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First look at Benicio Del Toro in The Last Jedi

Cameron K McEwan
Updated
Photo credit: Vanity Fair / Disney
Photo credit: Vanity Fair / Disney

From Digital Spy

Another new television spot for Star Wars: The Last Jedi has landed with new footage and our fascinating first look at a character much-mentioned but never before seen, until now.

Benicio del Toro was announced as part of the cast of the eighth instalment of the Skywalker saga, directed by Rian Johnson, in February last year along with Star Wars newcomers Laura Dern and Kelly Marie Tran.

The Oscar-winner is no stranger to the world of sci-fi, having clocked up a few appearances as The Collector in the Marvel Cinematic Universe but his character in The Last Jedi, known only as "DJ", has remained somewhat of a mystery.

Here's everything you need to know about Benicio Del Toro's character DJ in Star Wars: The Last Jedi and what we've learned from the latest trailer.

DJ's costume: Vanity Fair shot first

Our first look at DJ came from an exclusive Vanity Fair shoot back in May of this year. If anything, his role became even more mysterious; with only the name and costume revealed.

Another brief look at Del Toro came in the behind-the-scenes sizzle reel screened at this year's D23 Expo from Disney. But, again, too brief to decipher any actual information.

DJ's trailer: First Orderly conduct

And now we have the very first look at Del Toro in action as DJ – the untrustworthy codebreaker – from a new international television spot for The Last Jedi:

What's got fans talking is the fact that Del Toro is not in the same costume as seen in the Vanity Fair shoot and he also appears to be aboard and very much at home on an enemy First Order ship.

DJ's role: more than a dice man

Previously, it was thought that DJ would be a murky denizen of casino city Canto Bight and make a cameo there. But this new footage now suggests that Del Toro's role is perhaps a bit meatier, with roles (and costumes) in several locations.

We do know that Finn and Rose (another new character in the Star Wars franchise), played by John Boyega and the aforementioned Kelly Marie Tran respectively, visit the city and we're guessing DJ is the reason why.

DJ's skills: he's Star Wars' hacker

Being a codebreaker, and the best in the galaxy by all accounts, Del Toro might be the key to the pair's mission which, ultimately, will lead them to a confrontation on board a First Order ship.

As seen in trailers, Finn has a heart-stopping showdown with former boss Captain Phasma (last seen about to enter a trash compactor in The Force Awakens).

Photo credit: Disney
Photo credit: Disney

However, it would appear that DJ travels with them from Canto Bight and, as we see in the new trailer, is also aboard the bad guys' ship, populated with a number of First Order Stormtroopers.

Del Toro is decked out in First Order garb, just as we've seen Finn and Rose, so these guys are spending a good chunk of time together. The code to be broken by DJ obviously lies on board the ship. If he makes it out alive for Episode Nine remains to be announced.

Photo credit: Lucasfilm
Photo credit: Lucasfilm

DJ Daddy issues: Is Benicio Del Toro playing Rey's father?

Speculation has been rife ever since del Toro was announced as to the relevance of his character in the Star Wars universe. Could he be Rey's missing father?

Or perhaps, and more likely, DJ is simply another cynical loner with a conscience in the Star Wars saga?

DJ allegiances: whose side is he on anyway?

One person he's definitely not is Ezra from popular animated show Star Wars Rebels. This fan theory was denied by director Rian Johnson who simply stated that DJ is "his own person".

Whether or not his sympathies lie with the First Order remain to be seen but it's worth noting that in this TV spot DJ is in the "Hero" section of the montage with Princess Leia.

Looks like we'll have to wait until the film's release to break the code of who Benicio Del Toro is playing in a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi hits UK cinemas on Dec 14, 2017.

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