Movies

Rey’s Palpatine Connection Is a Better Theme Than Last Jedi’s Reveal

BBG News

In the much-debated choices made within the storyline of “ “, a significant point of contention centered around Kylo Ren’s disclosure about Rey’s parentage. Many fans speculated that the scavenger girl from Jakku could be related to Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, or another hero in the “Star Wars” universe.

Interestingly, the alteration of her lineage in “The Rise of Skywalker” was met with equal controversy, but tying Rey to Palpatine served a more impactful subversion of a fundamental “Star Wars” theme than the revelation in “The Last Jedi”. The narrative was a family saga, but the characters’ natures did not determine whether they were heroes or villains. Fans had always enjoyed speculating about “Star Wars”, but the enigmatic approach taken by J.J. Abrams in “The Force Awakens” ignited this passion to unprecedented levels.

A significant factor that led to “The Last Jedi” being so contentious was the perception among fans that the film’s creator, Rian Johnson, was deliberately antagonizing them with his decision-making. For instance, fans took issue not only with Rey’s family background but also with the sudden death of Supreme Leader Snoke without any exploration of his past or reasons for his actions. The reappearance of Palpatine in “The Rise of Skywalker” lent credence to this viewpoint, as it suggested that all Dark Side leaders were essentially alike. Characters like Snoke, Palpatine, and Kylo Ren chose to cause harm because of their selfish pursuit of power; their villainy wasn’t predetermined by their DNA. Conversely, characters like Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Ahsoka Tano, and others became heroes not due to their heritage but because of the choices they made. Therefore, the title “Rey Palpatine” carries more weight compared to “Rey No One,” as it underscores the Star Wars theme that emphasizes the importance of choice over following the Light Side.

The Revelation About Rey’s Parents in The Last Jedi Was Partly For the Audience

Director Rian Johnson Wanted to Subvert the Focus on Family and Power in Star Wars

After watching “The Force Awakens”, there was much speculation about the identity of the character, particularly a possible connection to Palpatine. Many believed she could be Luke Skywalker’s long-lost daughter, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s granddaughter, or even Kylo Ren’s sister. The first film in the Sequel Trilogy left her origin vague, with several characters wondering “Who is that girl?” before the director abruptly changed the scene. When developing “The Last Jedi”, Johnson brainstormed various possibilities (even suggesting she might be a robot), and eventually came up with an explanation for her background.

Regarding Rey’s family background, it’s worth noting that Johnson intentionally constructed this plot twist to surprise fans, much like the shocking revelation in “The Empire Strikes Back” when Darth Vader revealed he was Anakin Skywalker. However, establishing a connection between Rey and someone from the saga’s past didn’t carry the same weight as Kylo Ren stating that Rey’s parents were insignificant. Johnson wasn’t being dismissive of fan theories or their efforts to unravel the mysteries of Star Wars; rather, he was making a deliberate creative choice.

In simpler terms, “The central part of the Star Wars trilogy serves as Rian Johnson’s subtle commentary to fans, suggesting that the Star Wars universe isn’t as strictly bound by rules as they might believe. The characters, much like real people, evolve over time and can make errors. Victories are not always guaranteed for the heroes, but their failures often have significant value. Rian Johnson aimed to convey through Rey’s origin story that a powerful savior of the galaxy could emerge from humble beginnings. While this interpretation is valid, it’s not as exclusive to the saga as it may initially appear.

Why the ‘Rey Nobody’ Moment Was a Good Character Choice, but Not the Best One

While an Inspired Choice, the Star Wars Galaxy Is Already Full of ‘Nobodies’

In explaining his reason behind the “Rey No One” revelation, he stated that it was the most painful thing she could have heard at that moment. Throughout the movie, much of Rey’s journey revolves around her self-doubt, as she questioned whether a scavenger abandoned by her parents could be significant compared to Luke Skywalker or Leia Organa-Solo. When Kylo Ren told her “You have no place in this story,” what made it hurtful was that his connection to these legends was evident. However, it’s important to remember that even those considered legends, like Anakin Skywalker, were once insignificant too. In fact, Anakin was the original nobody: born into slavery, he then became the property of the Jedi Order and eventually belonged to Palpatine as well.

Prior to Episode V’s momentous disclosure, Luke Skywalker was merely a humble farm boy from Tatooine with talents in flying. Fans were largely in the dark about his backstory before the prequel film, but everyone knew Han Solo didn’t hail from an affluent or influential family. All the Jedi characters in the Prequel Trilogy could be considered insignificant as well. The only one with a known lineage, Count Dooku, had already turned to the dark side before his introduction. In the Sequel Trilogy, Poe Dameron’s parents were ordinary rebels, and Finn, as a stormtrooper, held one fewer name than Rey.

As a movie enthusiast, diving into the captivating world of “Star Wars,” I’ve noticed an intriguing trend – characters like those in “Rogue One” and “Rebels,” who are not directly related to the larger saga by blood, still manage to carve out powerful, meaningful, and heroic roles for themselves. In the context of “The Last Jedi,” Kylo Ren’s revelation that Rey’s parents were insignificant in the grand scheme of things resonated deeply with her quest to find her place in the galaxy, proving more impactful than the universe itself at times.

Johnson masterfully subverted fan expectations with this statement, but it was ultimately J.J. Abrams in “The Rise of Skywalker” who truly achieved thematic subversion as intended.

Tying Rey’s Heritage to Emperor Palpatine Does Something More Interesting for Star Wars

George Lucas Envisioned It as a ‘Family’ Saga, but Being a Hero Is a Simple ‘Choice’

In essence, “The Rise of Skywalker” contradicts much of what occurs in “The Last Jedi,” but it challenges the idea that Rey’s parents were insignificant, which was initially planned by Rian Johnson. This narrative twist mirrors Kylo Ren’s initial revelation. After a year of accepting her parents’ unimportance to the greater galactic tale, the most difficult truth for Rey to learn is that her grandfather embodies evil, a concept she finds hard to comprehend. Even Luke and Leia struggle with this, as Anakin wasn’t always an evil figure like the Emperor. In a way, Luke and Leia can be seen as the Force’s reaction to the dark path taken by their brother.

If Anakin hadn’t been killed by the Emperor, another would have been chosen to fulfill his destiny in the Force. By turning Anakin to the dark side, Palpatine increased the dominance of the Sith, which led the Force to create these twins as a response. However, just as Anakin made a self-centered, evil choice, so too could Luke and Leia have rejected their destinies tied to the Light Side. They weren’t heroes of the Star Wars saga because of their parentage, but their familial connection is why figures like Yoda, Obi-Wan, and Bail Organa believed in them despite everything. The Force didn’t only see their power, but also their parents’ goodness, which made these characters hopeful figures.

In simpler terms, the Star Wars series often portrays commoners rising as heroes without any distinguished lineage. Linking Rey to Palpatine might imply that her heritage could lead her down a villainous path. However, when Rey chooses to shun the Dark Side, makes selfless decisions, and adopts the name Skywalker, it carries symbolic significance. Her familial ties don’t affect her heroism or ability to make sacrifices. Through her bond with Ben Solo as a Force dyad, she plays a crucial role in his redemption (with Leia’s assistance). Although some fans may dislike the sudden Palpatine connection, it reinforces one of Star Wars’ core messages more powerfully.

You can now own the Star Wars films, including “The Last Jedi” and “The Rise of Skywalker”, on DVD, Blu-ray, digital download, or stream them as part of the entire saga offered on Disney+.

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2025-06-02 16:06

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