Star Wars: The Last Jedisecretly revealed Han Solo’s revenge against the First Order, but you can be forgiven for not spotting it. Rian Johnson’s controversialStar Warssequel is often criticized for pivoting too much on the story ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens. There’s an old saying that the devil is in the details - but in this case,a lot of the continuity is as well.
Take, for example, thedeath of Han Solo. Han sacrificed himself on a mission to rescue Rey from the First Order, taking the opportunity to confront his son. The scene was heartbreaking, with a beloved member of theStar Warsoriginal trilogy castdying at Kylo Ren’s hands. ButThe Last Jedisubtly gave Han his revenge.
“Han Says Hi” Is The Perfect Payback
Don’t mess with Han Solo
The Last Jediopens with the Resistance on the run from the First Order. Starkiller Base may have been destroyed, but the First Order knows the Resistance is based at D’Qar, and an enemy fleet is on the way. The Resistance hurriedly prepare a distraction to give them the chance to escape, one that involves a bombing run on incoming Star Destroyers. One of the bombs has text written in the fictional language of Aurebesh.
The text is striking. It simply reads, “Han says hi.” In-universe, someone from the Resistance actually took the time to add those words - even during a hurried evacuation. Not only is this an appropriate payback for Han, it’s also a key indication that Han’s death inspired the Resistance. They sought to avenge him, and they continued to fight in his honor.
Han Was A Legend, & Wasn’t Just Mourned By Leia
Han Solo inspired the Resistance
It’s so easy to forget that Han wasn’t just mourned by Leia. As seen inThe Force Awakens, Han was a galactic legend; even a nobody like Rey, who grew up on the barren planet Jakku, had heard tale of his adventures. No doubt those who knew Kylo Ren’s true identity felt even this underscored Han’s heroism, becausehe’d gone out facing his own son.
This was only one way the galaxy continued to honor Han Solo after his death. Starkiller Base’s destruction saw the planetary superweapon transform into a new star as it imploded, and the star was named “Solo” in honor of Han.Star Wars: The Last Jedimay have been the beginning of Han’s payback, but he would be remembered in so many different ways.
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi
Cast
Star Wars: The Last Jedi continues the saga as Rey hones her powers under the guidance of Luke Skywalker. As her abilities unsettle her mentor, the Resistance faces the First Order in a pivotal battle.
