Dear Luke,

I know you are not going to read this. As a fictional character, you do not exist, of course.

But behind your character is group of people that does exist. It is the result of a collaborative effort from a director, a group of screenwriters, some character designers and an actor.

The artistic choices these people make are going to decide what you will be like in the next episode of Star Wars. Will you truly be a Jedi badass? Or are you going to be a huge disappointment, like your father in the prequels? 
As a fan, I have my own ideas about what choices would make you shine and what choices certainly would not. I have listed some of these in the following post. So, if you are interested in a fan’s perspective of what would make for an awesome Luke, please take note…

Give us a clear reason why you are on that island
In Episode 4, 5 and 6, we came to know you as someone who deeply cares for others (especially his friends) and who would sacrifice his own life to save the lives of innocents. It would be way out of character if you, as Last of the Jedi, leave billions at the mercy of the First Order, because you wanted some peace of mind for yourself. So you need to provide a good reason for running off.

Some have suggested you are guarding something that shouldn’t end up in the wrong hands. Think of a secret tomb or an all-powerful crystal, or perhaps an all-powerful crystal in a secret tomb. Maybe you are afraid that you yourself will turn to the dark side by defeating your nephew, creating an even bigger problem for the galaxy. Any reason will do, as long it is bigger than just you and your feelings. You are not a selfish person.

Don’t talk like someone on the High Elf Council (or at least, not all the time)
We know, you are now all mythical and stuff, so when discussing matters of the Force, you probably will use some solemn words. For these things, such language will be appropriate. But in other contexts, it would be nice if you showed us something of the old Luke, the kid-next-door, who loved to make some snarky comment now and then. It makes you a relatable character and shows that there is a real person behind the mythical figure.

Don’t be too sulky
You have been through a lot. The dark side has destroyed everything you loved, including your shot at having a normal family life. So we all understand that in the beginning, you will be sad and tormented. You probably will refuse to train Rey and demand her to go back to wherever the hell she came from. That’s okay. But there are limits to sulkiness. No one likes a hero who does nothing but being sad throughout the whole movie. So at some point, you have to pull yourself together and do what is right. I know you can do this.

Give us some real combat action
In the original trilogy, we have witnessed you evolve from a whiny farm boy to a Jedi badass in a black cape. Imagine what you are capable of after a decade of experience as a Jedi Master and some additional years of meditation on a lonely rock. Of course there will be some jumping, running and sabering while you are training Rey. But we also want so see your Jedi magic in a real combat situation. Your whole galaxy seems to think you are a legend, the last hope of the galaxy. Show us why. It will be awesome!

Keep the beard (I guess…)
I really don’t like the beard. But I heard that it’s here to stay. This different look is part of the changes your character has been through. I understand. So I am picking my battles here. Keep the beard and just be amazing in Episode 8!