Is there any aspect of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy that’s as frantically-theorized about as the truth of Rey’s parentage? Fans have been speculating about where the talented Force user could come from since The Force Awakens and the theories have only got more creative since The Last Jedi seemingly confirmed that Rey’s folks were just nobodies from Jakku. All the signs are pointing to Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker providing a definitive answer, though. Something that Rey herself, Daisy Ridley, has now confirmed.
While speaking with USA Today, Ridley was naturally asked whether we’ll find out Rey’s origins in the upcoming Episode IX and, the pro that she is, the actress didn’t give away any spoilers. However, she did promise that the “dealio” would be made clear by the end of the movie.
“[Director J.J. Abrams] did say the question is answered. So at the end of the film, you do know what the dealio is.”
So, what can we gather from this statement? Well, we know for sure that Rise won’t just leave TLJ‘s explanation as all we’re getting about Rey’s backstory and will dig deeper into her past. This could simply mean that we’ll meet her no-good, nobody parents that Kylo Ren talked about, or that could be revealed to be a ruse by the villain and she’s actually, I don’t know, the daughter of Palpatine. Which is sort of the crux of several fan theories.
Either option is completely possible. After all, TLJ‘s Rian Johnson gave J.J. Abrams permission to retcon his line about Rey’s parents away if he deems it necessary. Likewise, Abrams himself has said that he gave himself the freedom to shake things up and not be beholden to previous films with this one.
In any case, all our questions will be answered when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker rolls around on December 20th.