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The “duel” between Luke and Kylo was a divisive scene in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, but what would have happened if Luke had actually come to Crait?
When The Last Jedi came out as the second film in Disney’s Star Wars trilogy, it was easily the most divisive film in the franchise. Debating issues like Luke’s darkened character, an emphasis on subverting established Star Wars precedent and the overuse of subplots, fans couldn’t decide if the film was a success or not. Another heavy topic of debate was the duel between Kylo Ren and the phantom appearance of Luke Skywalker.
The relationship between uncle and nephew was one of the film’s key themes, and it all came to a head-on Crait, where Luke used a Force projection to confront Kylo Ren. Blinded by hatred for his former master, Kylo drew his saber and commenced a fight to the death, or so he thought.
Of course, the two didn’t actually fight because Luke was halfway across the galaxy. However, that posed the hypothetical of whether Luke would have been able to defeat his nephew if he had actually come to Crait.
Before getting into a hypothetical duel, it’s worth mentioning that Luke had been disconnected from the Force for years before the events on Crait, so it would be worth considering whether Luke would have been at full power while confronting Kylo. While there isn’t a precedent for that kind of question, it appears using the Force is like riding a bike. For instance, he was able to project himself across the galaxy, so it’s clear Luke had full access to his powers at that time, even if his endurance wasn’t up to par.
Luke’s intentions were important in his decision to use a Force projection. What was happening behind Luke’s illusion was much more important than the conflict between the former master and apprentice. The remnants of Leia’s depleted Resistance Forces were trying to hole up in an old Rebel base, but the First Order cracked the door when Luke showed up. This meant Luke had no intention of fighting; he only wanted to stall, thus, preserving hope at the cost of his life.
Kylo was lucky that Luke wasn’t interested in victory because if Luke had wanted to put a stop to Kylo, he could have done so. Looking at what happened in the duel, Kylo started with a reverse-grip, over-handed slash. Fake Luke easily slipped under the attack and could have easily pierced his saber into Kylo’s midsection on his way through. Even if he chose to parry, Kylo’s unconventional grip would have left him open to a quick repost by Luke. His reckless choice of attack proved his hate for his uncle, but it also proved how inexperienced of a fighter he was. If nothing else, he severely overestimated his own power.
As part of the Skywalker bloodline, Kylo had potential, but he didn’t have the experience or skill set Luke did. In a fight to the death, Luke’s level head would have prevailed over Kylo’s uncontrollable rage, and the master would have been able to kill his apprentice. That notwithstanding, using the Force projection was the right move for Luke because if he had killed his nephew, Ben Solo would never have been redeemed.
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