The 2019 film gained a negative reputation among fans of the sci-fi series. Promoted as the epic finale to a 40-year story arc and the sequel trilogy, it’s widely seen as one of the weakest installments in the entire space opera created by George Lucas – and many consider it the worst.
Many fans remember The Rise of Skywalker for awkward dialogue, like the infamous lines “Somehow Palpatine returned” and “They fly now.” The film’s final line, spoken by Rey on Tatooine, was particularly debated. Now, Star Wars has subtly changed Rey’s words in that scene, and it could improve the moment for some viewers.
Star Wars Is Rewriting the Rey Skywalker Moment
At the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey visits Tatooine and buries Luke and Leia’s lightsabers near the ruins of the Lars family home – the very place where Luke’s journey started and where he ultimately finds peace. As she watches the twin suns set, a traveler asks her name. Rey looks out at the horizon, sees the Force ghosts of Luke and Leia, and proudly declares herself Rey Skywalker.
Predictably, Star Wars fans were furious about this moment. Many questioned Rey’s claim to the Skywalker name, with some expressing disappointment that Disney had allowed someone without Skywalker lineage to adopt it. Angry reactions flooded platforms like Reddit and Instagram, echoing throughout the fandom.
Seven years after its release, Star Wars is returning to Rey’s story with a new novel called The Rise of Skywalker: Legacy. Penned by Madeleine Roux, the book explores what happened between Episode VIII and Episode IX, offering a more detailed look at the connection between Rey and Kylo Ren. This deeper exploration was possible because the novel format allowed for further development of their relationship, something that was limited on screen following Carrie Fisher’s passing during filming.
As a critic, I found Star Wars: Legacy really resonated with its exploration of finding where you belong. The film beautifully portrays Rey’s journey as she searches for her place in the galaxy, and it’s Leia who steps up as a crucial mentor. She essentially becomes the mother figure Rey always needed, especially after the devastating reveal about her parents – the fact that they weren’t coming back to her. It’s a really touching dynamic and adds a lot of emotional weight to the story.
Leia hints that Rey will become an honorary member of the Skywalker family. Although they aren’t connected by blood, Rey carries on the Skywalker legacy. This new understanding completely reframes Rey’s final moment in The Rise of Skywalker. She isn’t simply claiming the Skywalker name; she’s expressing a truth the Skywalkers already understood and accepting a title they intentionally gave her.
This is also clear within the movie itself, with Luke and Leia watching over her and supporting her choice. Rey continues their important work and honors their memory, just as any student should after learning from their teachers.
Rey’s Skywalker Scene Is the Right Choice (and Always Has Been)
Even before the Star Wars: Legacy comics, Lucasfilm made a good decision with how they ended Rey’s story in The Rise of Skywalker. Now, seven years later, it’s clear that making Rey an honorary Skywalker wasn’t as controversial as some people initially thought. In reality, it actually makes sense considering the broader Star Wars saga, which has often had trouble maintaining a consistent storyline.
Years before the events of The Rise of Skywalker, Yoda foreshadows its ending in The Last Jedi. When he appears to Luke, Yoda urges him to share everything he’s learned – both his triumphs and mistakes – without fear. He explains that all teachers inevitably find themselves surpassed by their students, and that’s a natural part of the process.
Yoda didn’t foresee the strong, lasting bonds between students and teachers, even after the teachers are gone. This theme appears throughout the entire story – from Obi-Wan honoring Qui-Gon’s wish to train Anakin, to Ahsoka using Anakin’s flaws to become a perfect Jedi, and even Luke carrying his masters’ teachings into exile. It’s a story about how legacies build upon each other.
By taking the name “Skywalker,” Rey pays tribute to the Jedi who trained her, Luke and Leia. Luke helped her understand the Force wasn’t just something to be used when convenient, and Leia completed her Jedi training. Both shared everything they’d learned from their lives – not just their successes, but also their mistakes, which proved to be especially valuable lessons for Rey.
With no Skywalker descendants, Rey is the only one who can continue the family’s story. It’s important to keep the memory of this complex but brave family alive, rather than let it fade away. Rey has the opportunity to share this legacy with a new generation, just as her mentors did with her, and they with theirs, continuing a tradition that stretches back for many years.
People are allowed to feel upset about what happened, but holding onto anger isn’t helpful and can lead to negative feelings.
What’s Next for Rey Skywalker?
Even though The Rise of Skywalker concluded the main story, Lucasfilm is planning to continue Rey’s journey with new stories starring Daisy Ridley. However, the future of these projects isn’t completely clear right now, but there’s a possibility we haven’t seen the last of Rey Skywalker.
During Star Wars Celebration 2023, Lucasfilm revealed plans for a new movie continuing the story of Rey, set after the events of The Rise of Skywalker. The film, directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, is expected to take place about fifteen years later.
It’s been three years since the film was first announced, and we haven’t heard much news since. There’s still no release date, and the script doesn’t appear to be finished. This has led to speculation that the movie might be cancelled, especially with Lucasfilm now heading in a new creative direction with Dave Filoni and Lynwen Brennan in charge. However, Lucasfilm hasn’t officially cancelled the Rey spin-off film just yet.
Lucasfilm is working on a new Star Wars film, currently known as Episode X, which Simon Kinberg is writing. This movie is planned to be the start of another trilogy. Few details are available about the project, including who will star in it. It might feature a completely fresh cast of characters, but there’s also a good chance we’ll see returning faces from the last trilogy, like Rey Skywalker.
It’s still unclear what Rey’s role will be in future Star Wars films, but with several projects potentially bringing her back, it seems likely Daisy Ridley will reprise the character. Hopefully, when she does, fans will have grown to appreciate Rey – a character many believe is underappreciated – and her new title.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is available to stream on Disney+.
2026-07-29 16:06