I think by now it’s safe to talk about Rey and whom she might be related to in the Star Wars universe. Who are her parents? Anyone who has seen The Force Awakens and for the two people who have not, everyone knows that Rey is strong with the Force. How strong is something we’ll learn through the next two installments. She also has a strong connection with Kylo Ren. What we do know through exposition is that Rey was taken from her family many years ago and that she waits for their return. Who they are is a mystery. There are several possibilities and theories that I will discuss. Warning, spoilers will be discussed…
Theory 1: Daughter of Han Solo and Princess Leia
If this turns out to be true, this would also make Rey, Kylo Ren’s sister. It’s true that in the expanded universe, Han and Leia had twins and one of them did turn to the Dark Side. With that alone, there’s some validity to that theory. But let me play devil’s advocate. The problem I have with this theory is that other than Leia and Rey having a somber moment towards the end after what happened to Han, there was nothing throughout The Force Awakens to truly lead us to believe she was their daughter. If Rey turns out to be a Solo, than her separation from Kylo mirrors that of Luke and Leia but with a Jedi-Sith twist.
Theory 2: Daughter of Luke Skywalker
Again, in the expanded universe Luke got married to Mara Jade and had a child name Ben. What’s interesting about the name Ben is that is also happens to be the real name of Kylo Ren. That could be more coincidental than anything else but interesting nonetheless. What gives this possibility life is the overwhelming flood of emotions when Rey touched the lightsaber that once belonged to Luke and Anakin Skywalker. Remember this is the same lightsaber Obi-Wan Kenobi had given to Luke in Episode IV. And then there’s that scene with her and Kylo Ren during the climax involving that same lightsaber. Kylo Ren tried to use the Force to get his hands on it and instead, it was Rey who was able to get it. If that doesn’t scream ownership, I don’t know what does. Seeing Luke’s reaction to Rey in the final moments of the film, spoke towards such a personal connection.
Theory 3: Granddaughter of Obi-Wan Kenobi
This theory I will admit is a bit out there but hear me out. Very little is known of Kenobi’s exile on Tatooine after Episode III, which leaves to many possibilities if the writers and producers wish to pursue it. There were several instances that reminded me of Obi-Wan including her clothing. There were scenes like the one where Rey uses a Jedi Mind Trick on a Stormtrooper to free herself from her restraints. Then there was her way of getting around the Starkiller base that was very reminiscent of how Obi-Wan Kenobi made his way through the Death Star. Was this J.J. Abrams paying homage to the past or was there a hidden message? I do thnk there’s enough there to suggest that Rey could be Kenobi’s granddaughter.
Theory 4: She is both a Kenobi and a Skywalker
Let’s say theory 3 is partially correct in that Rey has a lineage to Obi-Wan. But let’s say the lineage includes a daughter who ends up meeting and falling in love with Luke Skywalker. See where I’m going? Talk about the circle being complete. It surely adds a new dynamic to the Kenobi-Skywalker relationship. As far fetch as this may sound, I don’t think it goes beyond the realm of possibility. Also, keep in mind that during that scene where Rey discovers Luke’s lightsaber, the voices of not only Luke could be heard but Obi-Wan as well. Granted, this is probably the least likely scenario but it may also end up being the most intriguing if it turns out to be true.
Regardless which of the above theories turn out to be true or something completely different comes about, if this new trilogy gets its cues from the original, then Episode VIII should have an interesting twist.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
