Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker Theory - Is THIS Where The Knights Of Ren Have Been?

2. Where Have The Knights REALLY Been?

Occam's razor dictates that the simplest solution to a question is usually the right one, and in that case we have to defer to the likelihood that, as suggested by various rumours and possible "leaks", the Knights of Ren have been in the far reaches of the galaxy - the Unknown Regions, in fact - seeking out Palpatine by order of Kylo Ren.

The most recent trailer for The Rise of Skywalker has an interesting hint to this end, with the gorgeous shots of a gigantic fleet of Star Destroyers illuminated by lightning. Observant fans will note that these aren't First Order Star Destroyers but in fact the classic, old school Imperial-class Star Destroyers from the original trilogy.

And what possible use could the First Order have for these junky old ships, unless the rumour about Palpatine having hidden a secret Sith fleet in the vast expanse of space is correct?

The fleet is said to consist of the red Sith Stormtroopers we've already seen brief glimpses of, having apparently spent the 30 years since Return of the Jedi hiding out in the galactic wilderness, awaiting Palpatine's return in order to complete their planned eradication of the Jedi Order. This naturally raises a ton of logical questions, namely what shape these soldiers would even been in three decades on. However, having the Knights of Ren seek out the fleet, with communication and tracking limited in the hostile fringes of space, would at least neatly explain their absence.

This dovetails into another compelling theory, that the Knights will be pivotal components in an ensuing power struggle between Kylo Ren and Palpatine. If Palpatine, in whatever form he eventually takes in the movie, ends up seducing the Knights to his side, that would quite plausibly explain why Kylo is seen slicing through them in the first trailer.

All things considered, this is the most likely through-line for the Knights in the movie - being out in the Unknown Regions during the last two movies makes all the sense in the world, and Palpatine's penchant for seduction is of course well noted.

And finally, let's consider that one lingering question everyone has about the Knights...