The mysterious case of the missing Luke has reopened.
The Skywalker legend was strangely absent for the whole of The Force Awakens, barring a fleeting clifftop scowl, and then was strangely not himself at all for most of The Last Jedi.
Following his shock death fans are desperate to know if he will be back and how. Will he appear as a Force ghost, in flashbacks, or (what the force?) be reanimated?
With the first trailer just months away, the bad news is that fans are going to be kept waiting a lot longer to find out.
Filming is well under way and some leaks and rumours have already described powerful, spine-tingling scenes with Luke Skywalker but nothing can be known for sure until he is seen on screen.
The first teaser trailer is now widely expected to debut at the Super Bowl early next February, but a new leak claims that Luke will not be in it.
The leak says: “Apparently for the Episode 9 teaser trailer, it is said it will consist of all IMAX shots and be longer in length than all Star Wars trailers under Disney. The marketing of the film is said to be similar to The Force Awakens by not including Luke Skywalker and Leia’s faces in order to keep the mystery.”
Instead aother returning legacy character will be used for maximum impact.
The leak added: “However, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian will be used as one of the money shots, like Han Solo was used in the Force Awakens trailer.”
Williams’ return has already been announced so it will not have quite the same impact as the surge of joy and notsalgia that hit when Han turned to Chewie and said “We’re home.”
This was a huge thrill for classic Star Wars fans, many of whom’s faith has since been tested by their unhappy reaction to The Last Jedi. Lando’s inclusion will please many, but Episode 9 will need to deliver major Luke and Leia closure to mend the rift in the fandom.
There are also new fears that the trailer my be delayed after bad news for one beloved Star Wars filmmaker this week.
Legendary composer John Williams was admitted to hospital and had to cancel three upcoming concerts.
The 86-year-old was reported to be working on the score for Episode 9 as well as a special piece of music created especialy for the trailer.
Star Wars 9 is out on December 20, 2019