For many, putting up the Christmas tree, hanging stockings and wrapping presents has already begun—the holiday season is upon us. However, on Dec. 20 we’re all getting the best present of all: the last chapter of the “Star Wars” saga, “The Rise of Skywalker.”
On Nov. 25, fans were treated to yet another early peek at the “present” under the tree when “Star Wars” released a new 30 second clip from the film. This clip, along with three official trailers and a new T.V. spot, have alluded to what we can all expect when we finally get to watch it.
Here are five important thoughts and take-aways to help you prepare you for the big finale.
1. Palpatine Returns
Of all the characters in “Star Wars,” only a select few have managed to hold such a tyrannical grip as Emperor Sheev Palpatine.
From the first trailer, his malicious cackle can be heard and with each additional trailer, we hear more and more of his voice. In the third trailer the edge of his iconic black hood can be seen as the heroine, Rey, looks up at him.
From the context of his dialogue, it seems Rey and Kylo Ren have been a part of his plan since the beginning, but we have yet to see how this will pan out. It will also be fascinating to find out how he came back after being thrown down the shaft of Death Star II by Darth Vader at the end of “Return of the Jedi.”
2. The End of C-3P0?
C-3P0 and R2-D2 are the only two characters in the “Star Wars” franchise that have lived through the entire story.
“What are you doin’ there 3P0,” asks Poe Dameron, one of the heroes of the film. C-3P0 emotionally replies, “Taking one last look sir, at my friends.”
In a touching scene from the final trailer, the emotion can almost be heard in his mechanical voice as he speaks to several members of the Resistance.
In another scene from the first trailer we see C-3P0 with glowing red eyes, as opposed to the normal yellow. Will he be turning to the dark side? Will this be the end of a legend?
3. Knights of Ren
The Knights of Ren, as alluded to in “The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” have become a matter of hearsay among “Star Wars” fans.
The new clip released on Nov. 25 suggests that we will see more action from them in the upcoming film. What role will they play? We’re not sure, but we do know from concept art, action figures and the few scenes released, they look to be a deadly, formidable opponent.
4. Rey: Light or Dark?
In a striking ending to the second trailer, released at the D23 Expo, Rey is shown weilding a collapsable red double-bladed lightsaber. Will we see Rey turn to the dark side of the force and become a sith? Is that all part of Palpatine’s plan?
Some say that it’s only one of Rey’s many force visions, the likes of which were portrayed in the previous films. We can only hypothesize that this film will have some interesting plot twists.
5. The Resistance and The First Order
By the end of “The Last Jedi,” the Resistance fleet was looking a bit bleak. With only a handful of ships left, it seemed like they didn’t hold much of a fighting chance against the powerful First Order.
In the new trailer, it seems otherwise. At the head of the Resistance fleet, we see the Millenium Falcon with a massive fleet and assortment of ships behind it. Fans of the “Star Wars” television series, “Rebels,” might note that the ship The Ghost can be seen in the shot, a fun tie in by director J. J. Abrams.
On the other hand, it looks like the First Order has a new fleet too—a huge one—and it’s full of Star Destroyers. These are no ordinary Star Destroyers, though: these are Imperial Star Destroyers, the same variety the Rebels fought in the original trilogy.
These appear to have a few upgrades to their predecessors though. Has Palpatine been building this fleet in secrecy the whole time? Where did they all come from?
Fans will just have to wait till the premier of “The Rise of Skywalker” on Dec. 20 to see. Tickets to theatres in St. George and Cedar City can be purchased here.
Story by Kaden Smith
kadensmith10@gmail.com
Photos by: Disney, Lucasfilm Ltd.
