Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, directed by J.J. Abrams, serves as the grand finale to the Skywalker Saga that began in 1977. Released in 2019, it attempts to wrap up over four decades of stories, characters, galactic battles, and family drama. The film is a blend of action, nostalgia, fan service, and ambitious mythology expansion.
The movie opens with a bombshell: Emperor Palpatine, presumed dead since Return of the Jedi, has returned. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), now Supreme Leader, tracks down a Sith artifact called a Wayfinder, leading him to Exegol, a hidden Sith world where he finds Palpatine. The former emperor has been pulling the strings all along—Snoke was a puppet, and the Final Order (a massive fleet of Death Star-equipped Star Destroyers) is ready to rise.
Rey’s Training and Identity Crisis
Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) continues her Jedi training with General Leia Organa. She’s troubled by visions and her inner darkness. Rey, Finn (John Boyega), and Poe (Oscar Isaac) embark on a quest to find a second Wayfinder to reach Exegol. Their journey takes them to various planets, old friends, and new adversaries, including a memorable visit to Kijimi where they meet a spice runner from Poe’s past and a tiny droid hacker named Babu Frik.
As the Resistance prepares for war, Rey learns a shocking truth: she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, which explains her immense Force power and deep inner turmoil. This revelation causes major conflict within Rey, who fears she may be destined for the dark side.
Kylo Ren’s Redemption
Throughout the film, Rey and Kylo Ren continue their “Force Dyad” connection, allowing them to communicate and even physically interact across space. Their climactic duel on the wreckage of the second Death Star is both visually stunning and emotionally charged. After a near-death experience and a vision of her parents, Rey mortally wounds Kylo, then heals him using the Force. This act of compassion triggers Kylo’s transformation. He sees a vision of Han Solo, and chooses to abandon the Kylo Ren persona, reclaiming his identity as Ben Solo.
The Final Battle: Resistance vs. The Final Order
The Resistance, severely outnumbered, launches a desperate attack on Exegol with Lando Calrissian rallying help from across the galaxy. While the ground troops fight to disable the navigation systems of the Final Order fleet, Rey confronts Emperor Palpatine, who demands that she strike him down and become the new Empress of the Sith.
As Rey resists, Palpatine realizes the power of the Force Dyad and uses their bond to rejuvenate himself. Now at full power, he nearly kills both Rey and Ben. However, Rey channels the strength of all past Jedi—voices of Obi-Wan, Yoda, Luke, Anakin, and more—standing up to Palpatine. Using Leia and Luke’s lightsabers, she deflects his Force lightning back at him, destroying him completely.
Ben, severely wounded but alive, saves Rey by transferring his life force into her, bringing her back to life. The two share a kiss—an emotionally divisive moment among fans—but Ben dies shortly afterward, vanishing into the Force.
After Palpatine’s defeat and the collapse of the Final Order fleet, the galaxy celebrates victory. The Resistance regroups, and the war is finally over.
Rey travels to Tatooine, visiting Luke Skywalker’s old home, where she buries both Leia’s and Luke’s lightsabers in the sands of their ancestral home. She reveals a newly crafted yellow lightsaber—signaling her own unique Jedi path.
When a local asks her name, she pauses and then replies:
“Rey Skywalker.”
As the suns of Tatooine set, Rey stands alone but at peace—adopted into the Skywalker legacy not by blood, but by choice. This moment closes the saga on a symbolic and emotional note.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No, The Rise of Skywalker does not feature any mid-credits or post-credits scenes. The final image and John Williams’ swelling theme serve as the ultimate conclusion to the Skywalker Saga. While many Marvel-style fans waited in theaters, this film closes the curtain definitively—at least on this chapter.
Type of Movie
This is a sci-fi fantasy epic, heavy on space opera, action, adventure, and mythology. It’s a culmination film—designed to tie together threads from the original trilogy, prequels, and sequels. It leans heavily on nostalgia, high-stakes storytelling, and personal redemption arcs.
Cast
Daisy Ridley as Rey
Adam Driver as Kylo Ren / Ben Solo
John Boyega as Finn
Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron
Carrie Fisher as Leia Organa (via archival footage)
Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine
Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker (Force Ghost)
Keri Russell as Zorii Bliss
Naomi Ackie as Jannah
Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian
Domhnall Gleeson as General Hux
Richard E. Grant as Allegiant General Pryde
Film Music and Composer
The legendary John Williams returned to compose the score—his final outing for a Star Wars film. The soundtrack mixes new themes with iconic motifs from previous films, particularly Leia’s Theme, The Force Theme, and Rey’s Theme. Williams even had a cameo as a bartender in the film.
Filming Locations
Pinewood Studios, UK – main set construction
Wadi Rum, Jordan – scenes on the desert planet Pasaana
Skellig Michael, Ireland – reused shots for Ahch-To (Luke’s exile)
Black Park, UK – forest planet scenes
These locations helped create vast, diverse worlds—from the spiritual desert world of Pasaana to the ominous ruins of the Death Star and the dark throne room of Exegol.
Lando returning with the galaxy’s fleet to fight the Final Order.
Rey’s yellow lightsaber reveal on Tatooine.
Iconic Quotes
“I am all the Jedi.” – Rey
“The dead speak!” – Opening crawl
“The Force will be with you. Always.” – Luke and Leia’s combined voice
“I am all the Sith.” – Palpatine
“Rey Skywalker.” – Rey
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
Voices of Anakin, Ahsoka, Mace Windu, and more can be heard during Rey’s final confrontation.
The symbol of the Sith Eternal on Exegol is based on ancient runes.
Wedge Antilles (Denis Lawson) makes a brief return in the final battle.
The droid D-O was inspired by a lamp from J.J. Abrams’ office.
Trivia
This is John Williams’ last Star Wars score. He included over 50 themes from previous films.
J.J. Abrams reused unused dialogue from Alec Guinness to bring Obi-Wan into the final scene.
A scene confirms that Finn is Force-sensitive, though the movie never explicitly states it.
The film features the largest space battle in Star Wars cinematic history.
Why Watch?
Because it’s the culmination of a nine-movie saga that has shaped science fiction for decades. Despite divisive reception, the film delivers visually stunning set pieces, iconic music, and emotional payoff for long-time fans. If you want closure to the Skywalker family drama—and a nostalgic ride through the galaxy—it’s worth the journey.
