'Star Wars: Episode 8' news and updates: Title revealed as 'The Last Jedi,' sparks fan speculation

(Facebook/StarWars)"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will premiere on Dec. 15, 2017.

After more than a year of waiting, the upcoming "Star Wars" sequel finally has an official subtitle — "The Last Jedi." Following the big reveal, fans have taken to the Internet to post their thoughts on the subtitle, as well as posit a few theories on what it could mean.

The subtitle was revealed through the official "Star Wars" website after a long period of speculative work. There were previous rumors that indicated a different subtitle, "Forces of Destiny," would be used after it was discovered that Lucasfilm had filed trademarks for the name.

Written and directed by Rian Johnson, "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will continue the events from "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." A new heroine, Rey (Daisy Ridley), has entered the picture — as well as a new villain. At the end of "The Force Awakens," Rey finally met Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill). Since Luke is a Jedi, many have wondered if the subtitle is referring to him.

Nerdist suggests a few interesting theories on the meaning behind "The Last Jedi." First of all, the easy and obvious assumption is that it refers to Luke, who is currently the last known Jedi alive. However, the publication theorizes that the subtitle would not be so straightforward. For this reason, it could mean that both Luke and Rey are the last Jedi. It is expected that Rey will undergo training given her natural affinity with the Force. And since the term "Jedi" can be both singular and plural, it could be referring to more than one person.

Finally — and perhaps the most heartbreaking theory — Rey could complete her Jedi training and assume the role of the last Jedi because Luke may die in Episode 8. The publication postulates that Rey could be the key to unifying the Light and Dark Side of the Force, ultimately achieving the long-awaited balance.

Perhaps more will be revealed when the official trailer is released. Until then, all fans can do is speculate.

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will premiere on Dec. 15.

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