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Star Wars: The Last Jedi’s Amilyn Holdo is Force Sensitive

By Merrilee Kohout

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A galaxy far, far away has added another Star Wars: The Last Jedi character to the list of Force-sensitive characters. Let’s talk about why this is so awesome…

I love that Star Wars: The Last Jedi introduced more powerful women into the franchise. Though she only made a brief appearance in the film, Vice Admiral Amilyn Holdo made a huge impact on the Resistance and on me as an audience member! My love and admiration for the strong, quirky Holdo continue to grow the more I learn about her!

This is not just because I think that Laura Dern is a goddess –  which she is. I mean, she has been in two franchises that are near and dear to my heart: Jurassic Park and Star Wars. For this, and so many other reasons I just think she is a fantastic human being!

But, let’s talk about her recent interview with Entertainment Weekly for their radio show Behind the Scenes, where she discusses her character, Amilyn Holdo. In this interview, Dern discusses Holdo’s Force sensitivity! Are your minds blown? Mine was.

According to Dern, this is more than just a fan theory. In preparing to inhabit the role, Dern got to talk to Kathleen Kennedy, Rian Johnson, and Ram Bergman about details of Holdo’s backstory.

Now, I know some of you may be incensed by this revelation. I can hear it now: “Seriously?! So, is everyone in the entire galaxy Force sensitive now?” No, that is obviously not the case. But Amilyn Holdo is Force-sensitive, so let’s talk about why that’s so great.

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In the Behind the Scenes interview, Dern talks about Amilyn’s connection to the Force and how it affects the development of her character.

"“There’s something about her that longs to protect it and holds that with great care. There’s a sort of a light on and a wisdom that she speaks about in the film, and speaks to Oscar Isaac’s character briefly about it.”"

As Entertainment Weekly aptly notes, Luke very specifically points out to Rey that a connection to the Force doesn’t always involve fighting; it can involve a balance and vision that lends itself to leadership.

The reason I think it’s so great that Holdo is Force sensitive is that she portrays a different kind of relationship with the Force.

Predominantly, our experience with Force sensitivity is in the form of the Jedi. They are deeply involved with the spiritual nature of the Force, but it is also a source of power for them in combat.

Holdo’s relationship to the Force is purely spiritual. She doesn’t use the Force in a lightsaber duel but rather draws on the Force for wisdom and direction. I love that we’re getting to see levels of connection to the Force within the Star Wars universe.

And, personally, I love that Holdo is the character that Rian Johnson chose to exhibit this diversity because she’s so strong and colorful! I just wish that we were going to see more of her in future films.

Next: Possible connection between Solo and EU

Is there someone in the Star Wars universe that you think might be Force Sensitive? Let us know your theory in the comment section below!

Star Wars: The Last Jedi is currently available on Blu-Ray/DVD! 

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