- This episode of Nerdist News
is sponsored by Marvel Puzzle Quest.
We have got a first look at Snoke's Praetorian guards
and we're breaking down what they mean
for the supreme leader in Episode VIII.
As we continue to sift through
Entertainment Weekly's The Last Jedi cover story,
we're picking up on some new info about the flick
as well as some hidden details on Snoke's bodyguards
and how they could reveal some clues about him,
so light spoilers ahead.
Now, while the Praetorians have definitely taken inspiration
from the emperor's guards in Return of the Jedi,
we've heard that these new protectors
will do a hell of a lot more than just stand, walk, and turn
like their OG trilogy brethren.
Now, we've previously speculated on their look and weaponry
thanks to a piece of commissioned art
shared by the folks over at makingstarwars.net,
but with the first official images of the guards,
we now have confirmation of a few key points.
For instance, the long flowing robes
worn by the Imperial guards are replaced with armor
and the helmets look more angular and fitted.
Now, if you take a look at the weapons seen in this photo,
you can tell that they differ with each guard
getting a personalized weapon.
We've heard rumors that each guard will have specialization
in a different weapon style and even heard
that one guard might have some sort of energy nunchucks.
You can even see a bit of an energy blade
emanating from their weapons.
Of course, the look of the guards comes directly
from the classic samurai films that influenced Rian Johnson.
"They have to be built to move
"and you have to be believe that they could step forward
"and engage if they have to," Johnson said,
adding, "They have to seem dangerous,"
and we have reason to believe that they will in fact
step forward and engage with Rey.
In the behind the scenes video dropped last month,
we saw shots of Daisy Ridley training
against multiple opponents.
This could be a preview of things to come
as Rey and Luke go after Snoke and take on his guards.
Another detail that we're thinking about more deeply
is the deep red hue of the Praetorian armor.
This clearly is a direct homage
to the color scheme of Palpatine's crew,
but we think there's another layer of functionality
hidden within the crimson padding.
So let's roll back that BTS footage.
If you take a look at the background in this shot,
all red, so we think the guards' full red getup
is actually camouflage.
Imagine walking into Snoke's throne room
with that solid red back wall
and thinking it's just the two of you.
You get ready to attack him in this vulnerable state,
but surprise, death.
Now, Rian Johnson also admits that the name Praetorian
came from an era a long time ago,
specifically our a long time ago.
They were actually the elite guards for the Roman emperors
who also sometimes served as Rome's secret police,
so score one for history class.
We now also know from RJ that Snoke
will do a lot more in Episode VIII
with his personal bodyguards getting a lot more action
than their Imperial predecessors.
Now, this means we'll get an up close
in the flesh version of ole Snokey.
Not exactly in the flesh.
The EW feature confirmed that the character
will be fully motion captured.
Andy Serkis' onset stand in was a maquette,
which was used for lighting and for the actor's reference
of what Snoke's presence would feel like.
Now, here's the thing, though.
When they mo capped Serkis for Snoke in The Force Awakens,
it made perfect sense since he was projecting himself
as a giant hologram, but now we're even more unsure
as to whether Snoke is a tall boy or a small boy.
Why CGI what looks like a crater faced
but otherwise normalish looking humanoid alien dude?
Perhaps there are some other of Snoke's physical features
that can't be properly showcased with practical effects.
It definitely feels like when December rolls around,
Snoke's true physical form will be revealed
in a Wizard of Oz drawing back the curtain kind of way.
But what do you think?
What could be the real reason Snoke will be completely CGI
and what other weapons would you like to see
from the Praetorian guards?
Let's discuss.
And a very special thanks to Marvel Puzzle Quest
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