A film theorist presents a case for why Luke Skywalker may have turned to the dark side in the upcoming Star Wars film, "The Force Awakens." The theorist cites several points from the original trilogy, including Luke's emotional struggles, his failure at the cave of evil, and his increasing aggression. They also reference the Expanded Universe and a statement from George Lucas's former producer, Gary Kurtz, who claimed that the original intention for "Return of the Jedi" was to have Luke turn to the dark side. Additionally, the theorist points out that Mark Hamill, the actor who plays Luke, has expressed interest in exploring this possibility, and that director J.J. Abrams is known for his love of surprises and plot twists. The theorist concludes that it is possible that Luke has fallen to the dark side, and that Abrams is hiding this twist to maximize the surprise for audiences.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The author is discussing a theory about the Star Wars franchise, specifically about Luke Skywalker's character.
2. Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, has been cast in the movie "The Force Awakens".
3. Director JJ Abrams has said that Luke's absence from the marketing material for the film is "no accident".
4. Mark Hamill has said that he's keeping a secret about the film that would cost him a lot of money if revealed.
5. The author believes that Luke Skywalker may have joined the dark side in episode 7.
6. The Expanded Universe, which includes officially licensed material outside of the films, includes stories about Luke being seduced by the dark side.
7. Yoda warned against training Anakin Skywalker because he was too old and full of emotional attachments.
8. Luke Skywalker began training with Obi-Wan at around 18 years old.
9. Yoda also warned Luke that he was too old to begin training.
10. Luke failed a test in the cave of evil on Dagobah, where he confronted a shadow of Darth Vader.
11. The Emperor goaded Luke into striking at him, and Luke tried to do so, but was stopped by Vader.
12. Mark Hamill liked the idea of Luke falling to the dark side and pitched it to George Lucas.
13. JJ Abrams was present when Mark Hamill pitched the idea of Luke falling to the dark side.
14. Gary Kurtz, the producer of the first two Star Wars films, had a falling out with George Lucas over the direction of the franchise.
15. Kurtz explained that the original idea for the ending of "Return of the Jedi" was bittersweet and poignant, with Han Solo dying in the middle of the film.
16. Lucas changed the ending to a more euphoric one, with everyone happy, because the toy business was driving the Lucasfilm Empire.
17. JJ Abrams has a philosophy of movie-making that involves keeping twists and surprises hidden until the release of the film.
18. Abrams has used this approach in his previous films, including "Star Trek Into Darkness".
19. The author believes that Abrams would appreciate the twist of Luke Skywalker falling to the dark side.