And about the “random First Order patrols,” I think if you removed that line from the sequence the way we have it laid out, it would make the trooper come out of nowhere even more so than in the original. And that trooper has to be there because it’s how we meet Lando.
If you removed the line and reverted the sequence to the theatrical, suddenly the First Order are able to arrive comically quickly after analyzing the necklace.
I think the current implementation is the best approach, all things considered.
I think we can work around that, honestly. I did this really quickly, so as usual with my mock ups, the audio would need a bit more work to smooth out, but check this out:
I mirrored the shot of Lando to match the eye lines, and cut the Stormtrooper. You’d just need to carry over the “suspense” music cue and you’d be set.
So picture it: Kylo tells Rey that they’re about to catch them, grabbing the necklace as a symbolic gesture, rather than a plot contrivance. The Trio start running for it, when they’re intercepted by this mysterious stranger. Is it a First Order operative? An ally? Who knows? He hasn’t done anything to help or hurt them so far, so we have SUSPENSE!
Ideally, I’d love to add some voice over about “The First Order is looking for you,” or maybe a line from the Trio about “Who are you?” And cut the “Leia sent me a message” to keep his intentions uncertain until he takes off the mask.
EDIT: Maybe trim up Lando’s turn in the first shot too, so that he doesn’t change direction with the mirror.
EDIT 2: Same idea, but mirrored the shot of the heroes running instead of Lando. I don’t think anyone would notice the weapons changing sides, given how frenetic the shot is anyway; plus, this would have the added benefit of normalizing the screen direction. Now the sequence goes:
Rey runs to right -> Heroes run to right -> See Lando to the right -> Follow him to the right
Rather than the original sequence of:
Rey runs right -> Everyone turns around and heads back to the left -> Sees a Stormtrooper that way -> Lando shoots from behind them and back the way they just came at the right?? -> Lando is now magically behind them to the right??? -> Follow Lando ahead and to the right, I think? Or they just go back the direction they just came from?
What…? Where is any of this occurring in space? Where are they going? Why can’t any of this action be tracked visually?