'Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker' Theory Says [SPOILER] Will Die but "Live On"

While the ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is a big mystery, one thing remains clear: Rey and Kylo Ren’s relationship will be central to the film. A new theory explains how the two characters are like two sides of the same coin and posits how their Force-connection might heavily impact the ending of Episode IX, leading a to a shocking final twist.

Warning: Speculative spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker aead

Redditor u/Brilee93 proposed an intriguing theory about Rey and Kylo’s Force-connection, how they’re split between light and dark, and how this separation and inherent connection might factor into the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.

The theory argues that Rey and Kylo are “two halves of one whole,” pointing to symbolism in the previous films (like the ground between them splitting in The Force Awakens) and specific plot point (like Rey rising up as a counterpoint to Kylo Ren’s powers and their Force-based connection in Last Jedi). It concludes that they really are interconnect, almost like one person in two bodies, before offering one way this connection could pay out.

“Kylo dies redeeming himself, but he will live on through Rey,” writes u/Brilee93. “The ending scene of TROS is her looking at her reflection and seeing Ben looking back at her.”

Further evidence that Kylo and Rey are connected include the fact that every time Kylo’s actions fueled his descent to the Dark Side, Rey’s connection to the Force seemed to grow more powerful. U/Brilee93 also notes that the more the darkness grew within Kylo, the easier it became for Rey to best him in battle. This was evidenced when the Force became stronger in Rey, but weaker in Kylo immediately after he killed Han in The Force Awakens.

The idea of them being “two halves of one whole” kind of makes sense when the evidence is laid out. Ever since The Force Awakens, there has been a push/pull energy between them that only intensified in The Last Jedi and will likely reach a culmination in The Rise of Skywalker. Could this be the way it resolves?

After all, there has always been a distinct separation between the two despite their obvious connection. An ending where Kylo dies, only to live on in Rey has some merit to it. Snoke also mentioned that the light always rises to meet the darkness, foreshadowing the tumultuous bond shared between the two characters.

Kylo’s storyline seems to be moving toward some kind of redemption in Episode IX, and the more Rey doubles down in her fight alongside the Resistance, the more Kylo’s death seems inevitable. Could he die saving Rey? It’s definitely possible.

The Star Wars franchise has long been fascinated with the exploration and dichotomy between light and dark. What motivates people to choose a side and can these motivations change? Obviously, there’s Finn, who chose the light despite previously being a member of the First Order. In Kylo’s case, his journey towards the Dark Side showcases that people who do bad things aren’t always raised by bad people. His parents being Leia Organa and Han Solo, two of the Resistance’s fiercest supporters, is proof of that.

On the other hand, Rey’s parentage, is largely unknown — even though Kylo claims her parents were junk traders, that has yet to be confirmed — but she’s proven time and again that she’s with the Light Side of the Force. Perhaps their differences are the primary reasons behind their bond. Regardless of how it came to be, their connection is unique to the Star Wars films and comes with a lot of questions about the Force and who’s worthy of it. Rey and Kylo being on opposing sides of the fight could make the ending to Episode IX that much more fascinating if it means Kylo might live on in Rey beyond his own death.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters December 20, 2019.