Los Angeles Times

How Rian Johnson made heroism inclusive in 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi'

As a boy, Rian Johnson would look out at the Colorado skyline like young Luke Skywalker gazing upon the twin suns of Tatooine and wonder what adventure awaited.

In "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," one of the more inclusive "Star Wars" films in the franchise's 40-year history, the writer-director delivers to many underserved fans their own similar, and long overdue, moments of heroic inspiration.

For some, it's the steadfast, unwavering spirit of a Resistance mechanic named Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) and the selflessness of her sister, a rebel gunner named Paige (Veronica Ngo) - the first female Asian characters to get significant screen time and heroine turns in the "Star Wars" films.

For others, it's Vice Admiral Holdo, played by a lilac-haired Laura Dern, one of Gen. Leia Organa's top officers orchestrating the Resistance's military efforts against the First Order, who gets a jaw-dropping moment of her own.

"It just feels right, especially

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