Top 10 Things to Remember Before Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
#10: It’s Going to Have a Deep Connection to the Previous Trilogies
Disney has made it very clear that they intend this film to conclude the Skywalker saga. At least for the time being that is - what lucrative franchise ever really ends these days? In order to do this successfully, however, and make up for some of the frustration caused by “The Last Jedi”, they’re going to need to tie all nine movies together in a way that is both organic and satisfying. The return of more familiar faces from previous installments confirms that this is a film that seeks to engage with the franchise history that came before it. How successful it will be in this regard however, we’ll just have to wait and see!
#9: The Ending Has Been Planned Out From the Beginning
It’s no secret that when Disney bought Star Wars from George Lucas, they took a look at his planned sequel trilogy… and then decided to go in a different direction. Because “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi” seemed to be somewhat at odds in terms of the plot points and themes that each prioritized, many were quick to call out the trilogy as unfocused. According to Adam Driver, however, key plot points in this final film were planned out from the start. Speaking with Vanity Fair, Driver said that his character’s arc had “an end in sight even from the very beginning”.
When Disney announced plans for the next trilogy in the Star Wars saga, they revealed that, rather than selecting one director, they’d be giving each instalment to a different filmmaker. In 2013, J.J. Abrams was announced as the director of the first film, “The Force Awakens”. The following year, Rian Johnson confirmed rumors he’s direct episode 8, and in 2015 Colin Trevorrow was slated to direct episode nine. In 2017, however, Trevorrow left the production as a result of “creative differences”, and shortly thereafter it was announced that things would be coming full circle - with Abrams once again taking the reins. Given that “The Force Awakens” was notably less divisive than “The Last Jedi”, the news was generally well-received.
#7: The Scriptwriters
Before he left production, Trevorrow did extensive work on the script with frequent collaborator Derek Connolly - apparently turning in multiple drafts. In 2017, however, shortly before the announcement of Trevorrow’s departure, screenwriter Jack Thorne was brought in to do a rewrite, which, in the eyes of many, was confirmation that Disney was dissatisfied with Trevorrow’s direction. After Abrams signed on to direct, he and screenwriter Chris Terrio put together yet another script, while Connolly and Trevorrow were given story credits. Abrams, for his part, also consulted with Rian Johnson, George Lucas, and co-writer of multiple Star Wars films, Lawrence Kasdan.
#6: The Knights of Ren
Among the most intriguing things teased in “The Force Awakens” were the mysterious Knights of Ren. Unfortunately, this band of elite warriors remained elusive during “The Last Jedi”, much to the frustration of fans eager to make their acquaintance. Thankfully, this band of presumed badasses will finally be getting the screen time they deserve in “The Rise of Skywalker”. In the meantime, here’s a little primer: serving under Kylo Ren, they’re neither Jedi nor Sith, but fight using the dark side of the Force. Suffice to say, we can’t wait to see them in action - though we suspect the results may very well be devastating to our heroes.
#5: Force Spirits Mean That Luke (Among Others) Will Likely Return
There’s no keeping a good Jedi down! In Star Wars canon, light side Force users can learn to extend their life beyond their mortal bodies as Force spirits. In this form they can become visible and continue to interact with the living. Though incredibly challenging to accomplish, and rare even among Jedi, the ability is shared by Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, and Anakin Skywalker. Apparently, Luke has also become a Force spirit, based on his return for this final film after his Kenobie-esque demise. In interviews, J.J. Abrams has been quite evasive as to the extent of what he believes Force spirits can do, but all signs point to them playing a role in the film.
#4: The Return of the Emperor
Okay… this is one thing that we did NOT see coming - especially considering the lack of foreshadowing in the previous two films. Sure, there were fans out there who suspected that Snoke was somehow Palpatine, or even Palpatine’s mentor, Darth Plagueis, but when Snoke got cut down, it seemed as if the third film would focus on the conflict between Rey and Kylo Ren. We know very little about the when, where, how or why of it all, but we do know with certainty that Palpatine has a part to play, with actor Ian McDiarmid returning to reprise the role. How it all fits together, only time will tell, but consider us already on the edge of our seats.
#3: Rey’s Parentage May Be Notable After All
“The Force Awakens” put a fair amount of emphasis on the mystery of Rey’s heritage. From her feelings of abandonment, to the visions she has when visiting Maz Kanata, it’s heavily implied that there’s a mystery to unravel. And then, in “The Last Jedi”, Kylo Ren dismisses Rey’s parents as nobodies. At the time of the film’s release, director Rian Johnson seemed content to take the villain at his word, but fans… not so much. And actress Daisy Ridley apparently sides with fans on the matter. Whatever her parentage, it seems that the character’s past will be further explored - at least based on comments made by the actress. And considering that “Dark Rey” tease in the trailer, there are a lot of possibilities.
#2: John Williams Is Back at It One Last Time
In “Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy”, George Lucas talks about hearing John Williams’ iconic score for the first time. The director makes it clear just how much it moved him, and what a crucial role it played in bringing the movie together. It goes without saying, but through his work on Star Wars, Williams has gifted fans some of the most effective and memorable scores in movie history. As such, it’s an immense relief that, after some health issues in 2018, Williams was able to complete the soundtrack for “The Rise of Skywalker” - which he’s made clear will be his last Star Wars film.
Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:
Lando is Back
Introducing the Sith Trooper
Rey, Finn and Poe Are FINALLY a Trio
#1: Unused Footage of Carrie Fisher
One of the most exciting things about this new trilogy of Star Wars films was that, in addition to introducing a new generation of heroes to the beloved galaxy far, far away, it brought back the original trio. The rough plan appeared to be to give Han, Luke and Leia each their own film in which to shine - with the third and final movie set to be Carrie Fisher’s moment in the spotlight. Tragically, she passed away on December 27th, 2016. Though there was no new footage of her for “The Rise of Skywalker”, the filmmakers plan to give the character of Leia Organa a proper send-off using unused footage from “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi”. Here’s hoping it does the incredible actress justice!
