An edit to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker‘s ending improves the film’s Rey Skywalker reveal. Lucasfilm and Disney released the final installment of the Skywalker Saga a few months ago, but J.J. Abrams’ divisive entry has continued to be a topic of discussion among fans. In an attempt to wrap up the trilogy and nine-film franchise, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker saw the Emperor return from the dead. Not only did he help unite Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Ben Solo/Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), it was revealed that Palpatine is the grandfather of Rey.
Like many elements of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the decision to make Rey related to Palpatine split fandom, as many saw it as a retcon to Star Wars: The Last Jedi. However, after spending two films questioning Rey’s lineage, Star Wars 9 ended with one more reveal. After burying Luke and Leia’s lightsabers on Tatooine, a local asked Rey what her name was and specifically pressed to know her last name. Despite her bloodline, Rey says that her full name is Rey Skywalker after seeing force ghosts of Luke and Leia.
With this final reveal, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker left fans with one more twist in Rey’s story. Although Rey identifying herself as a Skywalker was a long-standing theory (and planned from the start according to Lucasfilm), the execution of the scene still felt slightly off. In an edit of the film’s ending featured below, a change is made that improves the Rey Skywalker reveal.
The difference between the actual ending to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and this edit is minimal in terms of the footage but the impact is greater. The theatrical ending for the film features an unnecessary beat between Rey and the Tatooine local that is similar to a moment earlier in The Rise of Skywalker between Rey and a child on Pasaana. That scene ended with Rey saying she’s “just Rey,” but the ending forces her to choose her last name (and inspired countless memes). By removing the same exchange from the ending, this edit shows Rey taking on the Skywalker name in a different light. Now, instead of Rey deciding to become a Skywalker because she is asked for her last name again, the decision feels natural in the scene and in regards to her arc in the film.
Regardless of this edit, the Rey Skywalker reveal is just one way that Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker teased new developments for the character. Right before she declared her new last name, Rey revealed a new yellow lightsaber. Despite the significance of both reveals and the excitement they generated, it is unknown when (or if) Rey will return to the big screen. Daisy Ridley appears ready to take a break from the galaxy far, far away and Lucasfilm has not announced what their next movies will be. If Rey does one day return after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, hopefully there won’t be a need to repeatedly ask for her last name.
Source: Cooper Hood
