These Are Force-Sensitive Nun-Like Caretakers of The Jedi Temple STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Thanks to EW we have our first official look and details at another new alien species that will be seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. We already learned about the crazy cute Porgs, now learn about the other inhabitants of the Island of Ahch-To, known as the Caretakers. Director Rian Johnson describes them as follows:
“They’re kind of these sort of fish-bird type aliens who live on the island. They’ve been there for thousands of years, and they essentially keep up the structures on the island.
“They’re all female, and I wanted them to feel like a remote sort of little nunnery. Neal Scanlan’s crew designed them, and costume designer Michael Kaplan made these working clothes that also reflected sort of a nun-like, spartan sort of existence.”
When talking about how they communicate, he says that they talk to Luke through “a blubbery sort of Scottish fish talk” They don't really want Luke around, but it's explained that they “tolerate” his presence.
Given what their tasks are on the island, and that they've been there taking care of the Jedi Temple for thousands of years, I assume they would have to be force-sensitive. Johnson explains that the creatures were drawn to the Force-sensitive area from the sea and evolved to become the Caretakers.
“You get the sense they did at some point or maybe they occasionally do [return to the sea,] but when we see them, they’re land creatures. They’re these big matronly creatures, but they have these little skinny little bird feet. They were really fun to work with on set.”
One of the things that fans love about Star Wars are the colorful alien characters that they throw into the mix! It'll be interesting to see how these new creatures are utilized in the story.