A new batch of Star Wars: Episode IX concept art is giving fans a whole lot to process, teasing everything from fresh outfits for Rey and Poe to the franchise debut of Richard E. Grant. But amidst all the character designs, we see a familiar prop that seems to confirm the old rumor that Kylo Ren’s helmet will be making a return.
Ben Solo’s headgear has already undergone a mini-arc in itself across the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy. After making its first appearance in J.J. Abrams’ The Force Awakens, Kylo’s helmet was destroyed by its owner in Rian Johnson’s The Last Jedi in response to Snoke’s derision. But with Abrams back at the helm, it looks like the accessory has been pieced back together, and why not? Now that Snoke’s out of the picture, the new Supreme Leader is free to do things his own way, and how better to stick it to Kylo’s late predecessor than to bring back the mask he once ridiculed?
Whether Kylo will actually wear the prop or simply keep it as one more relic to exhibit alongside Vader’s helmet remains to be seen, though if the new concept art is labeled correctly, then it looks like the villain will be putting on a mask that’s at least similar in design. Either way, you can bet that this won’t be the only point of symmetry between Episode IX and the film that first kicked off the Sequel Trilogy. Another popular prediction, for instance, is that the Knights of Ren are set to make a comeback after their brief appearance in The Force Awakens, suggesting that there could be a few masks in the mix this time round.
Regardless, we’ll see what’s in store for Kylo and his old headgear when Star Wars: Episode IX hits theaters on December 20th, 2019.