The question of Rey’s parentage was a major mystery throughout the sequel trilogy of Star Wars films. Here’s a closer look at how this story played out across the three films.
The Force Awakens
In the 2015 film The Force Awakens, Rey is introduced as a scavenger on the desert planet of Jakku, with no memory of her past or family. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Rey has a strong connection to the Force, and that she may be destined for great things. However, the film leaves the question of her parentage unanswered.
The Last Jedi
In The Last Jedi, released in 2017, the character of Kylo Ren (aka Ben Solo) tells Rey that her parents were “nobodies,” and that they sold her for drinking money. This revelation was a controversial one among fans, who had been speculating about Rey’s parentage for years. Some felt that it was a clever twist that subverted expectations, while others felt that it was a disappointing letdown.
The Rise of Skywalker
In the final film of the trilogy, The Rise of Skywalker (2019), it is revealed that Rey is actually the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, the primary villain of the original Star Wars trilogy. Palpatine had a son who rejected the Dark Side and had a child of his own, who he hid away to protect from his father’s influence. This child was Rey’s father, and his daughter inherited her grandfather’s strength in the Force.
The revelation of Rey’s parentage was a divisive one among fans, with some feeling that it was a satisfying conclusion to the character’s arc, while others felt that it was a retcon that contradicted previous films in the series. Regardless, it remains one of the most hotly debated topics among Star Wars fans.
Image: Star Wars
