In a development that will probably have some of the Sequel Trilogy’s most passionate detractors praying it’s legit, a new rumor has fans thinking that Rey might die at the end of Star Wars: Episode IX.
The Express relays unverifiable reports of a series of storyboards showing what sounds to be the climax of J.J. Abrams’ upcoming trilogy-closer, in which Kylo Ren cradles a seemingly unconscious or deceased Rey in his arms as destruction unfolds in the background. Rey’s lightsaber is reportedly seen on the ground and appears to be damaged, while Kylo leans over the fallen heroine in a manner compared to Luke’s final scene with Vader in Return of the Jedi. It’s also said that Kylo has a cut in his arm, his and Rey’s clothes are all torn up, and there’s a tear running down his cheek as he puts his hand on Rey’s forehead.
So, that’s the rumor, and honestly a pretty dubious rumor at that, but could Rey’s life really be cut short in next year’s release? We wouldn’t bet on it. For one thing, Lucasfilm’s Sequel Trilogy is very much intended as a passing of the torch, with old regulars like Han Solo and Luke Skywalker being killed off to make room for a new generation of heroes. To send Daisy Ridley’s young character to an early grave seems to go against this whole vision, especially when there are further Star Wars movies to be made.
Now, as for Kylo, the odds aren’t looking too great of the new Supreme Leader living to see the end of Star Wars: Episode IX, but we’ll find out for sure when the film hits theaters on December 20th, 2019.