Everything You Need to Watch, Read, and Play to Prepare for Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Posted on by Jacob Burdis

I grew up on Star Wars movie marathons. I probably watched the original trilogy at least once a year, and had a marathon before the premiere of each of the prequels. But ever since Disney’s introduction of an increasing amount of alternative canon material, like TV series, novels, comics, and games, marathon options have become much more exciting.

I’ve created and participated in marathon challenges for Episode VII: The Force Awakens & Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which have made my cinematic experience on opening night nothing short of spectacular. Experiencing Star Wars in chronological order adds a level of continuity that brings the saga to life in an incredibly satisfying way. Click on the image below to see Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Challenge overview.

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I’ve also prepared and outlined below 4 variations of Episode VIII: The Last Jedi Challenge to accommodate fans of all varieties. Choose whether you will pace yourself over a 6-month period or binge in single day. “It is your destiny.”

Youngling

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If you are new to the Star Wars universe or if you consider yourself just a casual fan, may I first applaud you for finding your way to this post and reading this far! Your challenge is to watch the Star Wars Episodes in chronological order and to read Phasma, one of the upcoming novels in the Journey to The Last Jedi Series. It’s time to get your feet wet to get a taste of the Star Wars Universe beyond the films. “Ready are you?”

Click here to see the recommended calendar schedule for completing this challenge.

Your adventure awaits! This challenge contains about 24 hours of content and will be best enjoyed if done within 2-3 weeks of December 15th. Extra credit for completing it within 3 days of the premiere.

 

Jedi Padawan

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The next level is for those fans who have watched the films a couple times, but haven’t yet explored much of the additional canon media. Your challenge, in addition to watching all the films, is to dig into the additional canon relevant to the events of The Last Jedi. You will add a few episodes from the animated Clone Wars and Rebels TV series featuring the complicated conflict between the light and dark side of the Force. You will also add a few of the novels that begin to fill the gap between Episode VI: Return of the Jedi and Episode VII: The Force Awakens. “These are your first steps.”

Click here to see the recommended calendar schedule for completing this challenge.

This challenge will take about 52 hours to complete, but will be well worth it. I recommend pacing yourself and spending 1-2 hours a day starting about a month before December 15th.

 

Jedi Knight

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This level is for those of you that have watched the movies multiple times, catch yourself using star wars quotes in everyday situations, and own a pair of Star Wars socks. It is time for you to take your love of Star Wars to the next level. Your challenge is to add multiple novels, comics and the upcoming Battlefront II video game to your marathon. “A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most serious mind.”

Click here to see the recommended calendar schedule for completing this challenge.

You will be surprised at how well the pieces begin to fit together in ways you never knew before as you fill in parts of the back story. This challenge will take about 120 hours and will take some serious planning, so I strongly recommend pacing yourself over a 3-4 month period.

 

Jedi Master

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To you, Star Wars isn’t just entertainment: it’s history (after all, it did happen a long time ago). You can name the planets in the Outer Rim more readily than those in our own Solar System. You practice your Wookie growl in the shower. You’ve even considered naming one of your kids “Kenobi.” You are prepared to do what it takes to have the ultimate Episode VIII: The Last Jedi experience. Your challenge is to fully immerse yourself in the films, TV series, novels, junior readers, short stories, comics and video games. “Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try.”

Click here to see the recommended calendar schedule for completing this challenge.

This challenge has 180 hours of content. I highly recommend following the schedule above to fit it all in. “Remember, your focus determines your reality.” If you will persevere, you will be rewarded with a fantastic Star Wars cinematic experience. “May the force be with you.”

Written by Jacob Burdis. Follow the Star Wars Challenge on Facebook.

*Post contains Amazon affiliate links*

Author: Jacob Burdis

Co-founder and COO at http://EmmersionLearning.com / Learning Enthusiast (PhD) / Language Guru / Star Wars Nut / Keyboardist / Husband and father of 3

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