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. So, let’s explore this alternate path for Ben Solo.
Without further ado…
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Ben Solo’s Redemption and Purpose
If Ben had survived, his redemption story would have taken on a whole new layer.
Instead of finding redemption through a single act of sacrifice, he’d have to live with his past, confront it, and actively atone for what he did as Kylo Ren.
This idea of living redemption is powerful because it would mean Ben couldn’t simply “pay his debt” by sacrificing his life and disappearing—he’d have to face the galaxy and, more importantly, himself.
Ben would have to come to terms with the years he spent as the Supreme Leader of the First Order, his role in countless deaths, and the destruction he caused.
That’s a huge weight to carry, and instead of seeing him as the tragic hero who saved Rey, we’d watch him wrestle with these inner demons.
For those of us who love redemption arcs, this would be the ultimate test—seeing Ben choose every day to stay in the light, despite the darkness he once embraced.
Obi-Wan spent his exile watching over Luke, finding a purpose in ensuring the survival of the next generation.
For Ben, the same opportunity could arise. Perhaps he’d stay on Tatooine, watching over the galaxy from a distance, hoping to prevent others from falling as he once did.
This quiet redemption could even lead him to discover new insights about the Force, as Obi-Wan did when he connected with Qui-Gon.
For Ben, this might mean encounters with his own master, Luke Skywalker, or even his mother, Leia, appearing as Force ghosts.
Much like Rey’s vision of them at the end of The Rise of Skywalker, these moments would give Ben guidance and comfort, helping him find peace and clarity on his path to redemption.
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.