film, The Last Jedi shows the symbol of the Jedi Order, which we also see in Star Wars: The Clone Wars. Luke informs Rey that she needs a teacher, showing the competing influences on Rey, with Kylo Ren telling her the same thing during their final battle in The Force Awakens. 

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Captain Dameron, once again.

In The Last Jedi, when Poe slapped by Leia after his demotion, it required 27 takes of Carrie slapping Isaac in the face. Ouch!  She then tells Poe that he can’t solve his problems or become a hero just by blowing stuff up — which the heroes did in both Death Star battles and Starkiller Base. The Last Jedi evolves to more profound and difficult ways of becoming a hero.

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Barrel roll flying maneuver by Kylo mirrors Anakin’s from the opening scene of Revenge of the Sith. Like his father, uncle, and grandfather before him, Kylo Ren is a phenomenal pilot — showcased when he destroys the Resistance fighters.

However, Kylo Ren hesitates when he has the opportunity to kill his mother, once again displaying a conflicted soul. Even though he makes the noble decision, his wingmen fire about his mother and the entire Resistance high-command.

Leia survives, due to her strong Force abilities. Now, this is not the first time a Force-sensitive character survives while floating in space, with Kanan Jarrus doing so on two separate occasions — once in the Kanan comic and another time in Star Wars Rebels.

Leia flies through a hologram of Snoke’s ship, the Supremacy, foreshadowing its destruction later on in The Last Jedi.

Luke passed on what he learned from his Jedi training to Leia, where she was to become his first Padawan learner. However, she instead chose to follow in her birth mother’s footsteps, serving in Galactic politics once again. Leia did learn the ways of the Force from her brother, but how much, is unknown at this point.

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Luke on Falcon for the first time in decades

In one of the most touching scenes in The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker climbs aboard the Millennium Falcon for the first time in decades. While holding Han’s lucky dice, he reminisces about time’s past. His old friend R2-D2 makes his presence known, dropping a few f-bombs in the process.

After Luke tells R2 that he’s not coming back, the droid pulls a “cheap move” playing a recording that begun Luke’s hero journey in A New Hope. 

"Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re my only hope."

Not only this recording of Leia reminds of the past, but by also on the here and now. Luke now is capable of fulfilling the Obi-Wan Kenobi role, but refuses. He is indeed the only hope for the Resistance like Ben Kenobi was the Rebel Alliance.

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Vice Admiral Holdo.

Our first Star Wars encounter with Holdo is well before the events of The Last Jedi. In the Leia: Princess of Alderaan novel both Holdo and Leia served together as Apprentice Legislature in their teens. During the Galactic Civil War, Holdo served Leia in the Rebel Alliance, where the two developed a rich friendship in the process.

Holdo’s purple hair represents her rebellious nature, which is revealed when she tells Leia that she indeed likes Poe’s same mentality.  She also wears bracelets designed with constellations from her home world Gatalenta — which is a place known for poetry, tranquility, and compassion.

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When Poe, Finn, and Rose are seeking assistance in breaking onto Snoke’s Supremacy ship, they contact Maz Kanata. Not much of an Easter egg here, but more of a question. Why is Maz playing  Call of Duty during their “Skype” conversation? Anyways, she sends Finn and Rose to the casino Canto Bight on the planet Cantonica in search of the master codebreaker.

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The casino on Canto Bight. 

When Rose tells Finn that Canto Bight contains the “worst” types of people, that is a nod to A New Hope, when Obi-Wan tells Luke:

"You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy."

Finn is acting like a scoundrel, of sorts — like Han and Lando, where he can’t get enough of the casino, it’s excitement, and scenery. Remember, he was taken from his home as a kid, so this is his first exposure to something this magnificent.

However, more than a new “Mos Eisley,” Canto Bight is used to stretch and grow Finn’s character. Rose inspires him to fight and not run. When Finn sees the oppression of the galaxy and the those who support, that has a lasting impact on him moving forward.

The drunk alien interacting with BB-8 believes that the droid is a slot machine. Those coins that BB-8 uses to help D.J., Finn and Rose escape were at that very moment.

The duo fails in finding the Master code breaker, but they do locate a code breaker, D.J. Come to find out, D.J. was only in jail due to the fact he needed a place to sleep, so he committed a crime to do so. On his cap in Aurebesh, it reads “Don’t Join.” Also in Aurebesh, it reads “CBPD” on the Canto Bight Police helmets.

The stable boy with Force powers, Temirir Blagg, was in a previous Rian Johnson film, Looper. He was the youngster with telekinesis, also having similar skills in The Last Jedi. Coincidence?

Rose gives the boy her ring, which has significance during the days of the Empire. The ring was used by those part of the delegation for 2,000, Republic Senators who believed Chancellor Palpatine acquired too much power as the leader. Among that very group was Padme, Mon Mothma, and Bail Organa.

Once the Republic transitioned into the Empire, those 2,000 Senators remained loyal to the old ways, becoming Rebels. Those rings were used to communicate and recognize other Rebels loyal to the cause.

During Rose and Finn’s escape from Canto Bight, his ship explodes again like it did in The Force Awakens. Both D.J. and BB-8 steal a vessel aiding in their survival, with the droid doing the unexpected throughout the entirety of The Last Jedi. 

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Rey begins the Jedi training

We then meet Rey practicing her excellent skills with the staff, but she realizes “hey, I’ve got the Skywalker lightsaber.” Rey’s theme plays, telling the audience she’s in her natural element once again.

Luke watches from a distance, no doubt recognizing her skills and tremendous power. Luke then begins Rey’s first lesson — teaching her that duality exists within the Force. Both powerful Light and powerful Dark are required to keep the balance. Luke’s discovered the Jedi aren’t the only ones who should have control of the Force within the galaxy.

An example of that is shown on the floor of the temple in a mosaic design, where you see an image of the Prime Jedi image, the very first Jedi who discovered ultimate balance within the Force. Luke says that the Jedi allowed the Force to fall out of balance, which leads to their destruction.

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Luke mentions Darth Sidious by name and not by his official title Emperor Palpatine. During his travels, Luke must have discovered everything about the Sith and their history. That name Sidious was only known to a select few.

Just like Yoda did to Luke in The Empire Strikes Back, Luke similarly teases Rey in The Last Jedi. 

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The Force leads Rey to a Dark Side cave, much the like the cave on Dagobah. Her first entrance into is through the Force, which terrifies Luke in the process. She goes straight to the Dark, much like he did during his cave experience. She fails there like Luke did during his initial training with Yoda.

The Dark Side is the quick and easy path but often fails to deliver the answers one is seeking. Rey’s cave experience gives her no answers on her parents, while Luke’s leaves him unsatisfied as well.

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From a certain point of view

The Last Jedi gives us three (certain) points of view on what leads to Kylo Ren’s decision to destroy Luke’s, Jedi Temple:

1. Luke’s perspective. He goes to confront Ben Solo when his nephew turns on him in response.
2. Ben Solo’s perspective. He wakes up to his Master about to kill him, so he protects himself in the process.
3. A balanced perspective and the accurate version. Luke was sensed darkness in Ben Solo during training sessions, so he uses the Force to confirm his suspicions — which he could only accomplish when his nephew is sleeping. He senses pain. Suffering. Death. And for a brief moment, gives into fear, ignited his green -blade to kill his nephew — with the intentions of protecting what he loved. He comes to his senses and decides to not go through with it, but Ben Solo makes up his mind to finally turn on his uncle.

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"So what i told you was true, from a certain point of view."

Luke giving in to anger is nothing new, where he almost kills his father in their duel on Death Star II, in the Emperor throne room. In both situations, Luke refrains from delivering the death blow, coming to his senses in the process.

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During these flashback scenes, we see Luke’s glorious green-bladed lightsaber from Return of the Jedi. We also see Ben Solo’s first lightsaber, which is very similar to the design of the one we’ve grown accustomed to since The Force Awakens.

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In The Last Jedi Visual Dictionary, we learn that Luke’s Jedi Temple was clandestine, with its location unknown to the rest of the galaxy. The galaxy would not learn of this tragedy until years later. When Luke’s temple is burning, you can see the dead bodies of a handful of his students on the floor.

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Rey and Kylo Ren’s interaction

Later on, in The Last Jedi, we discover Snoke is the one who bridges both Rey’s and Kylo Ren’s minds together, but that fact is unknown to them or the audience for that matter. Kylo Ren makes an important statement, foreshadowing Luke’s death.

"You’re not doing this, the effort would kill you."

Their interaction digs deeper into the duality theme, of how the Dark Side and the Light Side are capable of working together. Kylo Ren’s intentions are to turn Rey to the Dark Side so he can overthrow Snoke and rule the galaxy with her. Rey’s reasons are to turn him back into Ben Solo, where she believes he’s the chosen one, of sorts, to bring balance to the Force.

When Rey discovers that Luke lied to her about what happened with Ben Solo, she turns on Luke. Just like Obi-Wan and Yoda did with him, Luke keeps vital information from Rey, leading her to leave before she finishes the Jedi training.

Luke even says:

"This is not going to go the way you think."

And:

"Don’t go."

However, Rey leaves to save her new friend, much like Luke does to protect his friends. Vader uses the Force into manipulating Luke to fall into the trap, while Snoke does the same with Rey in The Last Jedi. 

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

A visit from the netherworld of the Force

Master Yoda returns in epic fashion in The Last Jedi, appearing to young Skywalker. As wise as ever, Yoda is always one step ahead of Luke. He sees Luke looking off to the horizon, not in the hear and now, much like a young Luke did in the Original Trilogy. 

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

Yoda has also shifted his philosophy, learning that the old way of doing things has failed the new generation of Jedi. The reason he destroys the trees and the ancient Jedi texts (or so we thought) was for Luke’s benefit. Luke needs to let go of the past, let it die.

Yoda even informs Luke:

"Wisdom they held, but that library contained nothing that the girl Rey does not already possess"

Come to find out, this statement by Yoda had a double meaning. Rey scavenged the Jedi texts and took them with her on her departure from Ahch-To. Yoda knew the books were already gone. He is also referencing the Force within her and that Luke can teach her all she needs to know — if he embraces his failure.

"Wisdom. Greatest teacher failure is."

Now, this is a turning point in The Last Jedi, where Luke listens to the advice of Yoda, reclaiming the Jedi Master mantle, becoming not only what Rey needs, but what the galaxy does.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

A plan fails for our heroes in The Last Jedi

In what looks to be a ship landing, we then san clothing iron, ironing out some First Order attire. This is an obscure reference to the 1978 parody Hardware Wars. In this short “film” everyday appliances are used in place of spaceships.

D.J.  then betrays Rose and Finn, as Lando did with Han and Leia. But, doesn’t join them like later. Remember, “Don’t Join.” The two are captured by Phasma and her forces, with the plan failing miserably.

Speaking of Phasma, how did she escape the destruction of Starkiller Base? Se was, indeed thrown into a trash compactor by Han Solo and Finn, but finds her way out. The only reason she lowers those shields in the first place for her own survival. However, she frames another First Order leader and covers her tracks by killing him. Ruthless.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

When Finn and Phasma duel during their battle royale, it’s a monumental moment for Finn, who overcomes his fear of the First Order. After he defeats Phasma and before she falls to her death, she calls him scum.

Finn then corrects her, and says “Rebel scum.” That’s in response to the arresting officers who call Rose and Finn “Rebel scum” just moments before. On a deeper level, Finn now considers himself a pet of the Resistance;  becoming a true Rebel.

During that same scene, a Walker aids Finn and Rose, where you believe it might be D.J. pulling a Lando, changing his mind. But, The Last Jedi uses another familiar plot device, taking an unlikely turn int he process — as the next scene does brilliantly.

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

The Millennium Falcon loses another dish — with Lando responsible for the destruction of the original in Return of the Jedi and Chewie with an anonymous Porg in The Last Jedi within the mines of Crait. Now that the shapes for the antenna have been circular and rectangular, is triangular next on the list?

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

The Last Jedi seems to be a carbon copy of the throne room scene from  Return of the Jedi nods.

1. Background music for Snoke is the same used for the Emperor’s theme.
2. Rey is in handcuffs, like Luke, where Snoke releases them just like the Emperor does.
3. Snoke shows the battle in which the Resistance is undoubtedly doomed, just like the Emperor displays to Luke.
4. Rey accuses Snoke of being overconfident. Luke tells the Emperor the same thing in ROTJ.
5. The Apprentice turns on the Master, catching them off guard in the process.

However, Rian Johnson uses these familiar themes but takes a tricky turn with each of them. Kylo Ren is not redeemed and only kill Snoke to take the Supreme Leader mantle for his selfish ambition.

Kylo Ren reveals to Rey, like Vader with Luke, that Rey already knows the truth. Her parents are nobodies. Filthy junk traders buried in a paupers grave on Jakku. Forces us to focus on Rey and Kylo. It’s also a reminder that heroes can come from anywhere., much like Anakin Skywalker did.

The red imagery of the Battle of Crait symbolizes the Resistance’s demoralizing defeat. The. Contrast with white and red shows the Resistance “bleeding out.” Also, planet Crait was a secret Rebel base established by Leia’s adoptive father, Bail Organa. Years ago, this was the first time she was involved in Rebel activities. Now, the Resistance is called the Rebellion once again, spawning on the same planet.

The Battle of Hoth imagery from The Empire Strikes Back: 

Both Kylo and Vader would have crushed the Rebels if they weren’t so concerned with Luke Skywalker. Even though both forces took heavy losses, if their judgment were not impaired by their personal affairs, the Rebels would have easily been defeated both times.

The planet is not made of ice like Hoth, however, with a salt surface instead. Also, the equipment used is the same used during the Battle of Hoth. Poe also learned from his failure during the bombing run, retreating instead of fighting a losing battle.

Also, when Kylo Ren enters the Rebel base on Crait, it’s shades of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader entering the Jedi Temple in Revenge of the Sith. 

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

A Skywalker reunion in The Last Jedi

According to reports, the Luke and Leia moment in The Last Jedi was so eerily quiet on set. Almost like a funeral for Han, of sorts, which was fitting with the mood. Leia even has an “I know” nod to Han, when she says that to Luke, really meaning “I love you.”

"No one is ever really gone."

Coincidentally, this served as a send off for the late Carrie Fisher, ordained by the will of the Force. We said goodbye to Luke and Han in this scene, but to Leia as well. C-3P0 and Poe have a C3PO/Han-like moment when Poe tells the droid to “shut up,” when he’s shown the odds.

The super laser used by the First Order to crack the Resistance Order originated from the Tarkin Initiative. Another feature of the Empire era from Tarkin’s plans was Hyperspace tracking, which was actually revealed by Jyn Erso in Rogue One — when she’s looking for the Death Star plans on Scarif. That’s how the First Order was able to track the Resistance, with Tarkin’s original vision.

Clues that Luke Skywalker was not present during his duel with Kylo Ren:

1. He’s using Anakin’s lightsaber, which was destroyed
2. His appearance is the same as it was the last time Ben Solo saw him
3. Magically appears inside the Rebel Base “How did he get in here”?
4. When Kylo moves on the salty surface, you can see his foot imprints. With Luke, you can not.

Obi-Wan nod:

Photo Credit: Lucasfilm

"If you strike me down.. I’ll always be with you."

Luke taunts Kylo “see you around.” with another Han Solo reference.

"See you around, kid."

Luke becomes one with the Force, staring off into twin suns, ending his hero journey the same way it began, with the exact same music accompanying it. The Light Side ghosts also taunt Dark Side users, which Luke will no doubt do to Kylo Ren in Episode IX. 

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Rey lifts rocks and boulders, allowing the Rebels to escape — a reference to when Luke says the Force is more than lifting rocks. It’s also a mirror of when Luke lifts rocks with Yoda in The Empire Strikes Back.

On the Falcon, you can see the Jedi texts stowed away, hinting that Rey will use them to train a new generation of Jedi. Luke did say he won’t ever teach Jedi, but Rey will. Rey also makes a comment to BB-8 on his new antenna, a reference to The Force Awakens, when she fixed his bent antenna.

Leia tells Rey:

"We have everything we need."

They have the Force, each other, the teachings, and most importantly, the Falcon.

The film ends with the legend of Luke already spreading across the galaxy. It inspires the same orphan boy on Canto Bight from earlier in the film, who is strong with the Force. The film ends with the youngling staring off into the stars with hope, and the Alliance ring, much like Luke did at the beginning of the original Star Wars film. If you look closely, you can see the broom resembles a lightsaber — with Luke’s theme playing in the background.

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Did you catch these Star Wars: The Last Jedi Easter eggs in your viewings? Are there any that we missed? Tell us in the comments below and on our social media pages.