Dark Rey’s presence in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker quickly became one of the film’s most discussed scenes. Despite her brief screen time, she left a lasting impact, offering fans a glimpse into what could have been—a darker path for the trilogy’s central character.
Unlike characters from alternate realities, Dark Rey serves as a vision, a warning of what Rey could become if she succumbed to the allure of the dark side. This vision reflects deeper themes of inner conflict and the struggle between light and darkness that have been central to Star Wars since its inception.
Who is Rey?
Rey Skywalker, known as Rey during the First Order-Resistance War, was a Force-sensitive human female Jedi Master who fought for the Resistance. She started as a scavenger on the planet Jakku but her life changed dramatically during the last days of the New Republic Era.
Rey’s choice to help the droid BB-8 led her to discover the Force within her, prompting her to seek training from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. She trains as a Jedi, learns the truth about her mysterious origins, and becomes pivotal in the Resistance’s struggle against the First Order. Despite her dedication to the Jedi and the light side of the Force, Rey struggled with anger and felt drawn to the dark side, partly due to her conflict with Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren.
Rey adopts the surname Skywalker choosing to honor the legacy of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, who mentored her in the ways of the Force. Despite discovering she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, she rejects her dark heritage and forges her own identity as a Jedi. Rey made her own lightsaber during the fight against the First Order.
The Vision of Dark Rey
The vision of Dark Rey arises during Rey’s search for the Sith Wayfinder within the wreckage of the second Death Star. As she navigates the ominous ruins, Rey confronts a dark version of herself wielding a double-bladed red lightsaber. This moment is more than a mere jump scare; it symbolizes Rey’s greatest fear—her potential fall to the dark side.
Throughout The Rise of Skywalker, Rey struggles with questions about her lineage, the darkness within her, and whether she could follow the same path as her grandfather, Emperor Palpatine. The encounter with Dark Rey embodies the uncertainty and doubt that plague her, highlighting the possibility of succumbing to power and temptation.
Character Design and Visual Elements
Dark Rey appears in dark, Sith-like robes, with a pale complexion and menacing demeanor. The most striking feature is her double-bladed red lightsaber, a weapon reminiscent of those wielded by past Sith like Darth Maul.
This visual contrast to Rey’s usual light-colored attire and blue lightsaber underscores the divide between her true self and the dark possibilities she faces. The red lightsaber is a classic symbol of the dark side, its color suggesting rage, aggression, and the desire for power. The choice to give Dark Rey this iconic weapon reinforces the idea that she represents the darkness lurking within every Jedi.
Role in Rey’s Character Development
The vision of Dark Rey forces Rey to confront the darker aspects of her own nature. This confrontation reflects an internal struggle that every Jedi faces—the pull between light and dark. For Rey, who has long searched for her place in the galaxy and wrestled with the legacy of her bloodline, Dark Rey embodies the temptation to use her power for self-serving ends.
The encounter shakes Rey, but it also clarifies her determination to forge her own path, separate from the influence of her Sith lineage. By overcoming this vision, Rey reaffirms her commitment to the light, setting the stage for her ultimate confrontation with Palpatine.
Thematic Analysis
Dark Rey fits into a broader thematic tradition in Star Wars: the exploration of “What-If” scenarios. Similar to Luke Skywalker’s vision of his own face inside Darth Vader’s helmet on Dagobah in The Empire Strikes Back, Dark Rey serves as a mirror, reflecting the darkness that every hero must acknowledge and overcome.
This vision suggests that the line between good and evil is never as clear-cut as it seems, even for a Jedi. In Rey’s case, the presence of Dark Rey emphasizes that her struggle is not just with external forces like the First Order, but with the darkness that lies within herself. This theme of internal conflict deepens the narrative, offering a more complex portrayal of Rey’s journey toward becoming a Jedi.
Fan Reactions and Interpretations
The appearance of Dark Rey in the trailers for The Rise of Skywalker sparked intense speculation among fans. Many wondered whether she would be a genuine antagonist or a vision. Some even theorized that Dark Rey could be a clone, an alternate reality version, or a sign that Rey would follow in the footsteps of Anakin Skywalker.
The brief scene in the film ultimately clarified that Dark Rey was a vision rather than a fully realized character. Yet, the excitement surrounding her appearance highlighted the fascination audiences have with the idea of heroes facing their own dark reflections. Dark Rey’s visual impact and the mystery surrounding her helped to elevate this short scene to one of the more memorable moments of the film.
Impact on Star Wars Mythology
Beyond her role in Rey’s personal journey, Dark Rey adds another layer to the ongoing exploration of the Force’s duality in Star Wars mythology. She is a reminder that the potential for darkness exists in every Force user, no matter how virtuous they appear.
By confronting this vision, Rey joins a lineage of characters who have faced their own inner demons, from Luke Skywalker’s struggle against Vader’s shadow to Anakin Skywalker’s ultimate fall.
Dark Rey reinforces the idea that becoming a Jedi is not merely about resisting external threats but about confronting one’s own weaknesses and desires. In this way, she contributes to the rich tapestry of Star Wars storytelling, where every hero’s path is fraught with the danger of falling to the dark side.
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Tony Allen is a writer for LightsabersBlog.com, a website focused on everything related to lightsabers. Tony grew up in Austin, Texas, and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas. Passionate about science fiction and fantasy, Tony has always been deeply involved in hobbies like tabletop RPGs, sci-fi novels, miniature painting, and crafting. This love for creative pursuits drives Tony to write about lightsabers in a way that ignites the imagination of fans around the world.
