The Last Jedi

When Rian Johnson’s second act to the Star Wars sequel trilogy made its way to large audiences for the first time, fans were surprised at the risks the director took in a universe so familiar and beloved by so many people. The story showed us all that Star Wars can change, and that change is not always bad.

The much-anticipated sequel to The Force Awakens expanded upon a familiar story we had all come to know and love. Our hero, having fled the desert of her past to embark on a dangerous quest now sought the guidance of a Jedi Master thought to be nothing more than a legend.

But it did not end the way anyone expected it to end. The death of Han Solo was still a freshly healing wound by the time the last Jedi Master gave up his life to save the Resistance. And this is just one of many moments throughout the film we can’t help but watch over and over again.

Even though we can now stream our favorite Star Wars films whenever we see fit, one can only rewatch the same movie so many times before the mind becomes desperate for more stories. Deeper dives into various characters. Expansion. More context. More mythology. More lore.

As is often the case in the fast-paced, time-restricted art of filmmaking, Star Wars often leans on expanded universe material to round out its characters and provide added significance to the events that occur throughout the movie. The Last Jedi is no exception.

If the story of The Last Jedi leaves you wanting more, there are many books already out there that both lead into and directly follow the story of Rey’s journey toward self-discovery, Kylo Ren’s further descent into darkness, and Luke Skywalker’s triumphant return to his connection with the Force. Here are a few you might be interested in.