What Are Gray Jedi, and How Do They Tie Into Star Wars: The Last Jedi?

We've got our first look at Star Wars: The Last Jedi (complete with a handful of new pictures and a dramatic poster), and now it's time to take stock. There are already plenty of alarming things to consider when it comes to Episode VIII. There's the growing fear that Luke Skywalker might die. There's a lingering suspicion that Rey is destined for darkness. And there's one alarming quote from Luke himself: "It's time for the Jedi to end." While the declaration may have ominous implications, there's one silver lining that may lend some context to the quote. Luke could be talking about the Gray Jedi.

Before we delve into what exactly a Gray Jedi is, let's reorient our thoughts around Luke's quote. Thanks to The Force Awakens, we know that Luke doesn't just disappear for no reason. In fact, he is thought to have gone looking for the first temple of the Jedi. So, consider this: maybe Luke finds the first temple and submerges himself in the ancient Jedi texts and scriptures. It's possible he realizes the Jedi have lost their way, or that some small part of the Jedi Code has somehow been misinterpreted. Once Rey arrives, he explains how the Jedi religion is supposed to be. "It's time for the Jedi to end," he says. Not because the galaxy doesn't need Jedi, but because the galaxy needs a new kind of Jedi. Here's where the Gray Jedi come into play.

Here's the way the Force works now: we have the Jedi, who use the good side of the Force to harness their abilities. And then we have the Sith, who have plunged into the dark side of the Force for their own malevolent intentions. But a Gray Jedi does not choose good or evil. This new kind of Jedi may operate outside the ancient Jedi Code, but they also may have truly figured out the Force. A Gray Jedi walks the line between the dark side and the light side of the Force. They balance them perfectly. Instead of picking a side, they're neutral.

So, why do we think the Gray Jedi may show up in The Last Jedi? It would explain Luke's ominous words, but there's more. Consider the opening words of the trailer. A voice tells Rey to breathe, and asks what she sees. "Light," she says. "Darkness. A balance." The voice responds: "It's so much bigger." Not only does this hint at the possible inclusion of the Gray Jedi, but it also implies that they might be more powerful than a typical Jedi Knight or Sith Lord. When you think about it, Rey is the perfect candidate. We know she's good at heart and that she means well, but we've seen that she has dark tendencies buried down inside her. Let's keep our fingers crossed that this is where her path leads her.