Where Does Star Wars Go After The Force Awakens?

There are several implications as a result of this. Firstly, will Episode VIII see Luke agree to train his daughter in the ways of the Jedi – forming something of a super-team? Secondly, who was Rey’s mother? Perhaps she was a Jedi that perished in the attack, prompting Luke to hide Rey on Jakku. Thirdly, if Rey is the daughter of Luke Skywalker, then she is the cousin of Kylo Ren and also the granddaughter of Darth Vader. This creates a beautiful and tragic new conflict within the Star Wars universe between the Dark Side and the Light.

In previous Star Wars films, the conflict has always been cross-generational – with father trying to assimilate son into his way of thinking, or mentor trying to save padawan from the power of the Dark Side. The issue has always been child versus parent, or apprentice versus mentor. In Episode VII, we see that same conflict, but reversed, with the father of Kylo Ren trying to turn him back to the Light. However, if Ren and Rey are indeed cousins, this sets out a level playing field for the first time in the entire franchise – giving us a new perspective and breathing further life and vitality into the series.

This type of narrative evolution would be a brilliant turn of events. It has been over thirty years since Return Of The Jedi, and a full decade since Revenge Of The Sith. This return to the Star Wars universe is entirely reliant upon the story appealing to both original fans, and brand new audiences. Having the familiar battle between the Dark Side and the Light play out in a different way, between characters from the same generation, strikes the perfect balance between old and new plot devices.

It also takes on a new dimension, with the parents of Ren and Rey, respectively, being versed in the use of the Force themselves – as well as being related to each other – creates potential conflict further up the family tree, as well as within the modern generation.