In Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, we see Wedge Antilles, the legendary Rebel pilot from the original trilogy, return to the big screen.
Fans of the Star Wars original trilogy will instantly recognize him as one of the Rebellion’s most skilled and loyal pilots, known for surviving both Death Star battles and leading squadrons to victory.
So, why is he, of all people, manning the Falcon’s turret rather than leading an X-Wing squadron in the final battle?
Let’s explore this surprising choice and what it might say about his role in the Resistance’s fight against the First Order.
Table of Contents
Age and Retirement
By the time of The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX), Wedge Antilles would have been around 70 years old. This is based on the timeline of the Star Wars universe.
Wedge was born in 21 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), which means that by the time the Battle of Endor took place in Return of the Jedi (4 ABY), Wedge would have been 25 years old.
The Rise of Skywalker is set in 35 ABY, which is 31 years after the events of Return of the Jedi. So, doing the math, Wedge would be around 70 during Episode IX.
At this age, it makes sense that he wouldn’t be on the front lines, leading squadrons in the fast-paced X-Wing battles.
Instead, he could provide critical support as a gunner, contributing his experience and wisdom without needing the same reflexes or physical stamina required of younger pilots.
Putting Wedge in the Falcon Was the Right Call for the Battle of Exegol
The Battle of Exegol was one of the most epic moments in Star Wars history.
The Resistance brought everything they had ships from every corner of the galaxy, from freighters and starfighters to civilian vessels—all united under a single mission: take down as many Star Destroyers as possible and shatter the fleet’s grip on the galaxy.
Poe Dameron led the air strike while Finn and his ground team took on the navigation tower, critical to keeping the fleet locked in Exegol’s chaotic atmosphere.
When Lando arrived with the Citizens’ Fleet, thousands of ships strong, it felt like the turning point. Those numbers gave the Resistance the momentum they needed to push forward, hit their targets, and even start gaining the upper hand.
But the battle wasn’t won by who was in charge of the X-wings. The real threat came when Palpatine unleashed his massive Force lightning storm.
In one blast, he nearly wiped out the fleet—a moment that proved even a legend like Wedge Antilles couldn’t change everything from the Falcon’s gunner seat.
In the end, this fight wasn’t just about starfighter tactics. It took Rey, strengthened by the voices of Jedi past, to stand against Palpatine’s dark power.
Together, with Rey’s determination and the unbreakable spirit of the Resistance, they managed to eliminate Palpatine once and for all.
And with everything stacked against them, having Wedge on the Falcon, adding his experience and grit, was exactly the right call.
The Real Reason Why Wedge Antilles Is Part of The Millenium Falcon
Behind the scenes, there’s another explanation for Wedge’s appearance in this specific role.
Dennis Lawson, the actor who plays Wedge Antilles, originally expressed that he only wanted to return to Star Wars if it was for a significant role.
This reluctance kept him out of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
However, at Star Wars Celebration Chicago, Lawson was reportedly surprised by how much the fans appreciated his character and contributions, which changed his mind.
By the time Lawson agreed to appear in The Rise of Skywalker, the filmmakers were likely short on time to integrate Wedge into a major flying sequence, which would have required him to be in full pilot gear, in a cockpit, with possibly more action scenes.
Given these constraints, having him as a gunner on the Falcon allowed for his last-minute cameo while paying homage to his history without the need for a full-blown return to fighter piloting.
In the context of the movie’s universe, Wedge’s appearance as a gunner can be explained by the urgency of the situation.
With the Resistance stretched thin and Wedge likely pulled out of retirement, there might not have been an X-Wing readily available for him to fly.
So, he joined the fight in any capacity he could, helping out where he was needed, which happened to be as a gunner on the Falcon.
3. The New Generation of Rebel Pilots
By the events of The Rise of Skywalker, the Resistance had fully embraced a new generation of heroes, with fresh pilots leading the charge.
The era of relying solely on veterans like Wedge Antilles had passed, as skilled individuals like Poe Dameron took center stage.
One of the best showcases of this shift in leadership is the breathtaking moment when the Resistance, led by Poe, arrives in their X-Wings to rescue Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Finn.
This scene is a prime example of Poe’s unmatched skill as a pilot and his ability to command in critical situations.
Poe’s prowess in the cockpit is a defining trait throughout the sequel trilogy, and he’s often referred to as the Resistance’s finest pilot.
His daring actions, from destroying Starkiller Base to orchestrating critical strikes against the First Order, highlight not only his bravery but also his ability to make split-second decisions under intense pressure.
In many ways, he represents the best of what this new generation of pilots has to offer.
Alongside Poe, other skilled pilots like Snap Wexley also played pivotal roles in keeping the Resistance alive.
Though not as widely recognized as Wedge, these new heroes proved instrumental in the fight for freedom.
With such a talented group at the helm, it made sense for Wedge to take a backseat, knowing that the future of the galaxy was in good hands.”