When compared to characters like Finn, Rey, and Luke Skywalker, Poe Dameron has arguably been slightly more sidelined in the marketing materials for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Now, that has changed in a big way as a new video for Episode VIII has just debuted online, and it gives Mr. Dameron the chance to truly shine with some high-flying aerial maneuvers and some serious explosions. Be warned: if you have a weakness for Poe or Leia Solo, then this video might cause some feelings. Check it out below.
If you were worried about the possibility of The Last Jedi lacking any of the melodrama or bombastic action that we have come to expect from a Star Wars movie, then I think we can pretty much use this trailer to put those concerns to bed. Poe Dameron seems to be out for blood in this latest Star Wars adventure, and General Leia grants him full permission to get out there and "blow something up." The visual effects alone seem worth the price of admission, as Poe's X-Wing fighter manages to pull off some insane maneuvers even for an action-oriented Star Wars film -- all while the hotshot pilot lets out a "yahoo!" that feels incredibly reminiscent of Han Solo's line from the climax of A New Hope.
You likely already know the moment that I'm referring to. It's the part when Han clears Darth Vader off of Luke's tail during the trench run at the first Death Star.
In many ways, the relationship between Poe Dameron and General Leia has evolved into one of the cores of the new Star Wars trilogy. One of the very first things Poe does onscreen in The Force Awakens is talk fondly of Leia's status as royalty, and it's evident that the two have developed a strong bond over the course of their work together -- likely to the chagrin of Kylo Ren. Poe arguably embodies some of the best elements of Luke Skywalker AND Han Solo, so it's not difficult to see why Leia sees so much potential in him as a leader.
The scenes shared between Poe Dameron and General Leia in The Last Jedi will likely take on an even more emotional overtone due to the untimely passing of Carrie Fisher last year. Much has already been said about how her death has fundamentally shifted plans for the future of the Star Wars franchise, and seeing her posthumously appear on-screen (similar to the CGI Leia seen in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story) is likely going to give those sequences even more of a punch.
The Star Wars series will continue with the theatrical release of The Last Jedi one month from today on December 15. Make sure to get your tickets now and start gearing up for the eighth adventure in the Skywalker saga!
