Star Wars Episode IX: Duel Of The Fates - 10 Things We Learned From Colin Trevorrow's Leaked Script
2. There's No Redemption For Ben Solo
Arguably the most divisive aspect of Duel of the Fates will no doubt relate to how it resolves Kylo Ren's journey. As previously mentioned, one of the more generally well received aspects of Abrams' Episode IX was Ben Solo's redemption. It comes and goes in a flash and could've definitely been handled better, but there's no denying Adam Driver sells the moment well. Plus it helps the trilogy end on a more upbeat(ish) note, with Ben having been able to conquer his demons and find peace in saving someone he loved.
Duel of the Fates' ending differs drastically. Rey and Luke spend the entire film trying to reach out to Ben to turn him back to the light, but he just plummets more and more into the Dark Side, which leads to the final confrontation on Mortis.
Rey and Kylo duel, and she finds support in the spirits of Luke, Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. All try to convince Han and Leia's son to abandon his current path, but he continues until he's eventually "extinguished." One would assume that means he dies, and it's a pretty bleak end for a character most had assumed would find it within himself to change his ways.
Still, there's no denying it's a bold choice. Not everyone can be redeemed, and in at least avoiding a retread of Vader's sacrifice in Episode VI, Trevorrow's script deserves praise.