The Skywalker saga began with “A New Hope” in 1977 and continued through three trilogies, concluding in 2019 with “The Rise of Skywalker.” Over nine films, it captivated generations of fans.
In this article, I examine the extent to which The Rise of Skywalker delivers a satisfying conclusion to the saga by negotiating legacy, fan expectations, and ongoing storylines.
The Conclusion of the Skywalker Saga
“The Rise of Skywalker” concludes the series that started in 1977. As the ninth film in George Lucas’s originally envisioned saga, anticipation and pressure resulted in a carefully crafted finale.
The sequel trilogy faced numerous challenges. The search for a director proved quite difficult, and the team was tasked with the enormous mission of satisfying both fans and critics. Additionally, the production faced the tragic loss of Carrie Fisher, who was set to portray Princess Leia, a pivotal role in the film. As a result, the production process was undoubtedly challenging, and the film felt like a product of doing the best possible under those circumstances. While audience reception was decent, the lackluster critical response is understandable. It feels like a work that will divide audiences significantly.
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Additionally, the Star Wars sequel trilogy that George Lucas had envisioned before selling it to Disney was completely different from the current version. It focused on the theme of rebuilding the galaxy after the war, featuring a three-generation story including Luke and Leia. Darth Maul would have returned as the villain, Leia would have become the leader of the galaxy, Luke would have revived the Jedi Order but met his end in Episode VIII, and the story would have taken a philosophical turn as it delved into the origins of the Force, known as “Will.” This grand, unrealized vision influenced some elements of later works but never came to fruition.
Between Respect and Nostalgia
The film “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” can be described as a work that pays great respect to the original trilogy. At the same time, some might argue it leans too heavily on nostalgia. Following the mixed reception of its predecessor, “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” which received high praise from critics but low ratings from fans, it is likely that a significant shift in direction was made in response to this situation. Directed by J.J. Abrams, who also helmed the seventh installment, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” this film feels like a major shift away from the direction set by “Star Wars: The Last Jedi,” returning to the timeline established in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Given that Abrams himself is a huge fan of the series, his “Star Wars” films are marked by a strong respect for the original trilogy, with a meticulous understanding of what kind of visuals and plot developments fans would find thrilling. For longtime fans from the original trilogy era, this direction is undoubtedly welcome. On the other hand, it is understandable that some might view this respect as overly nostalgic. After all, if the goal is to replicate old works, there would be no need to create new ones. Striking the right balance is extremely challenging, but given that it has captured the hearts of many fans, it can be considered a success.
Unresolved Issues in Episodes 7–9
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was released as the conclusion to the epic Skywalker saga, but I was left with a few lingering questions.
① Rey’s origins
I was honestly surprised by the revelation that Rey was a descendant of Emperor Palpatine. Early clues had suggested otherwise, with previous films hinting that her origins were unremarkable. This abrupt shift left unresolved questions: Why was Rey’s parentage changed, and how does it affect her identity and the saga’s theme of legacy versus individual choice? Her agency became secondary to her bloodline, creating confusion about her true importance.
② Finn’s relationship
I also felt that Finn’s relationship with Rey remained unresolved. In The Last Jedi, Finn’s loyalty and feelings for Rey were a key subplot, raising audience expectations for meaningful growth or resolution in their dynamic. However, The Rise of Skywalker left these threads largely unaddressed; Finn’s intended confession to Rey is never revealed, and their emotional connection is left ambiguous, leaving fans without clarity on their bond or Finn’s arc.
③ C-3PO’s “Exit” Controversy
Despite hints during the promotional phase that C-3PO would ‘exit’ the series through a memory wipe, he surprisingly regained his memories in the film. The reversal diminished the emotional weight of the moment, leaving the audience to question whether any lasting consequences had occurred. This lack of permanent change left many feeling that the story arc remained unresolved.
④ The relationship between Poe and Rose
It is also unfortunate that the relationship between Poe and Rose was never fully explored. In The Last Jedi, Rose was elevated to a key character, forming a unique bond with Finn and making significant contributions to the Resistance. However, in The Rise of Skywalker, Rose is given minimal screen time, and her connections with Poe and the team are left undeveloped, leaving her character arc and potential partnerships unresolved for viewers.
It’s not just the nine official films—it’s the weight of Jedi history
The movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a film that carries the weight of the entire Star Wars series. It is directly connected to the weight of the Jedi’s history, which has been fought and depicted in the series, now resting on the shoulders of the protagonist, Rey. The Star Wars series has primarily depicted the conflict between the two factions of the Jedi and the Sith. These are the forces of light and darkness, respectively, and this conflict has been portrayed on an enormous scale. While the films are primarily regarded as the “canon,” numerous other works have been released, including animated series, manga, novels, and games. In the climax of this film, past Jedi speak to Rey, and among them are characters who have only appeared in works other than the films. This scene, which conveys the weight of such a vast world and the numerous characters depicted, plays a significant role in the climax. I felt a strong sense of history and the passion of the fans in the climax, and as a result, I experienced a variety of emotions.
Summary: The Saga Comes to an End, and Beyond
In conclusion, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker aims to accomplish a daunting task: uniting a 40-year narrative under a resonant finale. Despite its controversies, the film’s legacy rests on its effort to acknowledge the past, address fan hopes, and define closure for an epic beloved by generations. Ultimately, its successes and shortcomings both reflect the challenge inherent in bringing such a storied saga to a close.
