New 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' Trailer Has Major Nod To 'Empire Strikes Back'

The latest trailer for the new Star Wars film elicited a crazy response from fans, and a week [...]

By Joe Schmidt

The latest trailer for the new Star Wars film elicited a crazy response from fans, and a week later they are still deciphering the secrets packed in its two-and-a-half minute runtime.

One person noticed a huge reference to one of the most iconic scenes from The Empire Strikes Back, which occurred during one of the most buzz-worthy moments in the trailer for Star Wars: The Last Jedi. check out IGN editor Joshua Yehl's tweet below to see for yourself.

As you can see below, there is a very prominent visual reference to the Bespin duel in Empire Strikes Back. Coupled with the clever editing of the trailer, it seems like that moment in the film could contain a huge reveal in the movie.

For those who haven't seen Empire Strikes Back (and if you haven't, WHY ARE YOU READING THIS?), the scene references one of the biggest moments in the Star Wars trilogy, and the reveal that established the future of the franchise.

After Darth Vader freezes Han Solo in carbonite, gives him to Boba Fett, then bests Luke Skywalker in a duel, the Sith Lord cuts off the young Jedi's hand. And instead of attempting to finish him off, Vader extends a hand and implores Luke to join him in the Empire. Then, he reveals that Luke is his son.

Luke, of course, turns him down and eventually stops the Empire's dominant reign across the galaxy, which only leads to the rise of the First Order.

Though we don't know what's going on in this specific scene from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, it appears as if Kylo Ren will provide a similar offer to Rey. But eagle-eyed fans might notice that while the source of lighting in both scenes might be similar, Rey is in a dark space with a source of orange light in front of her, while Kylo Ren is surrounded by swirling embers as if he's amid a fire or explosions.

There's no telling who was speaking to whom or what is actually taking place, but director Rian Johnson is making a prominent reference with the extended hand gesture. We'll see how much Star Wars: The Last Jedi aligns with the Empire Strikes Back when the new movie premieres in theaters on December 15.

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