J.J. Abrams gets things. He knew what the character of Ethan Hunt represented beyond running or jumping off high things in Mission: Impossible III and how a new Star Trek would look like in the modern cinematic landscape (execution doesn't really matter). And, as a life-long Star Wars fan, that perception's only going to be heightened The Force Awakens; not only is he making something that fits into the franchise's thematic lyricism (Episode VII's shaping up to be pretty much an echo of Episode IV), but he's going to be passing comment on that same series. Star Wars has always been about "big things". The conflict between good and evil, the power of love and family, the strength of the little guy; they're classical ideas that helped make the saga into something timeless. Now there's no doubt that these concepts will get continued and explored in The Force Awakens; so much has been made of how Abrams is respecting where the franchise has come from. But given how The Force Awakens isn't just welcoming to Jedi back to their galaxy, but also Star Wars to ours, with a clear focus on forgotten legends, it seems the director is also taking the opportunity to pass comment on what has become of the franchise in the real world. And with that, and everything already stated, in mind, there's only one way Kylo Ren can really go...
Conclusion: Kylo Ren Is A Physical Embodiment Of Star Wars Fanboys
So Kylo Ren is a person heavily influenced by the story of Vader growing up who collects themed memorabilia and cosplays as the Sith Lord along with his hyper-obsessed buddies, in a movie all about the legend of Star Wars as a franchise... Sh*t guys, Adam Driver's playing us - Kylo Ren is a Star Wars fanboy. Yes, that's right. Star Wars: The Force Awakens may be a continuation of the epic saga, but it looks like it's also going to be presenting a meta narrative that looks at our culture's obsession with the past and nostalgia, in particular reference to the saga itself. And at its heart is a villain who embodies everything that Star Wars fans represent. What the concluding sentiment of this will depend on how Abrams chooses to portray Ren, but based on the evidence stated here and J.J.'s penchant for winking to the audience it's a safe bet this will be where, to some degree, Episode VII takes us. And if Lucasfilm is indeed doing this, then it's highly likely there's going to be a scene where Kylo Ren learns the truth of Vader's childhood and is less than impressed, a direct send-up of prequel hate and the full metaisation of Star Wars. Just you wait. Maybe this theory is the nadir of The Force Awakens hype; a thought piece that's not getting excited over the latest trailer or plot theory, but musing on what the thematic meaning of the film will be. But maybe - just maybe - it's striking right at the heart of what Episode VII is really doing. We'll see in a couple of weeks. Star Wars: The Force Awakens is in cinemas from 17th December in the UK and 18th December in the US.
