Now that I have had some time to digest this new trailer (and watch it about 8 more times), I’ve come up with a few thoughts. Some conclusions I’ve made based on what I’ve gleaned from the trailer; others are based on some of the other things I’ve read on the Internet. Everyone is posting their theories and trailer break downs, but this is my Rise of Skywalker trailer reaction.
If you haven’t watched the new trailer yet, or again (and again), then go do that now (or again).
I think this trailer is much different than the other two; it’s far more nebulous. There were major plot points I extrapolated, correctly, based on each trailer. In The Force Awakens, it was Kylo Ren’s heritage. In The Last Jedi it was the reason for Luke’s cantankerous behavior and hermit lifestyle. This trailer, however, leaves very few clues. Although, the fact that Kylo Ren was the crux for both of those major plot points makes me wonder what will be his final role?
Is That The Mortis Dagger??
Altar of Mortis
At about 1:50 into the trailer we see Rey and Kylo Ren destroy a statue. The scene doesn’t really indicate if they are working together or if that statue is collateral damage. Regardless, what’s important is what Rey is holding in her left hand? It appears to be a dagger which begs the question, is that the Mortis Dagger??
If you watch The Clone Wars then think back to Season 3, episodes 15, 16 and 17. Anakin, Obi-Wan and Ahsoka leave for a mission and suddenly find themselves on the planet Mortis. On this planet lives The Father, the Daughter and the Son. All three seem to be incarnations of the Force and all three are immortal. The Son, which is the incarnation of the Dark Side, has become too consumed with his power. The Father helps Obi-Wan and Ahsoka acquire the Mortis Dagger which removes immortality and can therefore be used to defeat The Son.
I’m going to stop there 1) because you should go watch those episodes, if you haven’t yet and 2) I think you know where I’m going with this. Episode IX director, J. J. Abrams, has said that the Rise of Skywalker will “unite all three trilogies”. Granted, The Clone Wars is not a movie but an animated series, however it is part of the Skywalker Saga. Using the Mortis Dagger to destroy the Emperor not only makes sense but would be another one of those brilliant tie-ins. I’m really digging this idea and I really hope the Internet and I are correct.
There is not a lot to glean from this trailer, other than the possible modus operandi of permanently killing Palpatine. Therefore I’m going to move on to other reactions and thoughts I had about this final trailer.
My wife is not into Star Wars; it’s essentially just myself and my daughter (for now, she’s only 5). However sometimes my wife and I have discussions about canon. It’s almost better that she doesn’t know as much as I do because she brings a new perspective. One that is less mired by 40 years of expanded universe novels and Disney influence. Therefore she is a great source of inspiration for new topics and our recent discussion was Star Wars from a Sith perspective.
I have been looking forward to the Star Wars Celebration for two reasons. First, the last one I went to was 2002, when it was in Indianapolis for the release of Attack of the Clones. Second, its in Chicago this year, my favorite city. Ultimately the best part of the going to the event was bringing my five-year old daughter. This is my Chicago Star Wars Celebration experience.