The Rise of Skywalker: The 5 biggest questions we have after seeing it
The Rise of Skywalker did a decent job of rounding out The Skywalker Saga and answering the big questions raised over the past eight films. But there were a few that remained when the credits rolled.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
When it comes to finales, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker wasn’t terrible. It did a decent job of rounding out the story that’s been told over the previous eight films, and even if there were some loose ends, it answered many of fans biggest questions fans had heading into the film.
Of course, like any movie, it also raised more questions for fans to ponder when the credits began to roll. And unfortunately, those are questions we likely won’t get answers to anytime soon — not if the franchise’s movie hiatus is anything to judge by.
So, yes, those of us who have seen the movie now know whether or not Rey turns to the Dark Side — and whether Kylo Ren finally gets his redemption. But what new questions do we have after seeing it?
How did Emperor Palpatine survive?
Anyone hoping for concrete answers to Emperor Palpatine’s return in The Rise of Skywalker might be holding their breath for nothing. His survival — even after Vader throws him into a reactor core — is basically just chalked up to the “power of the Dark Side.”
And yes, we’re still trying to figure out exactly what that means. It’s a given that falling down there doesn’t have to mean the guy died, but … a bit more explanation on what happened would have been appreciated.
Who is Rey’s grandmother?
If your first reaction to Emperor Palpatine’s admission that he had a child was along the lines of “with who?,” just know you’re not alone. When it comes to believability, that particular development raises many questions and concerns — and it’s never addressed.
Although fans finally came to understand Rey’s backstory, the logistics behind it remain murky. More insight into both her parents’ and grandparents’ decisions would have gone a long way in the film.
Was the Final Order that easy to eradicate?
Rey might have defeated Palpatine and wiped out the Sith, but the First Order was made up of humans — some of whom we can assume survived. Considering they never actually knew they were doing Palpatine’s bidding, wouldn’t they continue spreading their oppressive ideologies around the galaxy regardless of Rey’s win against the Emperor?
Just as the Empire made a comeback after Return of the Jedi, we can probably assume the First Order will rise again. After all, it’s not just the Sith fighting against the Resistance.
Where does the Jedi Order go from here?
The big finale intentionally leaves the future of the Jedi Order pretty ambiguous, and we have to wonder whether or not Rey will take advantage of all the newly Force-sensitive people and train them. She could just as easily remain on Tattooine after everything she’s been through, but that begs the question of whether or not there will be Jedi going forward.
Just where is Baby Yoda?
Fans waiting for The Mandalorian to somehow intersect with The Rise of Skywalker might be in for disappointment, as the movie doesn’t directly tie into the Disney Plus series. And while it takes place years later, we have to wonder just where Baby Yoda is with all that’s happening. Given the species’ extended life span, it stands to reason the child would still be alive — unless something in The Mandalorian prevents it from being around during Rey and Finn’s time period.
(Please don’t let anything happen to Baby Yoda. We’re begging you, Star Wars.)
Next. The Rise of Skywalker: Who lived and who died?. dark