The Star Wars franchise timeline is somewhat distinct compared to other major blockbusters because of how many characters can die -- and have died -- along the way. Almost every film in the franchise has seen at least one notable death, which typically takes that specific personality off of the table for later installments. That said, what if a director could completely resurrect someone for future adventures? I presented that question to The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson during the film's Los Angeles press junket this weekend, and he joked that he would bring Return of the Jedi's Salacious B. Crumb back into the fold for his new trilogy. As Johnson told me:
Oh, I mean, jeez going back through the previous movies I mean it's just rife with amazing characters that... all of them, you name it man. If I had to pick one, Salacious Crumb. He might be the hero of the new trilogy. That might be a scoop.
If you have even a passing familiarity with Return of the Jedi, then you likely know who Salacious Crumb is -- even if you did not previously know his name. The cackling court jester at Jabba's palace seen during the rescue mission to return Han Solo (Harrison Ford) to the rebellion, Crumb was a monkey-esque member of the Kowakian race who went up in flames during the explosion of the sail barge. He arguably stands alongside creatures like the Ewoks and the Jawas in terms of sheer iconography, and even in the face of dead legends like Han and The Phantom Menace's Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson), Johnson says he would bring this little guy back into the fold.
Of course, it was pretty clear that Rian Johnson was joking about the exact nature of how he would use Salacious B. Crumb in his new trilogy. The character has become iconic and beloved, but it doesn't seem likely that Johnson could construct an entire series of stories around him. However, even if Salacious B. Crumb doesn't return to the Star Wars franchise as the hero of the new trilogy, it would definitely be awesome to see him (or some member of the Kowakian race) come back for a cameo. After all, who wouldn't want to hear that legendary laugh again? Here's Johnson giving us a tease for the return of Crumb!
We will just have to wait and see whether or not Rian Johnson will resurrect that ugly little monster for his brand new trilogy of Star Wars films, but it's already clear that he has a sandbox full of great personalities to work with for the foreseeable future. The Last Jedi will blast its way into theaters on December 15, so get your tickets now and let us know what deceased Star Wars character you would resurrect for a new film in the comments below!
