The Rise of Skywalker: 5 last-minute Kylo Ren theories fans should know
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is here, bringing Rey’s and Kylo Ren’s chapters to a close. But what Kylo Ren theories should you know going into the film?
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is finally hitting theaters this week, and Star Wars fans are excited to see what becomes of the characters we’ve come to know and love over the past few films. That includes Kylo Ren, who has become one of the most beloved Star Wars villains — in part because Adam Driver is a great actor and in part because he’s one of the most dynamic villains we’ve met over the course of The Skywalker Saga.
For that reason, many fans have speculated that Kylo will see a redemption arc at some point during The Rise of Skywalker. But there are many ways his character’s story could end, and we won’t know for certain where he ends up until we see the final film this weekend.
In the meantime, here are five Kylo Ren theories to know before heading to theaters.
Kylo Ren will redeem himself
Although Adam Driver insists that Kylo Ren doesn’t view himself as needing redemption, the signs that Kylo could turn away from the Dark Side are there. We’ve seen his humanity surface mulitple times during the last two Star Wars films, and Rey made it clear that she sees good left in him. Whether he’ll embrace that remains to be seen, but if he’s going to turn away from the Dark Side, now would be the time to do it.
Assuming Rey actually goes full-blown Sith, Kylo returning to the Jedi would balance The Force, just as the prophecy predicted years ago.
Kylo Ren will realize it hasn’t been Darth Vader speaking to him
Darth Vader is part of Kylo Ren’s inspiration for turning to the Dark Side, and he claims his grandfather has spoken to him before. Given that Vader eventually saw his own redemption, however, fans have to wonder whether it’s actually Anakin Kylo is hearing. We know The Force can be used to forge connections between minds, so is it possible one of the other villains took advantage of that?
Some fans have suggested that Supreme Leader Snoke or Emperor Palpatine might have spoken to Kylo in Vader’s voice, and that does seem more likely than an already-redeemed Vader convincing his grandson to go rogue…
Kylo was manipulated into killing Snoke
Kylo’s decision to kill Supreme Leader Snoke was one of the most surprising moments from The Last Jedi, and many have wondered at the ease with which he killed such a powerful villain. Several theories posit that Kylo’s betrayal was part of Snoke’s plan all along — or if not Snoke’s, then Palpatine’s. After all, it seems Palpatine wants Rey and Kylo working together. And what better way to earn Rey’s trust than by killing the Supreme Leader who posed a threat to her?
Will Kylo discover that he was getting played all along in The Rise of Skywalker, and if so, will this lead him to change sides? Or will he play directly into his masters’ hands, giving the Sith exactly what they want? Only time will tell, but there does seem to be more to Snoke than first meets the eye.
The First Order will betray Kylo
During The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren turned on Supreme Leader Snoke, killing his master and naming himself the new Supreme Leader of The First Order. But General Hux was reluctant to follow Kylo at first, only obeying his commands after it was clear that he was unstable and would resort to violence to get The First Order to listen to him.
We have to wonder, however, if the generals of The First Order are plotting behind his back. It’s clear they think he’s unstable and unfit for command, and leading by fear is always setting oneself up for unrest among your supposed followers. Could Kylo see betrayal from his own men at some point in the film?
Kylo will die in the end
If Kylo’s journey throughout the current Star Wars trilogy is anything like Anakin’s, there’s a strong possibility we could see him perish at some point during The Rise of Skywalker. Even if he does manage to redeem himself, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll be able to continue living in the galaxy after all he’s done. The more likely way he’ll switch sides is by sacrificing himself, much like his grandfather before him.
Some have also predicted a more interesting twist on Kylo’s demise, suggesting he’ll live on through his connection with Rey. Is this how Reylo fans will be appeased in the end? We’ll see.
Next. The Rise of Skywalker: 5 last-minute Rey theories fans should know. dark