This weekend is a very exciting one for Star Wars fans, as the Rian Johnson's Star Wars: The Last Jedi finally arrived in theaters. The highly anticipated sequel continues the franchise's main narrative, picking up shortly after the events of The Force Awakens. The film also carries extra emotional weight, as it's the last appearance Carrie Fisher will have as General Leia, following her untimely death one year ago. Leia got some pretty exciting moments in The Last Jedi, and it turns out that her beloved dog Gary seemed to enjoy seeing her face on the silver screen. According to one report at the World Premiere, Gary's ears perked up every time Carrie flashed on screen as her signature character.
This news comes to us from ABC7 reporter Veronica Miracle's personal Twitter account. She interviewed Carrie Fisher's assistant outside the event, where she revealed Gary's ears perked up each time the legend appeared on the silver screen. This is sure to break the heart of many a Star Wars fan, as Fisher's absence was surely felt by all.
Gary the dog became a pop culture sensation two years ago, while Carrie Fisher was doing the rounds of press ahead of the release of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Fisher began bringing Carrie along with her interviews, with the cute pooch adorably sticking his tongue out and looking disinterested throughout her appearances on shows like Good Morning America. The little guy actually made it into The Last Jedi, as director Rian Johnson revealed ahead of the film's release. He was CGI'd to appear like an alien lapdog, allowing Carrie's dog to remain on set during her scenes with The Resistance.
The Last Jedi did manage to honor Carrie Fisher in many ways, which is sure to be satisfying for her generations of fans. Aside from dedicating the film to Fisher during the credits, General Leia got a ton more to do than her previous appearance in two years ago. Leia was a passing figure in The Force Awakens, only getting a brief scene or two in the film's third act. But Leia was a major through line in The Last Jedi. Certain lines regarding dialogue about loss and mourning also gained extra weight, given what he know about the icon's passing and her irreverent spirit.
Carrie Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd also had a bigger role in The Last Jedi, entering in the one of the film's first shots and remaining in the action throughout all of the twists and turns within The Resistance. Leia was originally going to have a major presence in Episode IX, so it should be fascinating to see how the plot is reworked. Perhaps this will allow Lourd to become an even bigger role as Lieutenant Connix.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2018 release list to plan your trips to the movies in the New Year.
