There were lots of theories and speculations posted online when it was revealed that the word “Jedi” is plural in the Episode VIII title. Now, director Rian Johnson himself gives another hint about the meaning of “The Last Jedi”.

Twitter member Nate Richter got a surprising gift for his birthday. Richter asked Johnson directly what the Episode VIII title means, and the director gave a brief clarification:

@ndrichter It means the final Jedi. Happy birthday! — Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) March 6, 2017

At first glance, it may seem that Johnson is just having a little bit of fun by altering the phrasing with what appears to be just a synonym for the word “Last”. However, when you think about it, it does actually provide some clarification on what “Last” could actually mean. In the context of the story, we know that Luke is most likely the last of the Jedi, meaning that he is the only one who remains of the ancient order. It has also been noted that this title could very well include Rey and possible unknown others in this group as we also know that the word “Jedi” in the title implies plurality.

Interestingly though, the word “Final” seems to imply something more. Not only is Luke the last Jedi in this moment, but he very well may be the last Jedi to ever be. If this is the case, what lies ahead in terms of Force users in the future of the GFFA? Will we move on to other sects and groups, leaving the ancient order as a mere memory of a bygone era? Recent entries into the Star Wars Canon have proven that there are myriad approaches to the Force besides the dogmatic views of the Sith and the Jedi (for example Kylo Ren and Snoke, who are not Sith). Where do we go from here? Are the Jedi gone for good? Will something new rise up from the ashes of the ancient order? Oh, the possibilities.

UPDATE!

After the big discussion that Rian Johnson’s tweet triggered yesterday, the director commented on the subject, clarifying that he used that word only as a synonym with no hidden or deeper meaning in it. At least that’s how we interpret his last (but not final) tweets. 🙂

.@Jid2021 Everyone knows that “last” and “final” are synonyms right? That they mean the exact same thing? — Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) March 8, 2017

@ResDolph nope, both words can have either meaning. — Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) March 8, 2017

So Johnson was definitely having fun with this guy. Synonyms don’t necessarily have the exact same meaning in all instances. Sometimes they give a completely different impression, but this is not the case here. Of course the question “what happens with the Jedi” after the sequel trilogy still stands, but we will just have to be more patient to find out.