The very first trailer for the upcoming movie The Last Jedi was shown to fans at the Star Wars Celebration event in Orlando today — and now, the Internet has had a chance to see it as well. But viewers have questions already, as trailers for films often leave people wanting more and leaving those anxiously anticipating the movie dreaming up theories. One question in particular that some are asking is, what is the symbol in The Last Jedi trailer that was released Friday?
Featuring Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, and Star Wars franchise relative newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega as Rey and Finn, respectively, the eighth installment in the Star Wars world will be released on Dec. 15, according to ABC News and the Star Wars official Twitter account. The forthcoming film follows up on where 2015's Star Wars: The Force Awakens ended, and fans are eager for the next movie in the series.
The "Celebration" event’s description promised, “plenty of surprises and special guests on the panel to keep the excitement brewing and speculation spinning throughout the rest of the weekend," reported Variety. And the trailer certainly delivered on that promise, if the buzz on social media is anything to go by.
So what about that mysterious symbol in the trailer? Casual viewers might not be aware of the significance, but Star Wars fans are likely very aware of what it is.
According to several sources, the symbol is the emblem of the old Jedi order. Just as a reminder for those who might not be fully aware, according to a Star Wars wiki informational site, "The Jedi Order was an ancient, monastic peacekeeping organization united in their observance of the Force, specifically the light side." The Jedi are kind of a big deal in the Star Wars universe — and between this symbol showing up, and the name of the upcoming film itself, it's probably a safe bet that they'll be a big deal in this movie as well.
As one might imagine, fans are having a bit of a field day on Twitter with this revelation. An official poster for the movie was released too, and some noticed the same symbol in the graphic featured on it as well.
"the poster looks like the jedi order symbol #TheLastJedi," tweeted @rapmonstesr, a Star Wars fan.
Fans were clearly excited, and immediately started speculating about what the symbol's appearance could mean for the film. Mostly, they just reacted as the geeky side of the Internet often does with news like this: with great enthusiasm.
"Holding back the tears after seeing the back of General Leia in the trailer. Also, the Jedi Order symbol got me hyped! #TheLastJedi" tweeted @elora___.
Not even the smallest detail escaped notice. Twitter user @ACSKnight2016 replied to a @StarWarsExplain account, asking, "I noticed this (language?) on the side of the book with the Jedi symbol. Any idea what this means?" along with another mysterious image.
At the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey journeyed to place called Ahch-To and found Hamill's Luke Skywalker. She presented him with his father's lightsaber in a silent plea, seeking the return of the Jedi. Since Skywalker is likely to have an expanded role in this film, and with the Jedi Order symbol popping up in trailers and posters, the Jedi are probably going to be a big part of the next Star Wars installment.
