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'Star Wars 9' theory says Kylo's line from 'Episode 7' was misinterpreted

We may have been completely wrong about Kylo's musings with Vader's helmet.

Lucasfilm

Recent leaks about Kylo Ren’s storyline has prompted a deluge of speculation about what the newly minted Supreme Commander will get up to in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. While Ben Solo has seemingly proven himself loyal to the Dark side, an intriguing new theory posits the majority fans may have misinterpreted a critical line of dialogue from The Force Awakens.

While some Star Wars fans see Kylo as simply a misguided man, tempted by the Dark side but ultimately meant to find his way back to the side of goodness. This doesn’t necessarily track with his previous actions, though, like murdering his father Han Solo and destroying Luke Skywalker’s Jedi temple on Ahch-To. Kylo seemingly affirms his commitment to villainy when he holds his grandfather’s burned helmet in Episode VII, vowing to “finish what you started.” But what if it turns out there’s more ambiguity to that line than we initially thought?

Kylo Ren may have had secret plans to finish what Anakin started.

Lucasfilm

Redditor u/grommieshacks looks past the dark surface meaning of Kylo’s monologue and offers another interpretation. What if Kylo had discovered what Anakin Skywalker’s plans had been for the Force prior to becoming Vader? That could mean fans have been wrong about Kylo being a bad guy this whole time. Recent rumors and leaks suggest The Rise of Skywalker will hinge on Kylo’s potential redemption, so this new interpretation definitely makes sense.

“Kylo saying he will finish what Vader started actually refers to bringing balance to the Force,” the redditor contends, going on to argue that this is why Kylo has never easily fit into the role of either a Jedi or a Sith lord. On the contrary, he’s worked hard to eradicate anything that would threaten the balance of the Force. That includes burning the Jedi temple down and killing Supreme Leader Snoke.

Anakin Skywalker was supposed to bring balance to the Force before turning to the Dark side.

Lucasfilm

Sure, killing Snoke makes sense, but why burn down the last sanctuary of the dying Jedi order? As the Chosen One, Anakin was prophesied to bring stability to the Force. The Jedi assumed that meant destroying the Dark side, but maybe it has more to do with enabling both sides to coexist in harmony. It’s an interesting take on Kylo’s now-iconic line, and with rumors swirling that Hayden Christensen could be back as Anakin in The Rise of Skywalker, it could very well mean that Kylo will finish what Anakin started — before he was derailed by Palpatine.

Whether or not this theory proves accurate, the Skywalker line has been known to follow in each other’s footsteps. If Kylo is indeed walking the same path as his grandfather, then he’ll surely be tempted to ally with Palpatine long before the quest for balance truly begins.

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

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