Predicting the Full Star Wars Episode VIII Title
Most Star Wars fans are spending the next four months counting down the days until Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is released. However, inside that collective of supporters for a galaxy far, far away, lies a die-hard hoard who won’t be satisfied until they learn every Star Wars tidbit possible. The top tidbit on their list? To know the complete title of 2017’s Episode VIII.
Well, I’ve got some bad news for you. It appears Rian Johnson and the rest of the Episode VIII crew are going to keep their lips sealed when it comes to the full title. Even the stars of the film have no idea what it’s going to be called. On the My Dad Wrote A Porno podcast, Daisy Ridley said even she wasn’t privy to the details surrounding the proper title.
“I heard a title, but I don’t know if it’s going to be that. I really don’t know much about anything. I heard the title a long time ago before we started filming, and so I feel some things have slightly tweaked during production. It’s going to be a while before it’s released I imagine.”
Sure, when he first started shooting, Johnson could have had an idea in mind, but as production moved along, perhaps the studio preferred another title as the movie’s tone shifted and evolved. Plus, Ridley is probably focused on other secret details, like protecting the identity of Rey; that’s a significant secret, and successfully keeping it demands her full attention.
So when could we expect to see the big unveiling of the Episode VIII title? Star Wars Celebration seemed like a sure bet, but that came and went without any reveal. Same with San Diego Comic-Con or the D23 Expo which, incidentally, didn’t actually happen this year.
The most likely scenario would be revealing the first trailer AND the full title before Rogue One. That would be about one year before Episode VIII’s release, which would follow the same format when The Force Awakens title debuted in 2014. If the Star Wars pattern holds true… don’t expect any title news until December.
Still, that shouldn’t stop us from speculating. There are endless possibilities to choose from when picking an Episode VIII title, so I’m gonna take a stab at it right now. Here are five titles I wouldn’t mind becoming the next official title.
– Rise of the First Order
I mean, in The Force Awakens, we witnessed The First Order lay waste to the New Republic’s Government headquarters on Hosnian Prime. With the galaxy in disorder, someone is going to rise to the top. The First Order could take over and become the leaders of the galaxy, thrusting the universe back into the chaos the Empire formed. If VIII will be this trilogy’s Empire Strikes Back, Rise of the First Order would be a perfect, dark route to take.
– Origin of the Jedi
Very little is known about the plot points of Episode VIII, but we do know from Episode VII that Luke Skywalker left in search of the first Jedi temple. Let’s consider that when Luke and Rey meet in that awkward stare-down, they’re at the site of the original temple. From there, we can learn of the ancient powers the Jedi possess, and see Rey take her first steps towards becoming a proficient next Force-wielder (but will she use those powers for good…or evil?).
– Resurgence of the Sith
Since we’re speaking about temples, what if the site they’re on isn’t the first Jedi temple… but an ancient Sith temple? Perhaps Luke has gone mad after all these years and is following in his father’s footsteps. So, instead of trying to build a new collection of Jedi to balance the Universe, he’s looking to unlock the powers of the dark side…which may have just blessed him with a new padawan.
– Apprentice of the Darkside
Now this would fit the above description too, but swap out Rey with Kylo Ren, and Luke with Supreme Leader Snoke. Kylo already seems conflicted between the dark and the light, so maybe in Episode VIII he fully accepts his role in the Sith Order; he makes the leap thanks to the the revelation of Supreme Leader Snoke’s identity…which is a whole other puzzle to solve.
– The Force Goes Back to Sleep
I mean, come on… if Star Wars actually did this, it would be the greatest joke of all time. Might as well change the theme to “Never Gonna Give You Up” and complete the Rick-Roll.
So, what do YOU want to name Episode 8 other than, you know, Episode 8! Let us know in the comments section below so we can get this discussion, and party, STARTED!