Force projection, also called Similfuturus, was a Force technique of the Fallanassi order. It is documented within the sacred Jedi texts and was famously employed by Jedi Master Luke Skywalker during the Battle of Crait. This ability enabled a Jedi to generate an illusionary duplicate of themselves, capable of being transmitted across immense distances via the Force.
Achieving Force projection demanded intense concentration and unwavering focus. The Jedi channeled their Living Force energy into the Cosmic Force, which allowed the creation of a simulacrum of themselves, and even small objects, across distances spanning multiple light-years. Furthermore, it was possible to project multiple simulacra simultaneously within the immediate vicinity of the user.
The exertion of this power placed an enormous strain on the user. Kylo Ren commented that Rey, whose Force abilities rivaled his own considerable Skywalker lineage, would perish simply from attempting it. Luke Skywalker, despite maintaining his projection for several minutes and fully immersing himself in the Force to physically interact with his environment, ultimately paid the price with his life.
The simulacrum, being merely a projection, allowed the user to seemingly perform impossible feats, such as remaining unharmed after being subjected to a barrage of blaster bolts, being stabbed by a weapon, or instantly relocating from one place to another. It also granted the ability to project an appearance different from one's actual physical form, such as appearing younger or manifesting an object not currently possessed. Although generally immaterial, the user could make physical contact with others and even deceive sophisticated sensors and droids.
The Fallanassi order is credited with originating the power of Force projection. In 34 ABY, Jedi Master Luke Skywalker projected his image from Ahch-To to Crait, where he confronted his nephew, Kylo Ren, during the Battle of Crait. This demanding act proved fatal for Skywalker, leading to his passing and subsequent merging with the Force. He carried a copy of Han Solo's dice, which he left with General Leia Organa, who subsequently placed them at the old Rebel base on the planet. Ren later discovered the dice, but they vanished shortly after Skywalker's death.
Following his death, Skywalker's ability to project himself became widely known throughout the galaxy. His courageous stand against tyranny ignited hope as the First Order launched its invasion. While some believed in Skywalker's power, others, such as First Order Commander Branwayne Spiftz, dismissed it as mere myth. Spiftz derisively referenced the ability while reprimanding Lieutenant Aderat regarding the "disappearing" Minfar resistance fighters.
Force projection made its debut in Star Wars canon within the 2017 film Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi, the second movie in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The concept of a Dopplegänger was initially presented in the Star Wars Legends continuity through Dark Empire 5, written by Tom Veitch, illustrated by Cam Kennedy, and released on August 18, 1992.
In a special feature titled Balance of the Force, Rian Johnson shared that he had envisioned a scenario where Luke would be present on Crait and perform extraordinary Force feats. However, he was wary of reducing the Force to a mere superpower. Instead, he sought a way for Luke to defeat Kylo Ren without causing him physical harm. Drawing inspiration from his approach to Rey and Ren's Force-bond, he utilized Force projection to facilitate a final, personal confrontation between Luke and Ren.