Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kelly Marie Tran defends oft-maligned scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Sequence involves the fictional city of Canto Bight

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Tuesday 01 June 2021 15:56 EDT
Comments
Star Wars - The Last Jedi Trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kelly Marie Tran has defended a controversial sequence in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.

The actor was asked about the sequence in a recent interview with Collider’s Ladies Night podcast.

The scene in question sees Tran’s character Rose travel to the extravagant city of Canto Bight alongside Finn (John Boyega). In the Star Wars universe, Canto Bight is a resort city for the wealthy, who are seen enjoying its casino and racetrack.

That sequence has generated criticism among fans, some of whom have found it doesn’t fit smoothly with the rest of the film’s action.

Tran, however, highlighted the role played by the scene in the movie’s overall world-building, telling Collider: “That scene does a lot for really recognising how certain communities who are able to enjoy their privilege live in a world where they don’t even have to address some of the horrible things other people are dealing with. I love that scene.”

She also reminisced about her experience filming the sequence, telling the podcast: “When I watch that movie, I remember how I felt that day. I remember John [Boyega] and I walking on set and being like, ‘This is the biggest set we’ll ever be on,’ and seeing all of the creatures moving and being part of this universe. These are the things I remember about being on set that day.”

The Last Jedi came out in 2017. Tran appeared as Rose again in the 2019 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. She voices the titular character in Raya and the Last Dragon, released in March this year.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in