‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’: Is Baby Yoda in it? Is there an opening crawl? We have answers
The Empire struck back. The Force awakened. The Jedi lasted. It’s all come to this, young Padawan.Â
The epic eight-film Skywalker saga that’s been building since the original “Star Wars” debuted in 1977 concludes (as far as we know) with this year’s long-awaited “The Rise of Skywalker” (in theaters Thursday night).Â
That’s an awful lot of galactic lore to remember.
So what do you need to know before heading to see the new “Star Wars” movie? We’ve got answers to your burning questions.
And fear not, these are not the spoilers you’re looking for: There are no reveals here. But our review is here.
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What do you need to see beforehand?
You will want to watch or re-watch “The Force Awakens” (2015), of course, prior to “Skywalker.” Director and co-writer J.J. Abrams was given the keys to the space kingdom for this entry in the latest trilogy, and these introductions to the characters and their journey is vital.
Watch “The Last Jedi” (2017) if you’ve never seen it, but if you have, you might want to spend your re-watch hours on “Return of the Jedi” (1983) and – though it pains me to say this – “Revenge of the Sith” (2005). It’s been some time since these two movies capped the original trilogy and prequel series, respectively, so refresh your memory on the plot details.Â
And for bonus points, watch “Star Wars: A New Hope” to honor where this whole series started.
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Is there an opening crawl?
No worries, purists, the famous opening crawl is part of the new movie. With the signature “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away …” intro kicking off the scroll, the audience is caught up before the movie jumps into action.
The opening crawl has been used for all the main films in the Skywalker saga, but it has been absent from anthology films such as “Rogue One” and “Solo: A Star Wars Story.”
Is Baby Yoda in it?
Sadly, neither “The Mandalorian” nor the Child, affectionately referred to as “Baby Yoda” by the entire Internet, are in “Rise of Skywalker.”
But there are plenty of other adorable aliens and androids to love, including Babu Frik, a tiny alien mechanic who will likely make you laugh.
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Did Lin-Manuel Miranda write a song for the movie?
Yup! Legendary composer John Williams is back at the helm for the “Rise of Skywalker” score, but Lin-Manuel Miranda also returns with a secret song for the soundtrack.
Miranda wrote “Lido Hay,” a tune that can be heard when characters visit a bar.
