Star Wars’ Most Divisive Movie Finally Receives The Praise It Deserves 8 Years Later

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It’s been nearly eight years since Star Wars: The Last Jedi premiered, and the film is finally receiving the recognition it deserves, despite being one of the most controversial entries in the saga. Rian Johnson’s 2017 film sharply divided fans from the start – people either loved its bold direction or strongly disliked it. While some found Johnson’s unconventional approach, a departure from the more traditional The Force Awakens, to be too radical, others appreciated his unique vision for the Star Wars universe, as demonstrated by his work on Knives Out.

Actor Josh O’Connor, known for his role in the film Wake Up Dead Man and gaining prominence in Hollywood, recently shared his strong appreciation for the 2017 film The Last Jedi. His praise of Episode VIII during a Letterboxd interview may lead some viewers to revisit the movie, almost a decade after it first came out.

“It’s just so beautiful,” O’Connor said sadly, recalling how she’d seen the movie in theaters and cried.

I vividly remember seeing that movie in theaters and being deeply moved by the final scene with the boy – especially that striking image and the accompanying sound. It’s a truly iconic and beautiful moment in film.

He praised Johnson’s Star Wars film for creating a sense that anyone, like both Rey and the young boy at the end (often called ‘Broom Boy’), had the potential to be a Jedi.

I enjoyed a Q&A session last night, and the moderator made a great point about the movie’s ending – specifically, how it suggests anyone has the potential to be a Jedi.

Some Star Wars fans will be happy to hear someone like O’Connor speak positively about The Last Jedi. The film has faced a lot of criticism over the years, even though critics generally liked it when it first came out. While it has a high 91% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, only 41% of general audiences enjoyed it, making it a very divisive movie that continues to spark debate.

Over time, Star Wars fans may continue to re-evaluate the film, particularly now that people like Josh O’Connor have publicly expressed their support for The Last Jedi.

Could Josh O’Connor Join a Star Wars Film? 

Josh O’Connor has quickly become a popular actor in Hollywood. Following standout roles in the 2024 film Challengers with Zendaya, and now in Rian Johnson’s Wake Up Dead Man, the English actor has gained a large international following.

If he keeps drawing inspiration from films like The Last Jedi, that trend will likely continue. While director Rian Johnson may not return to the Star Wars universe, even if he’s interested, it wouldn’t be shocking to see John Boyega join the franchise.

Rising star O’Connor is generating a lot of buzz in Hollywood. He’s poised to break out next year as the lead in Steven Spielberg’s new UFO film, Disclosure Day. Many believe he’d be a perfect fit for a Star Wars role, especially given his apparent enthusiasm for the franchise.

O’Connor, age 35, is particularly excited about the upcoming First Jedi film, directed by James Mangold, who also made Logan. Given that he connected with the idea that ‘anyone can be a Jedi’ in The Last Jedi, playing the very first person to use the Force would be a fitting and interesting role.

Considering how incredibly talented O’Connor is, Lucasfilm would be smart to work with him in any capacity they can.

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2025-12-19 01:35