Warning: This article contains spoilers for *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* #2! In the realm of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, Rey emerges as the quintessential hero, triumphing over the overwhelming darkness embodied by Emperor Palpatine. However, what if, rather than vanquishing this malevolence, Rey had actually taken Palpatine’s place? This intriguing concept has been explored, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into a potential, darker future. Frankly, this is the narrative twist many believe the trilogy should have embraced.
In *Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* #2, penned by Jody Houser and illustrated by Will Sliney, the comic adaptation of Episode IX successfully captures the essence of the film. Typically, such adaptations aim to remain faithful to their source material, serving as a complementary experience for devoted fans. However, this particular issue distinguishes itself by presenting an enticing scenario that never made it to the big screen: Rey Palpatine, reigning as Queen of the Sith.
This captivating possibility emerges from an intense moment in the narrative when Rey inadvertently unleashes Force lightning in her desperate bid to save Chewbacca from First Order captivity. In the film, the plot briskly transitions to the next scene, but the comic uniquely ventures into a ‘what if’ scenario that stems from Rey’s connection to the dark side. As Sheev Palpatine’s granddaughter, Rey’s latent affinity for the dark side is highlighted through her effortless command of lightning, hinting at a potential descent into darkness. If she yielded to this temptation, she could assume the role of the Emperor depicted in the comic.
Could Rey Have Become the Ultimate Villain?
Flipping the Script: Rey as a Villain Would Have Been Groundbreaking
From the outset of the sequel trilogy, it was apparent that Rey was positioned as the story’s heroine, rendering her path somewhat predictable. The sequels had a golden opportunity to subvert expectations rather than conform to established tropes. The familiar narrative of Rey as the hero, Kylo Ren’s redemption arc, and the ultimate victory of good over evil has been portrayed countless times. The *Star Wars* saga had the perfect setup for an unexpected twist that could have taken the franchise in an entirely new direction.
The *Last Jedi* hinted at Rey’s potential fall to the dark side while showcasing Kylo Ren as irredeemably evil—especially after he rejected redemption post-Snoke’s demise. Their profound bond, established as Dyads in the Force, hinted at their intertwined fates. *The Rise of Skywalker* used this connection to redeem Kylo, yet *The Last Jedi* laid the groundwork for Rey’s potential corruption, especially considering her lineage as Palpatine’s grandchild.
Imagining Rey following a trajectory akin to Luke Skywalker’s heroism, only to pivot dramatically into villainy alongside Kylo Ren—or even surpassing him—could have been a compelling narrative twist. Palpatine’s return would have been unnecessary; Rey could have stepped into the shoes of the new Emperor, with Kylo serving as her devoted enforcer. This comic offers a fleeting taste of that thrilling possibility, leaving fans yearning for what might have been.
A New Hero Emerges: Finn’s Potential Redemption
Finn’s Journey to the Jedi Path
If Rey had succumbed to the dark side alongside Kylo Ren, the question of who would fill the heroic role in the sequel trilogy becomes clear: Finn. Introduced in *The Force Awakens*, Finn’s journey from a faceless Stormtrooper to a pivotal Jedi force fighting against ultimate evil could provide a riveting storyline. The dramatic tension arising from Finn’s internal struggle to confront and potentially defeat Rey would have added layers of complexity seldom seen since the prequel trilogy.
However, it’s important to note that choosing not to position Rey as a villain was not a fault of the creators. Rey’s resistance to her inherent dark side and her ascent to the name ‘Skywalker’ represents a powerful narrative of choice and self-definition. This choice to build a new Jedi Order opens avenues for storytelling that could thrive in future *Star Wars* installments. Nonetheless, the notion of Rey embracing her dark side to become the Queen of the Sith, as visualized in this comic, presents an alluring alternative that would have captivated audiences.
*Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker* #2 by Marvel Comics is available now for those eager to dive deeper into this alternate narrative.