5. The Enigmatic Caretakers of Ahch-To
Among the several unusual and enigmatic new species and creatures presented in "Star Wars: The Last Jedi," the Caretakers of Ahch-To particularly catch my attention. These nun-like beings, in charge of preserving the old Jedi temple on the far-off planet, epitomise a remarkable mix of the familiar and the unfamiliar. Their arrival into the Star Wars world deepens the mythology around the Jedi Order and begs interesting issues regarding the nature of Force-sensitive entities all over the galaxy.
Director Rian Johnson's particular instruction to have these entities reflect the personality and manner of nuns started the conceptualising process for the Caretakers. This first idea gave the design team—led by Jake Lunt Davies—a basis from which to expand. Johnson's goal was for the Caretakers to radiate a sense of contempt, especially in their contacts with Rey, therefore injecting an element of tension and humour to sequences set on Ahch-To. Beyond this personality quality, though, Johnson left the Caretakers' physical appearance free for interpretation so the designers might investigate other options.
Fascinatingly, Johnson's only particular visual clue was the idea of " puffin people," inspired by the actual site used for Ahch-To—the native birds of Skellig Michael. This apparently basic cue launched the design team on a creative adventure combining aquatic components with avian traits to produce quite original creatures. Inspired by several aquatic life, including walruses, seals, and whales, the designers sought out The final design of the Caretakers clearly shows this aquatic influence with their bluish-gray skin tone and fish-like characteristics implying an evolutionary background closely connected to the oceans of Ahch-To.
The Caretakers' ultimate design finds a careful mix between the alien and the identifiable. Their plain, hefty form in their upper bodies lends them a strong, grounded presence. Their shockingly small legs, which give their whole look and movement an unexpected element, counter this. A strong upper body combined with delicate lower limbs produces a distinctive profile that distinguishes the Caretakers from other Star Wars universe entities.
The way the Caretakers' design handles managing both wisdom and otherness is among their most arresting features. Their fish-like characteristics let viewers of their alien identity, while their big, expressive eyes convey intelligence and depth of character. The decision to dress them in plain, nun-like clothing highlights even more their responsibility as protectors of old knowledge and customs. Their dual nature as both guardians of a holy location and enigmatic, otherworldly entities is well expressed graphically.
