Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker may include a fascinating expansion of one of The Last Jedi’s new Force abilities. In Episode VIII, Rey and Kylo Ren spend a significant part of the film on opposite sides of the galaxy, so Rian Johnson had to get creative in order for the main characters to interact with each other. The solution, commonly referred to as “Force Skype,” saw the two youngsters become connected periodically throughout the movie and have conversations. This was later revealed to be part of Supreme Leader Snoke’s plan to manipulate them.

The Last Jedi showed that even though Star Wars has been around for 40 years, audiences still have much to learn about the Force. With Episode IX on the horizon, many are wondering if J.J. Abrams will showcase any new powers in the upcoming film. During the movie’s panel during Celebration Chicago, he seemed to dance around the topic, but the latest speculation is at the very least, The Rise of Skywalker includes an expansion of one of The Last Jedi’s concepts.

According to Making Star Wars, Rey and Kylo Ren are going to partake in what’s being called “Force Flash Fights.” During their initial encounter in Episode IX, they’re reportedly linked again (similar to what Snoke did in Last Jedi), only they traverse across several different environments from the previous Star Wars movies. It’s unknown what locations would appear onscreen or even how, precisely, this concept will be executed. Screen Rant reached out to Disney for comment and will update this article accordingly.

This would work as an illustration of how powerful Rey and Kylo have grown since viewers last saw them in The Last Jedi. Since there’s reportedly a time jump between the two films, it only makes sense for their skills to evolve and on a superficial level, it has the potential to be an interesting visual unlike anything the films have shown before. A number of Last Jedi’s new Force powers proved to be divisive, but Abrams has repeatedly said he’s honoring what Johnson did in Episode IX. So it wouldn’t be surprising to see him play in the infinite sandbox of Force abilities and toy with how he can expand ideas Johnson introduced. It’d feel like an organic continuation.

Besides how this looks onscreen, the biggest question is what role “Force Flash Fights” ultimately play in the narrative. Force projections weren’t just a gimmick; they were foreshadowing for Luke’s noble self-sacrifice on Crait. Perhaps Kylo and Rey learn what they’re now capable of early on in The Rise of Skywalker, before there’s some kind of payoff at the end. With Emperor Palpatine back in the fold, Rey will likely have to stretch the limits of her capabilities in order to emerge victorious.

More: Star Wars Canon Already Explained How Palpatine Survived Return of the Jedi

Source: Making Star Wars

  • Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20