New rumors for Star Wars: The Last Jedi detail a battle between the Resistance and the First Order that takes place on a new planet referred to as "Crete." Given the title of the highly anticipated sequel, there is going to be a large focus on Luke Skywalker as he begins to train the young Rey on Ahch-to, but much like the original trilogy, Rey's journey to become a Jedi is one part of a larger whole. The latest galactic war will only escalate in Episode VIII, as both sides were dealt heavy blows in The Force Awakens. Following the destruction of the Hosnian system and Starkiller base, the two factions will be looking for any advantage they can get.
Though the First Order lost at Starkiller, they're still well-resourced and remain better off than their scrappy opponents. Previous Last Jedi reports indicated the villains would be using so-called "Gorilla walkers" to lay waste to the Resistance in an action sequence, and now some specifics about this particular assault have been revealed. If things go the First Order's way, the Resistance is going to be in far worse shape.
According to Making Star Wars, a key set piece in the film will be set on Crete, a world that apparently resembles "a giant salt flat with stretches of large volcanic rocks." Despite there being lava on the planet, it should not be thought of as a Mustafar surrogate. Instead, there are "giant rock formations" from which lava leaks through placed around the salt flat. Earlier rumors stated Crete looked like "Mars with snow on it," but this latest information raises some questions as to whether it's snow or salt that makes the ground white. Sources are unclear, with both possibilities being supported.
Crete holds much importance in the war because it is the site of a mine that was once used by the Rebellion during the Galactic Civil War. Its current purpose in the new era is to produce a gem that helps fund the Resistance's efforts. Crete could also be where the Resistance's new base is set up, which is why the First Order is so keen on wiping it out. As for the battle itself, the Resistance will be countering a swarm of 10 Gorilla walkers (possible official name: AT-4X) with B-wings. Allegedly, the gems from the mine serve as a valuable weapon against the walkers, since there's a shot that depicts the Resistance dropping some gems on them. It will be interesting to see how this all unfolds as The Last Jedi draws nearer.
At first glance, this Crete conflict sounds similar to the Battle of Hoth, which of course was a major part of The Empire Strikes Back. That proposition may make fans uneasy, considering the overt comparisons between A New Hope and The Force Awakens was a point of criticism. Still, it's too early to claim Rian Johnson is simply going to redux Episode V with his film, and there are some differences. Hoth was merely the location of a Rebel base, whereas Crete supplies the Resistance with a revenue source they desperately need (especially with the Republic all but gone). The stakes will be quite high in this battle, and the Resistance could be at the end of their rope if they lose.
Source: Making Star Wars
