'Rise of Skywalker' leaks reveal why Kylo does Palpatine’s bidding

Kylo Ren’s storyline in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is starting to take shape. Ever since that first trailer dropped, fans have speculated that he’ll be working with Emperor Palpatine in some capacity, but it wasn’t until recently that leaks offered more insight into how their partnership would work. One leak suggested that Kylo will cross paths with Palpatine by accident while searching for the source of Supreme Leader Snoke’s powers. Now, a brand new leak offers major insight into exactly why Kylo’s doing Palpatine’s bidding.

MakingStarWars, historically a reputable source for all things Star Wars, posted a video discussing the factors behind Kylo’s involvement with the former emperor and the real reason Palpatine wants to work with him. It’s a pretty huge reveal, so let’s dive right into the details, shall we?

Warning! Possible spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker below this terrifying photo of Sheev.

Per previous leaks, we already know that Kylo will happen upon Palps at the beginning of The Rise of Skywalker. However, according to MSW editor Jason Ward, when Kylo finds Palpatine, the Big Bad says that he is “not a clone, not yet a man.”

Wait! What?!

Now, that could mean a whole host of things, but the first thought it brings to mind is the leak about Palpatine being half man/half machine, which makes sense considering how long he’s been gone and that he “died” in Episode VI. But wait, there’s more. While that bit of information is fascinating, it’s not the most exciting part of the leak.

To explain his plan, Palps tells Kylo that he’s gotten old and that he “wants to pass on his empire to his granddaughter” (aka Rey), and that she and Kylo can rule over it as “emperor and empress.” That’s right, the speculation that Rey is Palpatine’s granddaughter might have some merit to it after all. But Kylo and Rey ruling the galaxy together? Sure, maybe when pigs learn to fly. While Kylo’s falling for this plan hook, line, and sinker, Palps is actually using Kylo and Rey for something else entirely. Shocked? Of course not. A man with many plans, he is.

But what exactly is Palps using Ben Solo for? Well, the big twist is that he needs both Kylo and Rey in the same room together to create a “dyad” — it’s the only way to channel the Force. Once they’re together, Palpatine “siphons the Force through them and rejuvenates himself” to what he looked like in Return of the Jedi. It’s only then that he’ll have the power to destroy half of the Resistance’s fleet. The funny thing is that Kylo won’t even see it coming.

Obviously, Kylo craves power. He wouldn’t have tried to go looking for the source of Snoke’s powers otherwise. Palpy’s ulterior plan is definitely a clever way for Palpatine to get Kylo to do his bidding, no questions asked. It also explains the reasons why Kylo and Rey’s bond has been so important throughout the new sequel trilogy.

Palp’s entire strategy could prove to be some of the best planning in Star Wars history, and it’s why he’s the franchise’s greatest villain. Using Kylo and Rey as nothing but pawns to gain access to the Force? That’s the cherry on top.

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

Correction: An earlier article incorrectly stated that Emperor Palpatine perished in Episode III, not VI. We regret the error. Thanks, Rick!