New 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' Theory Suggests an Emotional End for Kylo Ren and Rey
By Shawnie Hamer
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker isn’t hitting theaters until December, but fans are already speculating how the Skywalker Saga will conclude. While Lucasfilm has been very tight-lipped about the storyline beyond the first teaser trailer, it’s pretty safe to assume the relationship between Rey and Kylo Ren will be one of the main points of the plot.
The ambiguity of Rey and Kylo’s relationship has peaked serious interest since Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with fans wondering if the pair could be related or even romantically involved. The franchise has often played with the dichotomy between light and darkness, but the newest installations have really blurred the line between the two, almost creating a modern universe that allows for both to exist within one person.
We have seen this most obviously in the relationship between Rey and Kylo as they struggle between good and evil, but what will it mean for the two as the end approaches?
According to Inverse, Redditor u/Brilee93 proposed an intriguing theory about Rey and Kylo’s Force-connection, stating that the characters are “two halves of one whole.” The user backs up this hypothesis by pointing to symbolism in the previous films, such as the ground between them splitting in The Force Awakens.
Inverse also points out that Rey’s connection to the Force seemed to grow more powerful the more the darkness grew within Kylo, making it easier for her to best him in battle. This was evidenced when the Force became stronger in Rey, but weaker in Kylo, immediately after he killed Han in The Force Awakens.
The Redditor believes that, because of this Force connection, they will be tied together even when Kylo inevitably dies. They write, “Kylo dies redeeming himself, but he will live on through Rey…The ending scene of TROS is her looking at her reflection and seeing Ben looking back at her.”
It does seem like Kylo’s arc is moving towards redemption, but if he ends up succumbing to the darkness completely, will Rey ever be able to escape their Force connection?
We’ll finally find out everything when The Rise of Skywalker debuts Dec. 20.
This article also appears on Mental Floss.