The ending of The Rise of Skywalker gives us a powerful (if polarizing) moment: Rey dies after defeating Palpatine, but Ben Solo uses the Force to revive her, sacrificing himself in the process. Rey then journeys to Tatooine alone, burying the Skywalker lightsabers and taking the name for herself.
But let’s stop and think—what if Rey hadn’t been revived, and Ben Solo was the one left standing? It’s a twist that would have completely changed the feel of the ending, giving us a more reflective and complex close to the Skywalker saga.
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Ben Solo’s Redemption and Purpose
We all understand how redemption stories usually go—someone does one final good act, and that’s it. But if Ben Solo had survived, his path would’ve looked a lot different. He wouldn’t have been redeemed by just saving Rey. He would’ve had to live with everything he did as Kylo Ren.
That means facing the fallout—publicly and privately. He led the First Order. People died because of him. Planets suffered. And if he lived, he’d have to carry that weight every day. Not just for the galaxy’s sake, but for his own.
And that’s what makes the idea powerful. Redemption wouldn’t be a single choice, it’d be a lifelong struggle. He’d have to choose the light over and over again, no matter how much darkness he left behind.
It’s a path we’ve seen before, in a way. Obi-Wan didn’t die a hero in battle. He lived in exile, carrying guilt and regret, protecting Luke in the shadows. Ben could’ve followed a similar route. Maybe not on Tatooine, but somewhere quiet, where he could help without needing thanks or recognition.
And through that quiet life, maybe he’d reconnect with the Force in a deeper way. Like Obi-Wan did with Qui-Gon, Ben could’ve found guidance from Luke… or even Leia. Force ghosts reminding him that he’s not alone, that he still matters.
That’s the kind of redemption arc we rarely get to see—one where the hero lives, struggles, and grows. And in Ben’s case, it could’ve been the most meaningful one yet.
Rebuilding or Redefining the Jedi
Talking about being guided by a Force ghost Jedi master, maybe for Ben, redemption would mean helping Luke complete his final wish by rebuilding the Jedi Order.
Sure, Ben might not know exactly where to start, but that’s where Luke could come in, appearing to offer guidance and wisdom when Ben needs it most. Together, they could take on this mission, bringing Ben’s unique perspective into the process.
Ben’s journey through both the light and dark sides of the Force would give him insights that most Jedi haven’t had, and this experience could shape his vision for a new kind of Jedi Order. Yet, we all know Ben was trained by Luke, representing the light side, before beginning his journey as Kylo Ren on the dark side of the Force.
Ben’s journey through both the light and dark sides of the Force would give him insights that most Jedi haven’t had, shaping his vision for a new kind of Jedi Order. Having been trained by Luke in the light and experiencing the dark as Kylo Ren, Ben’s path mirrors that of his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.
Perhaps Anakin, too, could appear as a Force ghost, guiding Ben on how to balance the Force and build an Order that truly honors the Skywalker legacy.
Relationships with the Resistance and the Galaxy’s Perception
And of course, Ben’s survival would create a massive challenge in terms of how the galaxy perceives him.
Let’s face it—Kylo Ren was feared across the galaxy as the Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was involved in terrible acts, and even the Resistance would be wary of him.
Imagine characters like Poe, Finn, and even Leia’s allies struggling to accept their redemption. But that tension would make for a fascinating arc.
Ben would have to earn the galaxy’s trust over time, proving through his actions that he’s changed. It would be a long road, filled with skepticism and resistance from those who can’t forget the horrors he caused.
You can picture Ben dedicating himself to smaller acts of good, showing up where he’s needed, and maybe even seeking out survivors of his own destruction to make amends. It would be an uphill battle, but one that could eventually lead to true redemption.