‘Star Wars’: What Does ‘Rise Of Skywalker’ Title Mean Thematically To The End Of The Saga?

After over a year of rumors and speculation, we officially have a title for the ninth “Star Wars” film in the Skywalker Saga, appropriately dubbed ‘The Rise of Skywalker.’ The title reveal was accompanied by a teaser, which doesn’t do much in the way of revealing plot points, but does give enough to keep fandom going until a proper trailer is released. So, with a title and a teaser, let’s begin the speculation train by asking, “What the hell does the title refer to?”

READ MORE: ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Teaser: The Final Saga Film Is ‘The Rise Of Skywalker’

To understand our train of thought, you must first understand that filmmaker J.J. Abrams is back as the director of the upcoming “Star Wars” film, after giving the reins to Rian Johnson for ‘The Last Jedi.’ And make no mistake, Abrams is not the type of filmmaker that will spell out the entire plot of the film the title. The director is well-known for his love of “mystery boxes” and playing with the audience’s expectations. So, let’s just assume that’s exactly what’s going on here, and the Skywalker referred to in the title isn’t Rey, as everyone is assuming.

You see, ever since ‘The Last Jedi,’ fans have been split about the reveal that Rey’s parents were of no major consequence to the lore of “Star Wars.” Many assumed that she’s a secret Skywalker, the daughter of Luke being the prevalent theory. However, much like everything else teased in ‘The Force Awakens’ (the Knights of Ren, Rey’s parents, Snoke, etc…), Rian Johnson went his own way and subverted expectations left and right.

READ MORE: J.J. Abrams Explains Almost Turning Down ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ & Says Coming Back Is Like “Playing With Fire”

All that being said, many are expecting Abrams to take back his hints and teases and give them proper attention in his film, perhaps going so far as retconning Rey’s parentage. If that’s the case, perhaps we are still going to see Rey as the titular Skywalker. But yet, that’s just too easy, isn’t it?

The other obvious option is Kylo Ren. He’s actually a Skywalker descendant, though without the famous last name, as he’s Ben Solo. This is where things could get interesting. If J.J. Abrams goes back to the style of his previous film, ‘The Force Awakens,’ we could be looking at ‘Rise of Skywalker’ having plenty of nods to the previous trilogy’s third part, ‘Return of the Jedi.’ If that’s the case, then we need to have a bad guy redeem himself at the very end, which would mean that Ren could mimic his grandfather in more ways than just his outfit, by shedding his “evil” persona and fully coming over and embracing his heritage, becoming the rising Skywalker.

READ MORE: Rian Johnson Says He’s Fine If J.J. Abrams Retcons Rey’s Parents Lineage In ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’

Again, this just seems too obvious. It’s time to put on our tin foil hats and go outside the box just a wee bit. There are two other options that we are willing to explore, but keep in mind, this is purely speculation and we are could be (aka most likely are) wildly off base. When has that stopped anyone on the internet, though?

What if Abrams is being more literal than you’re anticipating with the title? As revealed in the teaser (well, hinted at) and with the actor’s appearance at Celebration, it would seem that Emperor Palpatine is coming back. In addition, there’s the voiceover from Luke that ends with, “No one is ever really gone.” Maybe, just maybe, there’s a resurrection afoot?

That being said, who is likely to come back? Again, eschewing from the obvious choice, which is Luke (again, not J.J.’s style), what if we could be seeing a return of Anakin Skywalker? Yes, yes, that’s way out there (remember, tin foil hat time), but if this film is the actual end of the Skywalker Saga, then a return of its most prominent figure might actually be apt, right?

The first trilogy ends with Anakin’s fall from grace. The second trilogy ends with Anakin’s redemption. The third trilogy might just end with another Anakin moment, perhaps rising from the grave? With Rian Johnson playing with Force powers in the last film and the fact that we’re not talking about any actual science, there’s nothing stopping a resurrection. Hey, it’s just a thought.

READ MORE: Disney Boss Bob Iger Says ‘Star Wars’ is Going On A Film ‘Hiatus’ After ‘Episode IX’

Now, with the crazy speculation aside, let’s talk our true running theory as of this moment – the title is symbolic and literal. Look, we have to admit that it’s likely that Abrams will somehow retcon Rey’s origins, and will have Kylo Ren redeem himself in some sort of grand sacrifice. So, the titular “rise” could be as simple as that. But perhaps the Skywalker name is now a symbol. And the rise of Skywalker is given to the dawn of the new, peaceful era in the galaxy. And in a way to come full circle, Rey and/or Kylo can lead the resistance (now in control of the government, with perhaps with a Skywalker-ish name change?) and usher in this new era with using Anakin, Luke, and Leia as the symbols of peace.

Honestly, odds are that we are off our rockers and these are all theories that can be debunked in 5 minutes by bigger “Star Wars” dorks than us. But hey, these are just thoughts we’re having, and this sort of speculation is half the fun of a new “Star Wars” film, right?

“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” hits theaters on December 20.