So, let’s talk about that moment in The Rise of Skywalker. When Rey introduced herself as “Rey Skywalker,” I remember sitting there thinking, “Wait… what?”
It was emotional, sure, but it left a lot of fans scratching their heads. Was it a tribute? A way to start fresh? Or just a storytelling choice that didn’t fully land?
Rey’s Connection to the Skywalkers
Rey, the powerful Force-sensitive scavenger at the center of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, is portrayed by Daisy Ridley.
Her journey begins on the desert planet of Jakku, where she lives a solitary life as a scavenger. Despite her humble beginnings, Rey discovers a deep connection to the Force.
In “The Force Awakens,” Rey encounters BB-8, a droid carrying a map to Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. This meeting sets her on a path that leads her to the Resistance and its leaders, General Leia Organa and Han Solo.
In “The Last Jedi”, she seeks out Luke Skywalker, hoping he will train her in the ways of the Force. Although initially reluctant, Luke eventually agrees to train Rey. Through her training, Rey learns about the balance of the Force and the dangers of the dark side.
Leia Organa, Luke’s sister, also plays a pivotal role in Rey’s journey. Despite not being a Jedi, Leia guides Rey and provides her with wisdom and leadership.
In “The Rise of Skywalker”, Leia’s final act is to reach out to her son, Ben Solo, through the Force, distracting him long enough for Rey to strike a fatal blow.
Through her interactions with the Skywalkers, Rey not only learns about the Force but also about herself. She discovers her potential and her place in the galaxy.
Despite learning about her lineage in “The Rise of Skywalker,” Rey chooses to define her own identity, ultimately taking on the Skywalker name to honor the legacy of Luke and Leia.
Rey’s Decision to Take the Skywalker Name
In the climactic scene of “The Rise of Skywalker”, a stranger approaches Rey and inquires about her identity. Rey responds simply, “I’m Rey.” The stranger probes further, “Rey who?”
In the ensuing silence, Rey senses the presence of her mentors, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, appearing as Force ghosts.
Witnessing Luke and Leia, Rey realizes that she has been accepted by them to carry on the Skywalker legacy in the Star Wars universe.
With confidence and affirmation, she introduces herself to the stranger as “Rey Skywalker”.
Why Rey chose Skywalker as her last name comes from a toy from Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, specifically, the Jedi Holocron.
Once you have the Jedi Holocron and insert the yellow kyber crystal, which is a reference for Rey Skywalker, you can hear Rey speaking.
One of the lines from the holocron reveals, “Luke Skywalker was my master. So was his sister, Leia. And her son, Ben, gave his life for me. I took the Skywalker name to honor them and their legacy.”
Rey Skywalker wasn’t about genetics—it was about belonging. Luke, Leia, and Ben gave her hope and a sense of family. By taking their name, she’s choosing to carry their legacy and move forward with it.
Honestly, not a bad way to explain her journey.