Leaked photos from the set of Star Wars: Episode 8 provided to Making Star Wars purport to show the filming of a lightsaber duel, with Luke Skywalker and Rey on one side and Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren on the other. But the set leak goes way beyond photos, instead providing a complete blow-by-blow of what’s certain to be a pivotal battle in Star Wars: Episode 8. It is better not to know, but if you insist…
The set leaker describes “black, helmeted medieval-looking figures” attacking Skywalker and Rey on the shores of Ahch-To. The filming took place in Malin Head, Ireland, consistent with the planet Ahch-To where Rey finds Luke Skywalker at the end of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Ahch-To is also the site of the original Jedi Temple, making it a consequential landmark for heroes and villains alike.
Star Wars: Episode VIII & The Knights of Ren. #StarWars #StarWarsVIII https://t.co/z8SaFc649P pic.twitter.com/azx4Tpc2LM
— Jason Ward (@MakingStarWars) May 18, 2016
While the Knights of Ren are helmeted in the ensuing battle, Kylo Ren is not. In the melee Kylo takes on Rey while Luke Skywalker singlehandedly tears apart the Knights of Ren. The first death comes when Luke Skywalker Force pushes one of the knights (wielding an axe!) off a cliff. He hasn’t even ignited his lightsaber yet.
While Luke dominates the Knights of Ren, Rey fares less well against Kylo. The details from the Episode 8 set leak get a little murky here, but the end result is the same, as Luke Skywalker comes upon Kylo, determined to finish his rogue apprentice off. Kylo Ren runs for it.
According to another of Making Star Wars’ source who witnessed the filming, “a lot of wire work was used.”
Taking place on a rainswept beach at sunset, the leaked Star Wars: Episode 8 scene sounds like a consequential moment. It would be believable as either a beginning or an end, either setting up the conflict that steers the remainder of the movie, or conclusively ending it, with Rey humbled by her second battle with Kylo in true Empire Strikes Back fashion.
We’ll know where this sketchy set leak fits into Star Wars: Episode 8 when it hits theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.
