The Rise of Skywalker: How did the movie handle Carrie Fisher’s legacy?
The Rise of Skywalker has officially hit theaters and answered one of fans’ most pressing questions: How did the final film handle Carrie Fisher’s legacy?
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker brought The Skywalker Saga to a close with its release this week, rounding out a story that began with A New Hope back in 1977. And Carrie Fisher has been a major part of that story, with Princess — and then General — Leia capturing fans’ hearts from the very beginning.
Sadly, Carrie Fisher died before filming was complete on the final installment of The Skywalker Saga. Many fans were concerned as to how the film would handle the loss. Luckily, theu won’t be disappointed with how the franchise concludes the legacy of the Princess of Alderaan.
In the final chapter of The Skywalker Saga, Leia still reigns as General, but in the beginning moments of the film, is training Rey as a Jedi. We learn that, at some point after the events of Return of the Jedi, Luke trained Leia to be a full Jedi Master.
Through the (somewhat creepy) magic of CGI, we get to finally see Leia wield a lightsaber, which Disney says was the plan for Episode IX had Carrie Fisher not died.
In addition to having Leia earn the title of both General and Jedi Master, her death, though tragic, isn’t wasted, as she uses the last of her life force to save her son from the Dark Side and redeem him. Pouring her life force into him, Ben is able to save Rey, and thus, Leia does, too.
It’s an awesome thing to see Leia in a completely different position of authority, and her presence reigns over the film. In some ways, she is the Yoda or Obi-Wan of the new trilogy, as she is the omnipotent good that guides the new characters on their paths.
Leia has always represented hope and the central struggle of the rebellion. By having her finally (though belatedly) transform into a full-blown Jedi who is able to sacrifice her life for her son and Rey, her life’s message carries on.
Next. The Rise of Skywalker: Was Kylo Ren redeemed?. dark