Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker—also known as Episode IX—was released in December 2019, concluding the Skywalker saga with a spectacle of nostalgia, fan service, and galaxy-shaking revelations. Directed by J. J. Abrams, the film was brought to life under the banners of Lucasfilm and Bad Robot Productions. Picking up a year after the events of The Last Jedi, the story reunites Rey, Finn, and Poe Dameron as they lead the Resistance into their final confrontation against the resurrected Emperor Palpatine and the dark forces of the Sith Eternal.
Returning legacy characters like Leia Organa (through archive footage of the late Carrie Fisher), Luke Skywalker, and Lando Calrissian add emotional weight to the story, while new characters such as Jannah, Zorii Bliss, and General Pryde expand the galaxy’s final chapter. The film was met with mixed critical reception but still managed to cross the $1 billion mark at the box office. As the curtain closed on over four decades of storytelling, many fans were left divided on whether this conclusion delivered the finale they hoped for—or merely tried to please everyone without satisfying anyone.
The Rise of Skywalker – Official Trailer
What Is The Rise of Skywalker About?
After the dramatic fallout of The Last Jedi, whispers of a resurrected Emperor Palpatine send shockwaves throughout the galaxy. Kylo Ren follows a Sith wayfinder to the hidden world of Exegol, where Palpatine unveils the Final Order—a fleet of Sith Star Destroyers capable of destroying planets. The Emperor commands Kylo to kill Rey, who continues her Jedi training under General Leia Organa.
As Rey, Finn, and Poe search for clues to Exegol’s location, they travel to planets like Pasaana, Kijimi, and the wreckage of the second Death Star. Along the way, Rey uncovers the truth about her heritage: she is the granddaughter of Palpatine. Her lineage becomes central to the Emperor’s plan to transfer his spirit into her and rule the galaxy once more.
Meanwhile, Kylo Ren—haunted by his past—renounces the dark side after a vision of his father, Han Solo, and becomes Ben Solo once again. He joins Rey on Exegol in a final battle where the duo, now revealed to be a Force Dyad, confront Palpatine together.
With the Resistance under siege and Rey on the brink of death, the Jedi voices of the past lend her strength. She uses both Luke and Leia’s lightsabers to defeat the Emperor, sacrificing herself in the process. Ben revives her at the cost of his own life, sealing their bond with one last kiss. The Resistance triumphs, the galaxy rises against the First Order, and Rey honors the Skywalker legacy—choosing their name as her own in the end.
Is The Rise of Skywalker Worth Watching?
Yes—but with tempered expectations. The film is packed with visual grandeur, fast pacing, emotional callbacks, and epic battles that make it a thrilling ride for casual viewers and die-hard fans alike. However, it plays it safe in many ways, backtracking on several of The Last Jedi’s themes and leaning heavily into fan service.
For those seeking closure to the decades-long saga, The Rise of Skywalker offers a satisfying—if imperfect—farewell. While some story choices feel rushed or inconsistent, the film delivers big moments, a sense of finality, and enough heartfelt emotion to mark the end of an era.
If you’ve followed the story this far, The Rise of Skywalker is worth watching, if only to witness how the saga concludes and to form your own opinion on its controversial turns.
Watch Order
To fully enjoy The Rise of Skywalker, you should watch the entire saga in order:
Chronological Skywalker Saga Order:
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- Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- Episode IV – A New Hope
- Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
Expanded Universe Viewing Order:
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- Episode I – The Phantom Menace
- Episode II – Attack of the Clones
- The Clone Wars (Animated Series)
- Episode III – Revenge of the Sith
- The Bad Batch
- Solo: A Star Wars Story
- Star Wars Rebels
- Obi-Wan Kenobi
- Andor
- Episode IV – A New Hope
- Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back
- Episode VI – Return of the Jedi
- The Mandalorian
- The Book of Boba Fett
- Ahsoka
- Episode VII – The Force Awakens
- Episode VIII – The Last Jedi
- Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker
- Star Wars Resistance
The Rise of Skywalker Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Emperor Palpatine brought back?
Palpatine’s return was explained through Sith cloning and dark rituals, revealing that he had been orchestrating events behind the scenes since Return of the Jedi. This twist received criticism for feeling abrupt and undermining earlier victories in the saga.
How did Leia appear in the movie after Carrie Fisher’s death?
Leia’s scenes were created using unreleased footage from The Force Awakens, allowing her to play a role in Rey’s training and Kylo Ren’s redemption arc.
Is Rey really a Skywalker?
By blood, Rey is a Palpatine. However, at the end of the film, she chooses the name “Skywalker” to honor the legacy of Luke and Leia, symbolizing her chosen identity over her lineage.
What is a Force Dyad?
A rare connection between two Force-sensitive individuals, allowing Rey and Kylo (Ben) to share power, communicate across vast distances, and even transfer objects. This concept was central to the climax of the film.
Is this truly the end of the Skywalker saga?
Yes—The Rise of Skywalker is the final episode in the nine-part saga. However, new films set after these events are in development, including one featuring Rey rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Conclusion
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker had the daunting task of wrapping up a beloved saga spanning over 40 years. While it stumbles under the weight of expectations and tries to course-correct prior controversy, it still delivers enough epic moments, heartfelt callbacks, and stunning visuals to give fans a memorable farewell.
Its mixed critical reception and narrative inconsistencies sparked much debate, but for many fans, it was a satisfying—if safe—conclusion. With Rey standing as a new beacon of hope and legacy, The Rise of Skywalker closes one chapter while leaving the door open for the future of the Jedi.
Whether you view it as a triumph or a missed opportunity, it’s undeniably an essential watch for any Star Wars fan who’s followed the journey this far.
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