It’s been two weeks now since the official title of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was first revealed, and in that time, we’ve heard a fair few theories on who or what the “Skywalker” in question might be. But while some fans continue to plead their case that the name refers to Rey, Kylo Ren or even Luke, one idea that continues to gain traction is that the title is actually teasing the rise of a new order of Force-users to replace the Jedi.
ComicBook.com is among the latest to promote the theory, arguing that this development would bring the Skywalker Saga to a fitting conclusion. Going back to the Prequel Trilogy, you may recall that Force users are generally divided into Jedi and Sith, with each camp hoping to wipe out the other. Meanwhile, stuck in the middle, you’ve got Anakin Skywalker, the young man who’s prophesized to bring balance to the Force, but grows frustrated by the Jedi Order’s arbitrary rules, chain of command and Sith-like absolutes.
Jump ahead to the Original Trilogy, and the Jedi are on the verge of extinction. And though Luke Skywalker was able to defeat the Sith and keep the peace for a little while, by the time we get to the Sequel Trilogy, he’s once more the last of his kind. Even Luke himself famously argues in The Last Jedi that “it’s time for the Jedi to end,” and it’s possible that The Rise of Skywalker will actually follow through on his suggestion.
This development may have even been teased at the end of The Last Jedi, when a lowly stablehand is shown using the Force. Like Rey, the young boy comes from humble origins, but he and other gifted youngsters across the galaxy could be the first members of a new movement that defies both the outdated elitism of the Jedi Order, and the egotism of the old “chosen one” cliché. With this new “Skywalker” movement, Luke’s legacy could be honored and expanded to nurture heroes beyond a single bloodline.
It’s a nice idea that seems to keep building momentum online, but we’ll find out if the speculation has it right when Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20th.
