In a galaxy far, far away, the Skywalker name has always been synonymous with heroes, legends, and the ultimate battle between light and dark. With Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley) taking on the iconic family name at the end of J. J. Abrams’ 2019 flick, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the legacy of the Skywalker lineage lives on in a new and powerful way.
Rey’s decision to become a Skywalker was not just a passing moment or a mere token of gratitude; it was a deeply personal and meaningful choice that honored the Jedi who had shaped her into the powerful Force-wielder she had become.
A newly released collectible revealed the thoughts of Rey, where she cited her master, Luke Skywalker, his sister, Leia Organa, and her beloved friend-turned-enemy-turned-savior, Ben Solo, as the driving forces behind her choice.
Daisy Ridley’s Rey Addressing Ben Solo’s Death in Star Wars
By taking on the Skywalker name, Daisy Ridley’s Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not only paid tribute to those who had a profound impact on her life but also ensured that the “legacy” of the Skywalker family will continue to inspire and guide the galaxy. With Rey Skywalker at the helm, the name itself becomes a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience in the face of darkness.
Rey taking on the Skywalker name offended some people, but director J. J. Abrams and the team made a daring decision that is consistent with the story’s main theme. For the first time, Ridley’s Rey talked about Ben Solo’s (Adam Driver) sacrifice on Exegol in a new Holocron (via The HoloFiles):
“Luke Skywalker was my master. So was his sister Leia. And her son Ben gave his life for me. I took the Skywalker name to honor them and their legacy.”
In addition to honoring Luke and Leia, Rey’s adoption of the Skywalker name also pays tribute to Ben Solo, who ultimately chose to turn away from the darkness and follow in the footsteps of his grandfather (Anakin Skywalker). Similarly, a quote from Rey represented the choice made by Lucasfilm to carry on Rey’s story in a follow-up film.
She stated:
“I’ve studied the sacred texts of the Jedi. Do you know what the most important pages are? It’s the blank ones left at the end. Because those ancient teachers knew those lessons weren’t finished and never could be.”
According to this quote, the story is far from over. Even though Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker concluded a nine-film saga, there are still more tales to be told and lessons to be discovered.
The Controversy: Did Ben Solo’s Death Ruin Kylo Ren’s Redemption in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker?
In the final installment of the Star Wars saga, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, fans were left divided and deeply conflicted over the fate of the complex and tormented character of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Once a formidable and terrifying villain, Kylo Ren’s journey to redemption culminated in his ultimate sacrifice to save Rey and defeat Emperor Palpatine.
However, his redemption arc was cut short by his death, sparking heated debate among fans about whether his death was a fitting conclusion to his character arc or a disappointing resolution. Throughout the sequel trilogy, Ben Solo struggled with the pull of the light side, torn between his legacy as a Skywalker and his loyalty to the dark side.
Having said that, his inner conflict and turmoil made him a compelling and complex character, and fans eagerly awaited his eventual redemption. Even the actor playing the character never wanted to be redeemed.
However, his death in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker prematurely ended his redemption arc, leaving many fans feeling unsatisfied and discontented. Some argued that his untimely demise robbed him of the chance to fully bring about his own redemption, while others felt that his sacrifice was a fitting end to his character’s journey.
Regrettably, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker received not-so-favorable reviews from critics, which is why it has a 51% Rotten Tomatoes rating.
In any case, it is up for debate whether Kylo Ren’s controversial death derailed his redemption arc or marked a fitting conclusion to his character’s journey. But we also can’t deny that his legacy will spark discussion and debate among fans for years to come!
Stream Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker on Disney+.
