How Snoke Could Return For Star Wars Episode 9 (But Why He Shouldn't)

1. Episode IX Doesn't Need Snoke

Before The Last Jedi, it was assumed that Snoke was the real Big Bad of this new trilogy; the Palpatine replacement, pulling all the strings and set to go to the very end.

Then, of course, those expectations were subverted when Kylo Ren turned the lightsaber, and Snoke was no way. It's a huge shocker, providing one of the most jaw-dropping twists in the saga since Darth Vader said "I am your father", but it's also key to the development of Kylo himself. It's the moment where he grows beyond his master, and assumes the title of Supreme Leader for himself.

With Snoke out of the way, there's more room for Kylo to develop even further as a character, and with Adam Driver already delivering such a nuanced, effective portrayal, that's something to be welcomed. Episode IX needs to concern itself with pushing him forward, rather than looking back to Snoke. The trilogy doesn't need a Palpatine redux; it's rhymed enough. Kylo Ren doesn't need a master; he's now the one in charge. Episode IX, which already features a bunch of new characters alongside almost everyone from The Last Jedi returning, doesn't have that much room for him anyway. Snoke might well return, but that doesn't mean he should.

Do you want to see Snoke return in Episode IX? Let us know down in the comments.