The Rise of Skywalker: 5 last-minute Rey theories fans should know
With Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hitting theaters in just a day, we’re diving into the five theories about Rey that fans should know.
The early reviews for The Rise of Skywalker are pouring in, and Star Wars fans just have one more day to wait before the film finally hits theaters. There’s so much speculation about what could happen in the final installment of The Skywalker Saga, and the critics’ reactions are only making fans more anxious about what’s to come.
In particular, people want to know what will become of the current trilogy’s central protagonist. We’ve seen Rey struggle with her connection to Kylo Ren and the Dark Side, and trailers for The Rise of Skywalker suggest that she could give into temptation during the final film.
On top of that, there are plenty of things about Rey’s background that are still up in the air heading into the last movie — and fans want answers as to where Rey came from and why her connection to The Force is so strong.
We’ll likely get those answers once we see The Rise of Skywalker. But, for now, here are five last-minute theories about Rey fans should know heading into theaters.
Rey will turn to the Dark Side
This is less a theory and more just a possibility at this point, as trailers and footage from the upcoming film have shown Rey holding a double-edged red lightsaber. The thing is, this scene is missing context — meaning it could easily be a dream or vision and not an actual plot point from The Rise of Skywalker.
If Rey does turn to the Dark Side, however, it wouldn’t be all that surprising. After all, we’ve already seen Anakin serve as the main character and supposed hero only to become Darth Vader. And if Rey were to turn, it could still balance The Force in the end. Who says that Rey won’t embrace the Dark Side as Kylo Ren moves toward redemption? That would certainly be an interesting way to bring about balance.
Rey is one of Palpatine’s clones
There’s another possible explanation for the Rey we see holding a red lightsaber in the trailer, and it’s one that fits with mysteries surrounding Rey’s background, as well as the bizarre cave scene from The Last Jedi. One theory posits that Rey is actually one of Palpatine’s clones, and that the Rey we see in the trailer isn’t our Rey but a copy of her.
The scene in the Force Cave shows Rey in a line of what seems like an endless number of other Reys. And when she finally reaches a mirror, hoping to see where she came from, she finds her own face staring back at her. It’s a strange moment from The Last Jedi, but it would make sense if she were one of many Reys. This development would also give a greater meaning to Kylo Ren’s insistence that her parents were “nobody.”
Of course, we don’t know that Emperor Palpatine was able to make clones with The Force, and we also don’t know why Rey wouldn’t be under his influence if she were a clone.
Rey is the descendant of a Jedi or Sith we already know
If Rey isn’t a clone, it stands to reason that her powerful connection from The Force has been passed down to her through one of the Jedi or Sith we already know. Why else would the trilogy make such a big deal about her heritage?
Connecting her to Luke or Leia would be the easiest route, and it could make her the Skywalker the new movie’s title references. That seems a bit straightforward though, and there are other contenders who could be Rey’s parent. For one, many suggested early on that Obi-Wan could have had a child — though that that theory has faded away over time.
Of course, with Star Wars moving away from the “Chosen One” story going forward, Rey could also just be an ordinary person gifted great power. That would turn many of the early tropes from The Skywalker Saga on their heads — though it would be a tad disappointing given all the discussion of Rey’s history.
Rey will help redeem Kylo Ren
Many fan theories about The Rise of Skywalker suggest a redemption arc for Kylo Ren — and while he doesn’t necessarily need to turn away from the Dark Side, his brief glimpses of humanity over the past few films suggest that he could. If anyone were to help him in that endeavor, it seems like it would be Rey.
Not only does Rey still see the good in Kylo Ren, but her bringing him back from The First Order’s clutches would be a great way to pay Leia back for all she’s done for her. It would also give some context to the part of the trailer where the two of them destroy Darth Vader’s mask. Perhaps they’ll be working together by the movie’s end.
Rey will become the leader of a new generation of Force users
The Last Jedi hinted that Rey might not be the only person left who’s capable of becoming a Jedi. Remember Broom Kid? It seems like The Force was awakened in more people than just Rey, and with the emphasis on getting rid of all the old Jedi texts and starting anew, it seems possible The Rise of Skywalker could end with Rey starting a new Jedi Order (hopefully one that’s a little less severe).
Not only would this introduce further possibilities for future Star Wars movies, but it would give Rey a satisfying ending and a purpose. And let’s be real, she deserves it.
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