Star Wars Episode IX: Duel Of The Fates - 10 Things We Learned From Colin Trevorrow's Leaked Script

3. Rey ISN'T A Palpatine

Rey Rise of Skywalker
Lucasfilm

If anything really exemplifies just how uninspiring The Rise of Skywalker was, then it has to be what the film does to Rey's character. The fact the character was a nobody in The Last Jedi was inspiring in that it showed how anyone could be a hero; you didn't have to be the descendant of some grand lineage to make a difference.

The Rise of Skywalker did, of course, opt for a different path. Rey is revealed to be the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine and then she takes a new name at the end by calling herself a Skywalker. Neither moment is particularly gratifying and the shameless back-pedalling from Episode VIII is frankly embarrassing.

Fortunately (or unfortunately, given it didn't get made...), Duel of the Fates retained Rey's past as a nobody. She's Rey - just Rey, and the only real change Trevorrow makes is that he reveals Kylo Ren killed her parents at the behest of Snoke.

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Content Producer/Presenter
Content Producer/Presenter

Resident movie guy at WhatCulture who used to be Comics Editor. Thinks John Carpenter is the best. Likes Hellboy a lot. Can usually be found talking about Dad Movies on his Twitter at @EwanRuinsThings.