10 Ways Star Wars Has Enhanced The Rise Of Skywalker Over The Past Five Years

10 Ways Star Wars Has Enhanced The Rise Of Skywalker Over The Past Five Years

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has sparked considerable debate among fans and critics alike since its debut, making it arguably one of the most contentious films in the Star Wars franchise. Despite the initial backlash towards the sequel trilogy, particularly this installment, it is worth noting that over the past five years, various aspects of the film have been refined. Although the trilogy itself did not win over the hearts of many, Star Wars has addressed and improved upon several criticisms originally aimed at The Rise of Skywalker through novelizations, animated series, additional books, and future film projects.

Addressing Palpatine’s Return

Tackling the Film’s Most Critical Flaw

Kylo Ren meets Darth Sidious

One of the most egregious aspects of The Rise of Skywalker was the controversial resurrection of Emperor Palpatine, explained away with a fleeting comment by Poe Dameron: “Somehow, Palpatine returned.”This moment only fueled skepticism among fans, who speculated that this decision was a desperate attempt to salvage the storyline after several creative shifts throughout the trilogy’s development. Unfortunately, it resulted in widespread criticism that still colors perceptions of the sequel trilogy.

In recent years, however, the franchise has made strides in clarifying this perplexing plot twist. The animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch has introduced vital details regarding Project Necromancer, hinting at Palpatine’s cloning efforts to ensure his return. While this provided much-needed context, the destruction of the cloning facility in season three left lingering questions, indicating that this narrative thread might be revisited in future storylines.

Expanding on Leia’s Jedi Training

Minimal Portrayal of Leia as a Jedi

Jedi Leia

Another noteworthy moment in The Rise of Skywalker was the reveal of Leia Organa’s Jedi training under Luke Skywalker. However, time constraints and Carrie Fisher’s untimely passing limited this narrative exploration. Fans were left with a brief glimpse into her training, which did not satisfy hopes for a more extensive depiction of Leia as a Jedi warrior.

Thanks to supplementary literature, such as the novelization, audiences have gained insight into Leia’s journey. The text elaborates:

Leia was no Jedi Master, but she had learned from the best. And not just from Luke; over the years she’d occasionally heard the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi through the Force, and even more rarely, that of Yoda. Some days it had felt as though she’d learned from the Force itself…

This passage enriches Leia’s Jedi backstory, offering a more compelling narrative than what was originally presented in the film.

Ochi of Bestoon’s Role Expanded

Unpacking the Mystery of Ochi of Bestoon

Rey’s Parents

Ochi of Bestoon’s character was underdeveloped in The Rise of Skywalker, where he was presented mainly as a fractured and mysterious figure. His skeleton discovered by Rey and company on Pasaana raised more questions than answers about his past and his motivations. The blade he wielded, which pointed Rey to Exegol, added another layer of complexity to his character.

Shadow of the Sith reveals that Ochi worked as a Sith assassin tasked with capturing a young girl, further complicating his narrative. The novel offers additional dimensions to Ochi’s character, showing him struggling with visions of Rey’s parents after having killed them, thus transforming him from a mere plot device into a more nuanced character.

Continuation of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Legacy

More Insight into Luke’s Jedi Temple

Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker’s arc in the sequels left many fans yearning for a richer portrayal of his journey as a Jedi Master. While The Force Awakens hinted at his disillusionment and retreat from public life, The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett have begun to correct this oversight. Luke’s return to the stage as a powerful Jedi during key moments in these shows rekindles enthusiasm for his character’s legacy.

Rey’s Parents Receive Further Development

A Background for Dathan and Miramir

Rey’s Mom

Rey’s lineage, a pivotal aspect of her character development, was initially shrouded in mystery. Although The Rise of Skywalker framed her parents as insignificant ‘nobodies’ before revealing a connection to Palpatine, the expansion through books has provided clarity. Her parents, Dathan and Miramir, are not only given names but also a deeper emotional backstory, showcasing their love for Rey and suggesting that her mother’s mechanical skill may hint at a latent Force sensitivity.

The Ongoing Journey of Rey

Rey’s Future in Upcoming Projects

Rey Training

Excitingly, Rey will return in an upcoming film, building upon her narrative arc established in The Rise of Skywalker. Although the film’s details remain sparse, speculation suggests a potential project titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, pointing towards Rey’s journey in founding a new order of Jedi.

Novelization Enhances Ben Solo and Chewbacca’s Relationships

Discovering Insights into Ben Solo’s Childhood

Chewbacca

In The Rise of Skywalker, Ben Solo’s character felt underdeveloped, particularly in relation to his backstory. The novelization does justice to his character arc by revealing a touching relationship between Ben and Chewbacca, portraying Chewbacca as a father figure in his life, nurturing a personal bond often overlooked in the films.

Clarifying the Sith Eternal

Providing Clarity on a Confusing Cult

Sith Eternal

The concept of the Sith Eternal in The Rise of Skywalker remained ambiguous. However, subsequent materials have shed light on this elusive cult, clarifying their role as devoted followers of the dark side rather than traditional Sith. This deeper understanding enhances the narrative complexity surrounding Palpatine’s plot.

The Acolyte: An Ending for ‘Reylo’ Fans

The Mixed Reception of Rey and Kylo’s Conclusion

Rey and Kylo Ren

The connection between Rey and Kylo Ren resonated deeply with many fans, particularly those who embraced the term ‘Reylos.’ However, The Rise of Skywalker delivered a bittersweet conclusion to their relationship. Thankfully, Star Wars offered a new dynamic through the characters of Osha and Qimir in The Acolyte, reflecting a similar interplay between light and dark.

The Force Dyad: Enhanced Explanation

Origins of the Force Dyad Explored

Rey and Kylo Ren

The introduction of the Force Dyad in The Rise of Skywalker raised many eyebrows, with fans puzzled by its significance. However, literature released afterward has delved into the nuances of this concept, providing a bridge between the Force Dyad and the Sith’s pursuit of power. As the Star Wars universe continues to evolve, there are more opportunities to explore these intricate connections.

Despite Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker‘s various shortcomings, the franchise has made strides to enrich its narrative tapestry, enhancing character arcs and rectifying past missteps. Fans can hope for even deeper explorations in upcoming projects, making the journey through this well-loved saga more fulfilling.

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