“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” proved that a female protagonist could successfully carry an established and beloved franchise — and now it appears that “The Last Jedi” will set out to show that a flawed, morally complex female protagonist is also able to carry said franchise. The new, highly-anticipated trailer for Episode VIII sees Daisy Ridley’s Rey learning about her heritage, mastering her powers, and questioning where exactly she belongs.

“Something inside me has always been there,” Rey observes, “but now it’s awake and I need help.” Unfortunately, she’s not getting that help from Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), whom she met at the end of “The Force Awakens.” “I’ve seen this raw strength only once before,” Luke announces when he witnesses Rey’s prowess handling the Force, apparently referencing Darth Vader. “It didn’t scare me enough then. It does now.” With that, he washes his hands of Rey.

In a move that’s sure to upset her allies in the Resistance, Finn (John Boyega) and Poe (Oscar Isaac), Rey turns to Darth Vader’s grandson/successor — and possibly her cousin — Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). “I need someone to show me my place in all this,” she begs him. And the matricidal Kylo Ren is more than willing to extend a hand.

Set to hit theaters December 15, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is written and directed by “Looper” helmer Rian Johnson. The megahit-to-be also stars the late, great Carrie Fisher in one of her last roles, Laura Dern (“Big Little Lies”), Kelly Marie Tran (“XOXO”), Gwendoline Christie (“Game of Thrones”), Domhnall Gleeson (“Ex Machina”), and Benicio Del Toro (“Sicario”).