Rey Skywalkeris rumored to be taking on an ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi role’ inStar Wars’upcoming trilogy, which has me questioning what Rey’s future in the franchise will hold—particularly in light of what her own movie was meant to be. The news that there was a brand-new trilogy being added toStar Wars’upcoming moviescame as a major surprise to most. It remains to be seen whether the trilogy will be Episodes 10-12—there have been rumors on both sides—but a new trilogy set afterStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalkerwas not expected.
This has also called into question what the fate of Rey’s newStar Warsmovie, rumored to be titledStar Wars: New Jedi Order, will be.Updates onNew Jedi Orderwere few and far between, leading many to speculate about whether the movie was delayed or canceled. While Lucasfilm has yet to confirm either, this new trilogy makes the rumors seem much more likely. WhetherNew Jedi Orderhappens or not, though,the new trilogy and Rey’s rumored role in it suggest that Rey Skywalker’sStar Warsstory may take a completely different direction than many assumed.
Rey Skywalker Seemed On Her Way To Establishing A Jedi Order
Rey’s Movie Was Thought To Be The Start Of A New Order
As the rumored title ofNew Jedi Ordersuggested, this new addition toStar Warsmovies and TV showswas expected to see Rey establish a brand-new Jedi Order. The movie’s place intheStar Warstimeline—15 years afterThe Rise of Skywalker—also seemed to suggest this, as this would have given Rey time to find a Padawan (many were hoping that would be Finn, finally making him the Jedi he should always have been) and begin rebuilding. This would also have been a long time coming inStar Wars.
Expectations had also been high that the sequel trilogy would see Luke Skywalker as a Jedi Grandmaster of his own Jedi Temple, mirroring his Legends arc. Unfortunately, what was instead shown was Luke Skywalker without any hope in the Jedi or the galaxy, living in isolation on Ahch-To after his Temple had been destroyed by his nephew, Ben Solo/Kylo Ren. While Rey having a Jedi Order inNew Jedi Orderwouldn’t have entirely resolved the disappointment following this arc for Luke, it would have at least seen this new era finally arrive inStar Wars.
Rey’s Rumored New Role Is Like Obi-Wan Kenobi… Not Yoda
Rey Is Meant To Have An “Obi-Wan Kenobi Role” In The New Trilogy
The news ofStar Wars’new trilogy has now raised questions about whether Rey will establish a Jedi Order at all. Evidently,Rey will be taking on an Obi-Wan Kenobi role in the new trilogy. Presumably, this means Rey’s story in the trilogy will be similar to Obi-Wan’s inA New Hope, as a mentor to the new generation of Jedi. Even if this refers to Obi-Wan Kenobi in the prequel trilogy, though, that doesn’t suggest Rey will be leading an Order.
The news ofStar Wars’new trilogy has now raised questions about whether Rey will establish a Jedi Order at all.
If eitherNew Jedi Orderor the new trilogy were going to have Rey establishing and leading an Order, then her role would be like Yoda’s, not like Obi-Wan’s. Obi-Wan was a brilliant Jedi and an excellent mentor, but he was far from ever leading a Jedi Temple. In fact, while Obi-Wan played a major part in the original trilogy, of course,having Rey in this role would effectively mean sidelining her character. This would be even worse if the trilogy will indeed consist of Episodes 10-12.
Rey Deserves So Much More Than An “Obi-Wan Role” In Star Wars
Star Wars has a brand-new trilogy in the works, and rumors about Rey Skywalker’s role in the movies could spell trouble for the franchise.
What Does This Mean For Rey’s Role In Star Wars' Future?
If a new Jedi Order is established in this upcoming trilogy, which remains to be seen, this could mean even worse things for Rey’s arc. It would be interesting (and potentially disappointing) to see howStar Warswould navigate a new Order being led by anyone other than the person who was thought to be the last surviving Jedi—and someone who now bears the iconic Skywalker name. If Rey is in the trilogy but not leading the Order, that could mean a number of things, none of them great, for her character.
It’s possible Rey will be found unsuitable for the role, perhaps even because of her Palpatine lineage.
It’s possible Rey will be found unsuitable for the role, perhaps even because of her Palpatine lineage. In fact, it could be Rey herself who turns down the role, either because she thinks this bloodline could threaten the future of the Jedi Order or for some other reason. At present, the exact details of Rey’s future inStar Warsremain unknown, but this new trilogy certainly suggests thatRey Skywalkermay not be leading a new Jedi Order after all, which could mean major changes to what many expected to be her character’s arc.
