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I Can't Believe It Took Star Wars So Long to Explain The Last Jedi's "Rey Skywalker" Ending
The ending of Star Wars: Episode 9 giving Rey the Skywalker name may have happened more than 5 years ago, but Star Wars has only now explained exactly what The Rise of Skywalker‘s ending scene is actually supposed to mean.
Like all aspects of Star Wars: Episode 9, the decision to end the sequel trilogy by returning “Rey Skywalker” to Tatooine proved a controversial, or at least divisive one among moviegoers. Thankfully for all involved, Marvel’s Rise of Skywalker adaptation has improved the movie, and the trilogy, in a number of ways. And now that the final scene has been revisited, it’s safe to say that whether you loved the naming of Rey Skywalker or hated it, you’ll never see the ending the same way again.
The “Rey Skywalker” Ending Scene Seems To Come Out of Nowhere
Is It Supposed To Be A Tribute, A Twist, A Symbol, or Just Fan Service?
It’s entirely possible to appreciate and enjoy the closing scene on a surface level, with Rey once again being asked for her non-existent surname. Instead of accepting that she is a Palpatine, she looks to the Force Ghosts of Luke and Leia Skywalker and claims them as her family in a heartwarming tribute. Since Rey was trained and inspired by both, it makes sense… sort of.
Thankfully, the new adaptation of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker makes one crucial change to the theatrical cut, which vastly improves the power of the film’s final line.
While the logic in that conclusion works narratively, the film hasn’t actually laid much groundwork for the twist. Neither Luke nor Leia overtly call her ‘family,’ making the revelation a surprise with little anticipation. The impression given to many is that the main purpose of the “Rey Skywalker” moment is to provide the trilogy with a poignant ending. Thankfully, the new adaptation of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker makes one crucial change to the theatrical cut, which vastly improves the power of the film’s final line.
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It Took Years, But Star Wars Finally Admits Leia Did Not Die When You Think She Did
Leia’s “death” in The Rise of Skywalker wasn’t final; she became a Force presence, spiritually guiding Ben to his ultimate redemption.
Rey Becoming A Skywalker is A Direct Call Back To Emperor Palpatine’s Final Fight
The Name ‘Rey Skywalker’ is Another Tribute To Ben Solo’s Sacrifice
Marvel’s Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Adaptation from Jody Houser and Will Sliney enjoys the ability to do things the movie simply couldn’t, with Carrie Fisher’s deleted Rise of Skywalker scenes a prime example, adapted to the comic page without any of the challenges faced by the filmmakers. But the final issue largely adapts Rey and Ben’s battle against Palpatine as it appears in the film, including the Emperor’s dialogue when delivering the final strike against his former apprentice:
As I once fell… so falls the last Skywalker.
After Rey summons all the Jedi to assist her in defeating Palpatine once and for all, and is healed by Ben’s sacrifice, she takes the expected trip to the Lars homestead on Tatooine. But when Leia takes the Skywalker name in the comic, her meaning is made perfectly clear.
By overlaying Palpatine’s victorious claim to have ended the Skywalker line with this moment, the truth is revealed: “Rey Skywalker” defies the Emperor’s final boast against Ben Solo, and utterly erases the Sith Order’s last claim to any victory or achievement.
The moment will lead many to wonder why director J. J. Abrams chose not to deploy the same voiceover or callback in the film, but that won’t stop Star Wars fans from gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of the story every viewing from here on out.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #5 is available now from Marvel Comics.
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