How exactly did Luke Skywalker die in The Last Jedi?
The Last Jedi is one of the more divisive Star Wars films, largely because of how it handled the story of Luke Skywalker, including the legendary character’s death. While some fans felt it was a powerful ending for the character, others felt it was not a worthy or fitting end. How did Luke ultimately die, though?
Luke died after Force projecting his appearance from Ahch-To to Crait. Force projecting himself so far across the galaxy required every ounce of his energy and willpower. While he successfully achieved this feat, the energy and mental stress required to make it happen drained everything from him and is what ultimately killed him.
Luke made this sacrifice knowing it was the only way to save Leia, Rey, and what remained of the Resistance. The distraction that he provided gave them the opportunity to escape. It also taught his nephew Ben Solo a final lesson about redemption and sacrifice, along with reigniting a much-needed spark of hope for the entire galaxy.
After returning from his Force projection, Luke spent his final moments watching the sunset on Ahch-To and was filled with a sense of peace and purpose before passing away and becoming one with the Force.
Despite passing on, fans saw Luke again as a Force ghost in The Rise of Skywalker. When Rey stranded herself on Ahch-To and was at her lowest point, Luke’s Force ghost arrived to comfort her and provide some much-needed wisdom, hope, and invaluable tools that she would need to complete her journey.
Luke’s voice was among the many voices of past Jedi who gave Rey the inner strength she needed on Exegol. His Force ghost also appeared one last time alongside Leia’s Force ghost at the end of the film as they proudly watched Rey on Tatooine.
While many fans still disagree about how Luke’s story was handled in the sequel trilogy, there is no denying that Luke’s death was one of the most momentous in the saga.