'Star Wars: Episode 8' spoilers: An exciting new weapon

A picture of Daisy Ridley as Rey in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." Facebook/ Star Wars

A major character will be getting a double bladed lightsaber in “Star Wars: Episode 8,” according to a new report. Such a weapon was first seen in the prequel trilogy, and quickly became popular among the fans.

The following article contains minor spoilers about “Star Wars: Episode 8.” Readers who do not wish to know any details about the film are advised to not read any further.

A lot has been said about Rey’s (Daisy Ridley) preferred weapon in “The Force Awakens.” She was forced to wield a lightsaber in the final duel against Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) in the film, but during her time on Jakku she mostly used a staff. According to a report by Mike Zeroh [see below] she may now be seen carrying a double bladed lightsaber.

The assertion is based on the reported spotting of a double bladed lightsaber prop at Pinewood Studios. Since, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and Kylo Ren have their own preferred lightsabers, it has been suggested that the new weapon will be used by Rey in “Star Wars: Episode 8.”

Mike points out that Rey always carries her staff with her. It is possible that there is a hidden lightsaber in it that Rey will discover at Ahch-To, or Luke will help transition the weapon into a double bladed lightsaber. The young character is expected to begin her journey towards becoming a Jedi in the next film, and a part of that training involves her building a new lightsaber.

Irrespective of how she gets the double bladed lightsaber, the weapon will surely be used in a duel against Kylo Ren in the film. Mike imagines a fight sequence between the two characters in rain, with the blue double bladed lightsaber clashing against a red crossguard.

Another possible way in which the double bladed lightsaber can appear in the film is through a flashback sequence involving Luke’s students. If such a scene were to be featured in the film, it will show the fall of the Jedi Order due to the Knights of Ren.

Mike prefers Rey to wield a single blade lightsaber, which can be given to her by Luke. This could be a symbolic gesture of passing the torch to the next generation.

“Star Wars: Episode 8” has been directed by Rian Johnson, who has defended the prequel trilogy. The film is set to be released on Dec. 15 in Australia.