In the galaxy far, far away, the Star Wars franchise has long captivated audiences with its compelling characters, intricate storylines, and breathtaking visuals. From its inception in 1977 to its sprawling expansion across movies, series, books, and more, Star Wars has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. However, the road has not always been smooth, with the franchise experiencing its fair share of controversies and setbacks.
One such controversy arose from the final installment of the sequel trilogy, “Rise of Skywalker,” widely regarded as a divisive entry in the series. The film attempted to bring a satisfying end to the Skywalker Saga, but for many fans, the big reveal was seen as a cop-out. The major antagonist of the film turned out to be Palpatine, a character who had seemingly perished in earlier episodes, but was revealed to have survived through cloning technology. Many felt that this resurrection was a desperate attempt to cash in on nostalgia and that making him Rey’s grandfather contradicted the intriguing notion from “The Last Jedi” that Rey was a complete nobody with Force powers.
However, the saga is far from over. It has been revealed that the next Star Wars movie will continue the Skywalker Saga, following an older Rey Skywalker as she endeavors to re-establish the Jedi Order. The filmmakers have hinted at learning from past mistakes, promising a fresh take on the saga that won’t repeat the missteps of the past.
One of the major questions on the minds of fans is whether there will be a Palpatine family reunion in Rey’s next adventure. Ian McDiarmid, the actor who portrayed Palpatine, was asked about possibly appearing in the film, and he simply responded, “I haven’t been approached”. This does not completely rule out any involvement of Palpatine, but it seems unlikely that he will return in the same form as we saw him in the sequels.
The new movie could explore Palpatine’s legacy in more subtle and nuanced ways. With Rey being a part of his bloodline, her continuing adventures could be paired with flashbacks to a young Palpatine’s seduction by the Sith, courtesy of Darth Plagueis. There might be instances where she hears his voice in her head, tempting her with dark thoughts. The upcoming movie could also revive and expand on the role that was intended for Matt Smith in the sequels. Smith was speculated to play a young Palpatine before his scenes were cut. Seeing Rey’s rise as a Jedi leader in parallel with Palpatine’s rise as a Sith leader could present an intriguing dynamic, potentially justifying the decision to tie the two together.
At this time, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Palpatine won’t “somehow return” yet again, at least not in his deformed clone form. It seems the Star Wars franchise is eager to forge a new path, one that respects its rich history while also learning from its past mistakes. As fans eagerly anticipate the next Star Wars movie, they can expect a fresh perspective that honors the spirit of the saga and continues to explore the enduring appeal of its complex characters and enthralling universe.
