9 Significant Changes The Rise Of Skywalker Made to Star Wars Canon

The concluding chapter of the Star Wars saga, titled The Rise of Skywalker, may have sparked debate among fans, yet its influence on the broader narrative is undeniable. Released in 2019, this film marks the finale of the sequel trilogy, featuring an epic conflict as Emperor Palpatine resurfaces and the Resistance musters all its might to confront him. This installment traverses various realms of the Star Wars universe, resulting in significant lore developments that resonate throughout the franchise.

The Rise of Skywalker weaves together numerous narrative threads, while simultaneously introducing new mysteries that continue to unfold in subsequent Star Wars media. Here, we spotlight the film’s most impactful contributions, from character developments to galaxy-altering truths. Regardless of personal opinions, it’s clear that The Rise of Skywalker has left a formidable imprint on Star Wars.

9 Kijimi & The Spice Runners

The Ice Planet & Its Crime Syndicate

A pivotal contribution of The Rise of Skywalker is its portrayal of the planet Kijimi. This icy Mid Rim locale serves as the stage for the duel between Rey and Kylo Ren, as well as the setting for Babu Frik’s beloved droid workshop. Since appearing in the film, Kijimi has gained further importance within recent titles like Star Wars: Outlaws, which features it as a playable region enriched with world-building elements, notably involving the notorious Spice Runners of Kijimi.

Though the Spice Runners appear only briefly in the film, their influence has been extensively explored in subsequent media. The narrative involving Poe Dameron’s association with the Spice Runners and his encounter with Zorii Bliss is fleshed out in the novel Poe Dameron: Free Fall, establishing them as a significant crime syndicate during the New Republic era.

8 Lando Calrissian’s Sad Future

The Missing Kadara Calrissian

The much-anticipated reappearance of Lando Calrissian in The Rise of Skywalker paints a poignant picture. When the Resistance encounters the older smuggler and war hero on Pasaana, he’s portrayed as a recluse, reluctant to engage in the ongoing battle. However, deleted scenes from the film have clarified his backstory, revealing a depth of sorrow in Lando’s life.

The expanded universe has disclosed that Lando was once a father to a daughter named Kadara, who was tragically abducted by the First Order at a mere two years old. This devastating loss transformed Lando into the hermit we see in The Rise of Skywalker, influencing his characterization in subsequent narratives. Novels such as Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher delve into Lando’s ongoing struggle with regret and sadness, even as he ultimately finds a sense of solace on Pasaana.

7 General Pryde in the Empire

A Connection Between the Empire & First Order

Among the latest characters featured in The Rise of Skywalker is Enric Pryde, the Allegiant General of the First Order. Portrayed compellingly by Richard E. Grant, Pryde serves as an intriguing link between the original trilogy and its sequel, enhancing our understanding of events spanning both eras.

In the film, he references serving the Emperor during “the old wars,”a claim reinforced by storylines in Star Wars comics. A younger Pryde, showcasing his crafty demeanor, appears alongside Darth Vader in Greg Pak’s 2020 Darth Vader series. Additionally, Pryde’s involvement in the pivotal Battle of Endor is further elaborated in stories such as From A Certain Point Of View: Return of the Jedi and Shadow of the Sith, enriching his character and extending the timeline of the Empire’s legacy into the New Republic era.

6 The Truth About Princess Leia’s Jedi Training

Jedi For A Short Time

One of the notable inquiries within the Star Wars canon post-Return of the Jedi revolved around Princess Leia’s journey into Jedi training. Prior literature suggested that Leia only acquired rudimentary Force abilities after the Battle of Endor. However, The Rise of Skywalker substantially reshapes this narrative, revealing that her training extended further and had meaningful implications.

A pivotal flashback showcases Luke and Leia training on Ajan Kloss, engaging in duels amidst the dense fog. The revelation of Leia possessing a blue-bladed lightsaber further enriches her legacy, particularly as it plays a crucial role during the climactic Battle of Exegol. Thus, the fact that Leia was momentarily trained as a Jedi before ultimately stepping back recontextualizes her abilities seen in The Last Jedi and enhances her character in every narrative that follows.

5 Babu Frik & The Anzellans

The Adorable Addition To Canon’s Aliens

During their visit to Kijimi, the Resistance encounters the lovable Babu Frik, a member of the Anzellan species renowned for their skills with droids. This delightful character has since made a substantial impact on the Star Wars universe. Babu Frik and the Anzellans now stand out as one of the most memorable alien designs introduced in the sequel trilogy.

Post-2019, the Anzellan species has appeared in various other formats within the Star Wars saga. Notably, several Anzellans feature in The Mandalorian, where they interact with Grogu, and Shug Drabor emerges as the in-universe designer of the Galactic Starcruiser Halcyon, making appearances in comic series and literature.

4 Exegol, Homeworld of the Sith

A Total Change In The Sith’s Origin

One of the major revelations of the sequel trilogy is the introduction of Exegol, a chilling desert planet and the hidden sanctuary of the Sith. This location fundamentally alters our understanding of both the Jedi and Sith origins, as shown in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker. The concept that Rey and Kylo Ren’s Force Dyad might have been the foundation for the Sith’s Rule of Two enhances this narrative complexity.

Further exploration of Exegol in comics and novels has illuminated its significance in the Force. Particularly, George Mann’s Dark Legends unveils Exegol as a Force vergence, where the boundary between life and the afterlife is exceptionally permeable. This revelation elucidates why Palpatine could only be resurrected on Exegol.

3 Palpatine’s Master Plan

The Contingency Seeded Decades Earlier

The most astonishing revelation of The Rise of Skywalker is undoubtedly Emperor Palpatine’s survival following his purported demise in Return of the Jedi. While this narrative has appeared in non-canonical (Legends) stories before, its introduction into canon has significant ripple effects. Palpatine’s revival necessitates the existence of a well-organized Sith cult to orchestrate his Final Order on Exegol, a storyline deeply intertwined with the entire saga.

The consequences of Palpatine’s cloning endeavors and plans extending beyond the events at Endor have become recurring themes in various Star Wars narratives following the film’s release. In The Bad Batch, cloning of Force-sensitive individuals emerges as a prominent plot point, reflecting Palpatine’s insatiable ambition. Furthermore, comics from Greg Pak illustrate Darth Vader’s awareness of Exegol, revealing that he had personal ties to the Sith’s grand design, which has been retroactively linked to the narrative arcs in Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath Trilogy.

2 A Noble “End”For The Skywalkers

Ben Solo’s Redemption & Grace

The character arc of Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, son of Han and Leia, stands as one of the most compelling aspects of the sequel trilogy. Initially exhibiting villainous tendencies, Ben ultimately embarks on a path of redemption in The Rise of Skywalker, reshaping the legacy of the Skywalker family.

Spurred by his mother’s enduring love, Ben is drawn back to the light side of the Force, culminating in a selfless act when he sacrifices his own life force to revive Rey after she briefly succumbs to darkness. This profound act not only redeems Ben Solo, presenting him as a selfless hero but also concludes the Skywalker lineage on a note of hope and altruism.

1 The Citizens’ Fleet: Hope For The Galaxy

The Galaxy Has Decided It’s Had Enough

The Battle of Exegol serves as the film’s climactic moment, with the Resistance facing overwhelming odds against Palpatine’s formidable fleet. Just when all hope seems lost, a vast fleet of ordinary citizens, inspired by Lando’s rallying cry, arrives to bolster the Resistance’s efforts. This moment encapsulates a new vision of unity in the galaxy, where the struggle is not solely shouldered by organized military forces but embraced by a collective of hopeful citizens.

This unprecedented collaboration signifies a renewed hope for the future of the galaxy, emphasizing that peace and freedom require the active participation of all its inhabitants. The portrayal of citizen-led efforts against tyranny represents a shift toward a more inclusive struggle, suggesting that future Star Wars stories will continue exploring these powerful themes.

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