I stole this theory from Reddit becuase its interesting. Any Star Wars nerds here able to give credence to it? Does it make sense story wise? I barely remember the plot points anymore but it would be a fun explanation for why the movie seemed to divide opinion so much.
Yep, I've seen compelling arguments made about Crait not being the ending of the movie, but the beginning, and not just because it looks like Hoth.
According to the theory, without Crait, things would wrap up thus:
Holdo Hyperspace rams the FO fleet.
Yoda burning down the tree and talking to Luke, inspiring him into action once more. Presumably he leaves with the intention of finally doing something about the galaxy.
The Resistance get away by the skin of their teeth.
Rey is critically injured by Snoke's guards, but overall they managed to kill them all. Kylo therefore doesn't reveal his nature, but simply offers Rey his help. Rey being on the verge of death and convinced Kylo Ren has turned back to the Light, takes his hand.
The theory also states that Disney thought this story would make people flip out because Luke doesn't have any action scenes, so they re-purposed the 1st act on Crait for Luke to have a showdown against Kylo Ren.
Now I have no idea if this theory is true or not, but that ending would be one that leaves me eager to find out what happens next.