Lucasfilm has unveiled new details about the "casino planet" Canto Bight, which will be seen in this December's Star Wars: The Last Jedi. As part of Vanity Fair's massive cover story on Episode VIII, fans were able to learn more about the new world. Writer/director Rian Johnson described it as a "playground for rich a**holes," essentially making it the inverse of the Mos Eisley cantina. Whereas that establishment on Tatooine was a watering hole favored by an unfriendly lot of smugglers and criminals (plus one scoundrel with a heart of gold and his Wookiee friend), Canto Bight will showcase the upper class of the galaxy far, far away. Based on the unique creature designs, it's something quite different from the previous episodes.
Since the studio has kept many of the plot details under lock and key, fans are left to their own devices to figure out how it factors into the story. It has been said Finn and new character Rose Tico embark on a mission for the Resistance there, possibly encountering Benicio del Toro's mysterious "DJ" along the way. While viewers will have to wait to get a better look at the strange new world (possibly in another trailer), Lucasfilm is at liberty to discuss more information about the nature of its inhabitants.
Lucasfilm's Pablo Hidalgo spoke with Vanity Fair for the magazine's summer issue and built on Johnson's comments about Canto Bight, elaborating on its place in the universe and role in the conflict:
“What we’re going to see in The Last Jedi are some people who have managed to carve out a life for themselves where they can live apart from the galactic struggle. They found a way to live above it or beyond it. There’s a class of wealthy that have helped build all sorts of loopholes in society that will always ensure that they’ll survive or even thrive no matter what else is happening out there.”
Many of the planets shown in the previous Star Wars movies are populated by people who are directly impacted by whatever war is being waged at the given time. For instance, Jedha from Rogue One was a moon under Imperial occupation and even Bespin was involved somewhat due to Lando Calrissian's dealings with Darth Vader. The conflicts are typically so sprawling, it can be difficult for anyone to avoid them entirely. This is part of what makes Canto Bight so fascinating. Its residents are so well off that no matter which faction emerges victorious and claims control of the galaxy, their lives barely change. Considering things are in a state of chaos following the destruction of the Republic (the ruling government), that's quite an accomplishment. Those on Canto Bight must be very wealthy indeed.
Needless to say, the arrival of Finn and Rose could be a shock to the system for the rich and famous of Canto Bight, as the "galactic struggle" will be brought to their doorstep in some capacity. How far the planet gets dragged into the proceedings is a good question for another time, but it certainly sets up an interesting dynamic for Johnson to explore. The people of Canto Bight have no allegiances to either the heroes or the villains of this tale, which could lead to some suspenseful and tense interactions. There's plenty of reasons to be excited about The Last Jedi, and watching Canto Bight come to life is near the top of the list.
NEXT: Everything We Learned From Vanity Fair's Last Jedi Coverage
Source: Vanity Fair
