There are few properties that are quite as iconic and beloved as Star Wars. And with Disney now alternating between main installments and standalone films, we can expect to see a new movie every year for the foreseeable future. But with the fandom so rabid and leaks/set photos having the potential to ruin plot points, Star Wars has taken some drastic measures to keep its secrets. Regarding Star Wars: The Last Jedi, this includes the overall plot, as well as the handful of new characters that director Rian Johnson will be introducing. Luckily for us, we finally have an idea about what newcommers Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro will be doing in Episode VII.
The cast and crew of The Last Jedi recently appeared in Vanity Fair to publicize the highly anticipated sequel. It's here that the first details of those two new characters were revealed, and the details are certainly enticing. Laura Dern will portray Vice Admiral Holdo, a decorated member of the Resistance. Dressed in an opulent purple gown (with matching hair), I'm hoping we see Holdo clash with General Leia. If nothing else, so audiences can catch those two badass ladies in a scene together.
Benicio del Toro's character is a bit more cryptic. His unnamed character is a shady one, whose allegiances in the battle of good vs evil are unclear. The character was reportedly nicknamed "DJ" by the crew, which director Rian Johnson claims will become clear once audience see the film. Vanity Fair's portrait of del Toro is in stark juxtaposition to the regal nature of Laura Dern's, as he's shown being unkept, dirty, and looking like a total badass.
While footage and details about The Last Jedi might be few and far between, getting a glimpse into Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro's characters is certainly exciting. The two fantastic actors are big gets for the franchise, as most of the new characters introduced in The Force Awakens were relative unknowns (besides Academy Award Winner Lupita Nyong'o's Maz Kanata). But with the Star Wars franchise having a resurgence in viewership and critical success, we should expect to see major talent like Dern and del Toro sign up for roles.
It looks like Star Wars: The Last Jedi will continue the ongoing war between the Resistance and the First Order. Much like the Rebels vs The Empire, we see General Leia and her crew of fighters battle against the tyranny of the Dark Side. And now that the backstory and world building has been completed by J.J. Abrams, we'll be able to get into the nitty gritty of the resistance, fleshing out the universe with these new characters.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi will arrive in theaters on December 15th, 2017. In the meantime, check out our full 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
