Will Luke Return As A Force Ghost?
Furthermore, with Carrie Fisher’s loss and Han Solo’s death in The Force Awakens, that left Luke Skywalker as the only character of the original trilogy’s trinity of protagonists able to make it through to the final movie of this new trilogy. Well, he would have been… if The Last Jedi hadn’t killed him off, as well.
Of course, there’s always the possibility that Luke could return as a Force ghost. Handily, the concept was even reintroduced to audiences via Yoda’s welcome cameo during Johnson’s film. Even if this wasn’t initially planned, it would be a good idea to work Luke into Episode IX somehow, otherwise the pic will be sadly bereft of any connections to the original trilogy. Even poor Admiral Ackbar was murdered in TLJ!
As for what purpose Luke’s ghost could fill in the narrative, well, Rey’s story will likely see her continuing along her path as a burgeoning Jedi. So, Luke could return to offer her some sage words of wisdom when she most needs them. Perhaps before some big final confrontation with Kylo Ren? It’s certainly possible.