The latest trailer for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker confirms what Darth Vader’s role has been in the sequel trilogy. The Skywalker Saga is nearing its end with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which will bring together the original, prequel, and sequel trilogies, giving closure to a bit over 40 years of Skywalker history and adventures in a galaxy far, far away.

Disney’s Star Wars sequel trilogy has had references to the prequels and original films, and even though Luke, Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, and R2-D2 have been part of it, the main focus have been the new characters, namely Rey, Finn, Poe Dameron, and Kylo Ren. This last one has been a connecting link between the original and sequel trilogy, as he’s Leia and Han’s son, Luke’s former Padawan, and Darth Vader’s grandson who is a bit too obsessed with the legacy of his grandfather.

The Skywalker Saga is Darth Vader’s story: the prequels told Anakin’s backstory, the original films followed his journey to redemption, and the sequels seem to have forgotten about him. Vader’s helmet has appeared in the films, with Kylo Ren vowing to “finish what he started”, but nothing more has been shown beyond that, and Vader’s role has been a mystery – until now.

What Darth Vader’s Role In The Sequel Trilogy Really Is

With just a few more days to go before the release of Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, Disney continues releasing more promotional material, just in case fans weren’t already excited enough, including a trailer with new footage and a big reveal. In it, Kylo Ren arrives to a strange planet and enters a temple, where he hears Palpatine’s voice. The Emperor, who was presumed dead for years, says “at last, my boy. I have been every voice you have ever heard inside your head”, with his voice alternating between Palpatine, Supreme Leader Snoke, and Darth Vader, confirming that Palpatine was behind Kylo’s corruption.

The sequels have shown that Kylo Ren is a bit too attached to Vader’s helmet, and he seemed to believe he could communicate with it, and that his grandfather was guiding him through it – which doesn’t make sense given that Darth Vader redeemed himself at the end of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi and became one with the Force. The confirmation of Palpatine manipulating Kylo through Snoke and the “spirit” of Darth Vader through the mask (or just in Kylo’s head) explains why Kylo was so sure he was being guided by his grandfather, ties together all the Star Wars films, and proves that Palpatine is the biggest threat in the galaxy (and that he’s still obsessed with the Skywalkers). Of course, there are still many details (and more surprises, hopefully) to be revealed in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, including how Palpatine managed to survive, Kylo Ren’s redemption, and if Anakin’s Force Ghost will have a role in all this.

Next: Disney Is Rejecting Last Jedi To Sell Rise Of Skywalker: Why It’s A Mistake

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