Rey Skywalkeris rumored to have an ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ role inStar Wars’upcoming trilogy, which could mean a major change to what many thought would be the next step in her story. A brand-new trilogy led by Simon Kinberg was added to the list ofStar Wars’upcoming movies, which has left a number of questions up in the air, including whether these movies will be Episodes 10-12. Whether they are or not, though, they are evidently going to see Rey take on a role similar to that of Obi-Wan Kenobi, presumably inA New Hope.
The future ofRey’s upcomingStar Warsmovie, rumored to be titledStar Wars: New Jedi Order, has therefore been called into question. This is particularly relevant becauseit previously seemed as though Rey was going to be starting her own Jedi Order. With this new trilogy, that seems much more uncertain. It will take some explaining onStar Wars’part to justify why the heir to the Skywalker last name and (seemingly) the most prominent Jedi still alive has an Obi-Wan role rather than, say, a Yoda role, running the Jedi Order. This shocking theory may be the answer.
Adopting The Skywalker Name May Not Have Been Enough
Rey’s Bloodline May Still Be Creating Problems For Her
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerremains controversial for a host of reasons, but two of the most prominent complaints are the resurrection of Palpatine being explained only by Poe Dameron saying"Somehow, Palpatine returned"and the fact that Rey adopted the last name Skywalker at the end of the movie. While it’s unlikely Rey chose the name specifically to make her life easier as she worked to establish a new Jedi Order, that would have been one effect of this choice.If Rey was trying to rebuild the Jedi, a connection to the Sith Emperor wouldn’t be ideal.
It’s possible the Skywalker name wasn’t enough to protect her.
Granted, a similar argument could be made about her choosing the last name Skywalker—because Anakin Skywalker also helped to nearly eradicate the Jedi—at this point intheStar Warstimeline, the name would undoubtedly be much more strongly associated with Luke Skywalker, who saved not just the Jedi, but the entire galaxy as well. It’s possible the Skywalker name wasn’t enough to protect her, though.If word of Rey’s blood relation to Palpatine got out, it could easily prevent her from successfully establishing an Order.
This could explain Rey’s supposed Obi-Wan role in the upcoming trilogy when so many were expecting her to establish and lead a new Jedi Order. If the galaxy found out about this Palpatine connection, they may have rejected Rey’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi, including, potentially, by refusing to send their Force-sensitive children to train with her. This would be understandable at this point; the Jedi’s history is an incredibly bloody one at this point, so it would already have been a hard sell.
Wait, Could Rey Skywalker’s Rumored “Obi-Wan Kenobi” Role Actually Be Very Different To What Everybody’s Thinking?
Rey Skywalker’s Star Wars future seemed clear, but the announcement of a brand-new trilogy raises questions about what her story will entail.
Rey Might Have Learned From Leia’s Legacy
A Very Similar Story Has Happened Before
It’s also possible that Rey chose not to lead the Jedi Order because she anticipated that, if the truth about her Palpatine blood connection came out, it could damage the future of the Jedi.Rey’s relationship with her former Jedi Master, Leia Organa, may explain precisely why she believes this. In the canon bookStar Wars: Bloodline, written by Claudia Gray, the truth about Leia Organa’s connection to Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader is revealed, and it effectively ruins her political career and reputation within the New Republic, despite everything she did for the galaxy in the Rebellion.
Purchase Star Wars: Bloodline on Amazon
If Rey and Leia discussed this fallout, it makes sense that Rey would have come to the conclusion that her blood relation to Palpatine made her ineligible to lead the Jedi, for fear that such a discovery would ruin her Order and the reputation of the Jedi. In that case, Rey may step away from the leading role and adopt a mentor role—similar to that of Obi-Wan—to protect the newfound Order. This would likely be preferable to some alternative explanations regarding why Rey isn’t leading the Jedi Order, as it would give her more agency.
This Turn For Rey’s Character Could Be A Problematic One
Star Wars Is At Risk Of Making A Terrible Decision In This New Trilogy
Unfortunately, all of this means thatStar Warsis dangerously close toSimon Kinberg’s trilogy insulting Daisy Ridleyand Rey, if this plot isn’t handled correctly. For one, if this trilogy is going to be Episodes 10-12 and Rey/Ridley is sidelined, that would be a major disservice to both the character and the actor. If her connection to Palpatine is the reason she doesn’t become the new leader of the Jedi Order, as this theory suggests, this becomes all the worse.
Rey’s blood relation to Palpatine preventing her from establishing a new Jedi Order would embolden those who hold this opinion.
From the moment Rey referred to herself as Rey Skywalker at the end ofThe Rise of Skywalker, some of the fanbase argued she wasn’t a true Skywalker and was only ever going to be a Palpatine. Rey’s blood relation to Palpatine preventing her from establishing a new Jedi Order would embolden those who hold this opinion and would in turn delegitimize the decision inThe Rise of Skywalkerto make Rey a Skywalker. At a time when the fanbase is already so divided and tensions are running high,this would be the wrong move forStar Warsto make.
Could Other Jedi Still Be Alive After All?
Some Fan-Favorite Jedi May Step Up In The New Trilogy
Truthfully,Star Warsis going to need a solid explanation if Rey isn’t leading the new Jedi Order. In addition toStar Warsheavily hinting this was coming given the rumored title of Rey’sStar Warsmovie, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa’s own Force ghosts appeared on Tatooine to smile at Rey as she adopted the last name Skywalker, clearly signaling their approval. She is also the most obvious choice, considering she was the leading character in the most recent trilogy.
One alternative that may make (most) viewers happy would be to reveal that another previously established Jedi has appeared and will instead be leading the Order with Rey in a supporting role. The exact timeline of the new trilogy hasn’t been revealed, so it’s difficult to say who could be alive—especially because it isn’t even clear which of the Jedi who were active during the New Republic Era were still alive during the sequel trilogy. Even so, ifStar Warswas going to go this route, Ahsoka Tano would be the best option to lead a new Jedi Order.
IfStar Warswas going to go this route, Ahsoka Tano would be the best option to lead a new Jedi Order.
In addition to being Anakin Skywalker’s former Padawan, Ahsoka Tano is presumably the sole remaining Jedi who was trained in the prequel trilogy’s Jedi Order, especially now thatThe Book of Boba Fettrevealed Grogu’s choice to leave Luke’s Jedi Temple and return to Din Djarin. Ahsoka is also easily one ofStar Wars’best characters, so this would very likely be a popular choice. Ahsoka has also more than earned it given her incredible arc throughoutStar Warsand how far she has come to become a true Jedi once more.
Ahsoka’s Age & Full Star Wars Timeline - From The Clone Wars To The Disney Plus TV Show
As one of Star Wars' most beloved characters, Ahsoka Tano has quite a storied history in the franchise. Here’s her timeline and her age explained.
There are other possible Jedi as well, including Ezra Bridger and Sabine Wren, who may also be alive at this time, and perhaps Rey would want to step aside for them. This would likely be one of the better explanations because it would feel less like a snub to Rey if someone more experienced (especially in the case of Ahsoka or even Ezra) was the one to establish and lead the new Order. For now, it remains unclear howRey Skywalkerwill fit into this newStar Warstrilogy, but, hopefully, her story will be given the proper treatment.
