Across both Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens and Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, there’s been tension brewing between Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey (Daisy Ridley). Kylo, succumbing to the dark side during his formative years of force training, has found a hefty amount of resistance in the form of Rey. As a lonely scavenger from Jakku, Rey seemingly holds the secret to bringing balance back to the force.
In Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, the pair formed a tentative alliance in a time of need. That alliance quickly broke apart and now the pair must face-off, as plenty of promotional material for Episode XI: Rise of the Skywalker has hinted at an epic final battle between the two! Among the varying storylines in the new Star Wars films, the battle between Kylo Ren and Rey has been the one plot point we can’t wait to see! With Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker just around the corner, there’s no better time to look over these two major characters. Who will win in the battle of Kylo versus Rey? Let’s figure it out!
The Rise of Rey
Despite being one of the focal characters of Episode VII and Episode VIII, not much is known about Rey’s backstory. We know that she grew up on Jakku as a scavenger after she was separated from her parents during childhood. Rey shows a natural control of the Force, one that takes her on a journey to eventually meet with Luke Skywalker. While training her in the ways of the Force, Luke becomes aware of Rey’s immense power, but worries about her being seduced towards the Dark Side.
In Episode VIII, Supreme Leader Snoke tells Rey and Ren that he linked them together with a Force connection, one that was meant to ensnare Luke Skywalker for good. However, some fans might believe that Rey and Kylo share a deeper connection; one of blood. Many fan theories claim that Rey and Kylo are possibly siblings or half-siblings, sharing a father in Han Solo (Harrison Ford). Other theories suggest that Rey could be a clone of Emperor Palpatine, or the granddaughter of the fan-favorite Jedi Obi-Wan Kenobi. In addition to delivering a satisfactory finale, we hope that Episode IX also gives us hard facts on Rey’s bloodline.
Killer Kylo’s Classic Character
Although Kylo Ren might not have as much mystery in his character, he’s still one of the most effective and impressive additions in the “new” Star Wars trilogy. His backstory is a classic, and one that mirrors his grandfather Darth Vader’s rise to power. As one of the most gifted students in Luke Skywalker’s new class of Jedi trainees, Kylo showed incredible promise with his control of the Force. Despite being the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Kylo shows darkness inside. This eventually manifests during a misunderstanding between Luke and Kylo, when Kylo goes off the hinges and lays ruin to the Jedi temple.
Eventually, Kylo is recruited to the Dark Side of the Force by Supreme Leader Snoke, putting him in a leadership position in the First Order. Together, with his cohorts known as the Knights of Ren, Kylo makes a name for himself as both a menace and a powerful Force user. In Episode VIII, Kylo eventually kills Snoke for his own gain, hoping to rule the galaxy with Rey by his side. Unfortunately, this doesn’t go exactly as planned, with Rey escaping from Kylo and retreating with the Resistance. With Snoke dead and Kylo as the new Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo will undoubtedly play an even bigger role in Episode IX. It’s hard to root for Kylo, after all the terrible things he has done in Episode VII and Episode VIII, but it’s also hard not to love him. Dark but vulnerable, Kylo Ren is the damaged villain that might be crazy enough to disrupt the balance of the Force for good. He also might be the key to bringing the balance back.
Who Will Win?
When it comes down to the battle between Kylo and Rey, we’re sure it’s going to be one of Star Wars‘ most exciting and exhilarating battles. We know how strong and determined Kylo is; we’ve seen him fight with lightsaber wounds, as well as use his wits to climb to the top of the First Order. Similarly, we’ve seen great demonstrations of power from Rey. Her raw ability to connect with the Force propelled her through Episode VII, and her training from Luke in Episode VIII only further strengthened that ability. Even before her training, Rey was able to resist Kylo’s Force mind-tricks during her interrogation in Episode VII. In fact, her refined talent with the Force might be enough to overtake Kylo.
Rey might have to resort to Force abilities to conquer Kylo, as his lightsaber skills are far better than hers. In their initial lightsaber battle in Episode VII, Rey managed to hold her own, but was ultimately sent running for her life. Kylo effortlessly batted away her attacks, consistently backing her into a defensive position. Rey showed a bit of improvement in Episode VIII, especially when she and Kylo teamed up to defeat the Praetorian Guards. Kylo showed a level of finesse and strategy that Rey was unable to match, with Rey even taking a wound from one of the guards. However, the pair seem to work very well together, which leads us to my prediction.
Kylo and Rey will definitely have a one-on-one battle in Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker, but we don’t think that will be the most notable battle with these two characters. In the face-off between Rey and Kylo, I think that Kylo will ultimately “win” the fight. However, he will be unable to kill Rey, due to both his Force connection to her and his lingering morality. Still convinced of his goodwill, Rey might urge Kylo to join her once again, finally bringing Kylo back to the Light Side of the Force. The pair will go on to defeat the remaining First Order together, or an even bigger threat that has yet to be revealed. If anything, we’re hoping to see Kylo and Rey fight side-by-side once again, as their power together is almost unstoppable.
Related Articles:
“Film Analysis of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – Minor Spoilers and Additional Feedback.”
“Film Analysis of “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – Minor Spoilers, Easter Eggs, and Resources.”
“Film Analysis: Star Wars The Last Jedi – Snoke an Ancient Order Soul-sucking Vampire”
“Film Analysis: Star Wars The Last Jedi – Finn Could Become a Villain”
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Featured Image Credit: Disney/Lucas Films.
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