‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ Will Explore Religion of “The Force” in Jedha

By Nathan Glover --
15 Aug 2016 --

Director reveals a heavy religious theme in the new movie Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

According to its director, the latest Star Wars film, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will more deeply investigate the concept of “the Force,” reports Relevant.

‘Star Wars: Rogue One’ Will Explore Religion of “The Force” in Jedha[/tweetthis]

Director Gareth Edwards said that the movie will have some religious and social themes as they relate to the commonly-referenced, invisible presence in the entire Star Wars franchise.

So it seems that Rogue One might indeed restore my faith in new Star Wars movies after the disappointment of The Force Awakens. Let's see.
— Pietro Piutti (@stingray92) August 12, 2016

In Rogue One, the Force almost “resides” on a planet, which serves as a holy land for followers. The premise of the movie is that people are losing faith in the Force. The planet in question is Jedha, as Edwards says is, “a physical location we could go to that would speak to the themes of losing your faith and the choice between letting the Empire win, or evil win, and good prevailing.” He went on to say that the Empire is in control of this planet at the beginning of the movie.

The blind guy talking about The Force as his religion reminded me of how Australia's official religion is Jedi? #rogueone #starwars
— Cole Garner (@cole_garner11) August 12, 2016

The story of Rogue One actually takes place during the events of the original 1977 Star Wars film, focusing on the rebels’ mission to steal the plans for the Death Star. These plans eventually lead the rebels to Jedha, which, for the reasons described above, holds a significant place in the meaning of the entire Star Wars universe.

Jedha, further explains Edwards, is “a place where people who believe in the Force would go on a pilgrimage.” It’s impossible not to make the religious and Biblical connections with Rogue One considering its use of an occupied holy land and a struggle for faith.

Rogue One will hit screens this December, with its highly-anticipated trailer debuting during Olympics broadcasts last week. The entire Star Wars movie franchise continues its amazing journey, which began with the middle three stories in the 1970s and 80s, then resurfaced with prequels in 1999, 2002, and 2005, and now the latest films of which Rogue One will be the most recent.