In the Star Wars Universe, dead characters always seem to find a way to return. This was first proven in The Empire Strikes Back when Luke Skywalker communicated with Obi-Wan Kenobi although the latter had been killed in A New Hope. Interestingly, it has been confirmed that Obi-Wan and Luke's father Anakin Skywalker continued to guide Luke after Return of the Jedi. So could this mean that both characters will appear as Force ghosts in Star Wars Episode 9?
The idea of Force ghosts was introduced in the second Star Wars movie The Empire Strikes Back and has been an interesting way to ensure Obi-Wan Kenobi kept watching over Luke Skywalker. In Return of the Jedi, both Obi-Wan and Yoda (Anakin Skywalker was later added in the remastered version) appeared to Luke as the Rebels celebrated their victory. However, this wasn't the last time that the Force ghosts guided Luke. A new book reveals that they were a steady influence on him until his self-imposed exiled on Ahch-To.
The new book The Secrets of the Jedi, written by Mark Sumerak, focuses on all the Force users in the Star Wars Universe but mostly chronicles the history of the Jedi. Here, Luke Skywalker is your guide as it delves into Jedi lore and stories. Interestingly, a certain entry called 'Spirits' discusses Force ghosts and how they could communicate with the living Force users. Luke reveals that the Force ghosts of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Yoda kept guiding him in the days after the Rebel victory in Return of the Jedi.
While it's great to know that Luke Skywalker had the guidance of the past Jedi Masters, there was also a time when he was completely shut off from them. The book confirms that Luke no longer saw the Force ghosts when he turned away from the Force and became a hermit living in Ahch-To. However, this immediately changed in Star Wars: The Last Jedi when Yoda's Force ghost returned and burned down the Jedi texts.
So what could this mean for the future of Star Wars? Many believe that Luke Skywalker is not the only Force ghost who will appear to Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Although Luke is set to be her primary guide, there is a huge possibility that Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker will also appear to Rey. This could explain why Rey's skills have improved so much in the Star Wars Episode 9 trailer.
Insight Editions will publish The Secrets of the Jedi on November 19. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will premiere on December 20.
