One of the most interesting parts from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was the reveal of Rey’s mother.
Rey’s parentage has been a constant source of discussion in the sequel Star Wars trilogy. Internet threads were ravaged with a bevy of theories as to who where Rey’s parents. Many of those discussions were put to rest in 2017’s Star Wars: The Last Jedi when it was revealed that Rey’s parents were merely “nobodies”. This sparked a whole bevy of discussions as to the role the concept of inheriting a name plays in the Star Wars saga. Leading up to the release of The Rise of Skywalker, fans were excited to see Rey’s saga end. However, as the film neared its halfway point, fans were’s delighted (or angry) that Rey’s mother and father were revealed. What got the conversation started wasn’t what her parents looked like, but rather who they were.
Finally, now that The Rise of Skywalker has been released, we know who exactly played Rey’s mother. It was a shock to many that Rey was in fact the descendent of Palpatine, making her of Sith relation. However, some fans also noticed that Rey’s mother a familiar actor, but they couldn’t quite place their hands on who it was. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker briefly showed who Rey’s parents were, as they received less than 30 seconds of screen time. When paid close attention to, it was revealed that both Rey’s mother and father are household names in the acting business.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey’s mother was played by Jodie Comer, best known for her role as Villanelle in Killing Eve. Jodie Comer is also set to play Molotov Girl in Ryan Reynold’s Free Guy. Comer’s roles on television have made her a household name, and she’s just beginning to dominate the cinematic landscape. When it came to Rey’s father for the latest Star Wars film, Billy Howle stepped into the character, who was Palpatine’s son. Billy Howle is best known for his roles in Dunkirk and Outlaw King.
What’s absolutely remarkable is that neither Jodie Comer or Billy Howle’s involvement in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was leaked in advance of the film being released. There were certainly a bevy of leaks attached to The Rise of Skywalker prior to its cinematic release, but it’s quite surprising that Emmy Award Winning Jodie Comer’s involvement was not leaked.
What are your thoughts on Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker? Were you disappointed or elated when it was revealed that Rey was a Palpatine? Comment below and let us know!
Here is the official synopsis for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker:
Lucasfilm and director J. J. Abrams join forces once again to take viewers on an epic journey to a galaxy far, far away with Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the riveting conclusion of the seminal Skywalker saga, where new legends will be born and the final battle for freedom is yet to come.
Directed by J. J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid, and Billy Dee Williams. Carrie Fisher will appear as General Leia Organa through the use of previously unreleased footage shot for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will be released in theaters on December 19, 2019.