'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' - Yoda Is Alive In New Leak

Yoda's appearance in the new "Star Wars" trilogy has long been speculated, but it looks like the Jedi Master will finally make his grand come back in Rian Johnson's "The Last Jedi." According to new reports, one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise will play an important role in the upcoming movie. 

The last time that viewers saw Jedi, he was standing alongside Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Sir Alec Guinness), watching over former apprentice, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), as a Force Ghost in "Return of the Jedi." However, new rumors reveal that the character will return in the flesh in "The Last Jedi."

Movie Web reports that Hasbro has released a box of plushies that is said to contain characters from the upcoming "Star Wars" movie. The box, however, contains Yoda, not in blue as what a Force Ghost would look like, but as his old self. This fires up speculations that not only is Yoda's appearance in "The Last Jedi" all but confirmed, he will also be alive. 

While Disney and Lucasfilm have kept mum about Yoda's big screen return, there have been plenty of reports the prove the character's involvement in Episode VIII. Earlier this year, insiders divulge that actor/puppeteer, Frank Oz, was spotted on the Ahch-To set of the upcoming movie. He allegedly did voice over as well as controlled the puppet (the movie will use both practical and CG, according to reports). There also have been a few Yoda statues on the set which hints at the character's bigger role. 

"Star Wars" theorist Mike Zeroh speculates on YouTube that fans might see a Force Ghost Yoda and a living Yoda in "The Last Jedi." He theorizes that, perhaps, the Jedi Master will also appear as himself in a flashback. 

"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" will be released on Dec. 15. The movie will also star Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac and Carrie Fisher.