The Rise of Skywalker has divided opinion ever since its release, with Star Wars fans torn over whether or not it did a successful job at bringing the saga to a close. Inevitably, there’s also been plenty of rumors and much speculation on the internet about what went on behind the scenes, with plenty of people claiming to have inside information.
We’re not saying everything you read on this list is true, but here are 10 rumors that have surfaced about the blockbuster since it hit theatres last month.
JJ Abrams Wanted Two Movies
While we’re not saying The Last Jedi is bad, but it was certainly a movie that left director JJ Abrams with much to do regarding The Rise of Skywalker. The second movie in the sequel trilogy saw big players like Luke Skywalker and Supreme Leader Snoke killed off, while it also didn’t do the greatest job at evolving the likes of Finn, Poe Dameron and many more.
And that’s why Abrams reportedly asked for the film to be split in two, similar to how the Harry Potter series ended. Disney said no, however, and that was that.
JJ Abrams Didn’t Want The Kiss
In an attempt to please fans, The Rise of Skywalker ended with Rey and Kylo Ren exchanging a kiss. It initially looks like Rey has died following her epic confrontation with Palpatine but Kylo brings her back using the same force healing power she’d previously used on him, before dying as a result.
And it’s been claimed that JJ Abrams didn’t want the kiss in the movie whatsoever. However, Disney insisted on it out of sheer determination to give at least one group of fans the thing they want the most. The kiss isn’t bad - but Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley don’t exactly have the best chemistry, and they seem a tad unbelievable as a couple.
Disney Insisted On Some Stuff
Star Wars merchandise doesn’t sell like it used to when George Lucas oversaw things. In an attempt to rectify that, Disney reportedly insisted on things making the movies that may appeal to children, collectors or both.
Apparently the stormtroopers with jetpacks was their idea, with Disney believing it would be a huge hit in the toy department. And that infamous ’they fly now’ moment - which was meant to be funny - was their idea as well. Sigh…
JJ Abrams Feels Down About It All
The final rumor regarding director JJ Abrams is that he feels extremely disappointed with the movie. He’d always tried his hardest to make The Rise of Skywalker as epic as possible but, in his eyes, interventions from above meant he was never going to get what he wanted.
It’s also been reported that Abrams feels Disney may have meddled with the movie on purpose because they fear he’s off to work on the DCEU. While we don’t know if that’s true, it would be a crying shame if it was.
John Boyega Is Unhappy
John Boyega has admitted he felt ‘a bit iffy’ about The Last Jedi. And, while he’s publicly insisted that he’s happy with Finn’s role in The Rise of Skywalker, it’s rumored that he’s actually pretty unhappy with what went down.
He’s said to be specifically peeved that Disney never showed Finn telling Rey he was force sensitive. In the movie, he tries to do this on numerous occasions but, in the end, he never gets the chance. That, among many fans, has been a sore spot in the short time since the movie’s release with nobody getting the answers they wanted. At least on screen.
And So Too Is Oscar Isaac
Oscar Isaac raised eyebrows when, shortly after the release of the ninth and final Star Wars movie, he bluntly admitted he was looking to leaving the character of Poe Dameron behind. “Nope,” was his answer when quizzed if he had any intention of playing Poe again.
Since then, fans have been eager to get to the bottom of how he feels. And rumors have suggested that Isaac feels disappointed with Disney’s decision not to have Poe and Finn become a couple. He’s previously admitted he wanted this and he is now upset that his advice wasn’t taken on board.
Colin Trevorrow Had His Own Idea For Rey’s Origin
In The Rise of Skywalker, in what has to be one of the most-random reveals of all time, Rey is named as the granddaughter of Palpatine. Quite how this is possible is something we’re struggling to get over, too.
Apparantly, however, early drafts of the story when Colin Trevorrow was in charge would have had Rey as a servant whose mother worked for Han Solo and Leia Organa. This meant she and Kylo Ren would have had a deeper connection that first expected but, in the end, Disney didn’t go with it. Trevorrow himself has also shut down the claims on social media, and he’s adamant that was never going to be the case.
Palpatine Was Never Meant To Return
In fairness, this was something long rumored well before the movie came out. But, now that people around the world have seen it, more rumors surrounding Palpatine have emerged.
Disney have always insisted Palpatine’s return was on the cards since day one but this, apparently, was their way to get fans back on-side following the decision to kill off Supreme Leader Snoke in The Last Jedi. While we were delighted to see the Sith Lord again, we can’t help but find the lack of answers surrounding his second coming absolutely infuriating.
Disney Insisted On Fan Service
One of the biggest complaints among critics is that The Rise of Skywalker bowed down to the fans too much. There were easter eggs relating to the rest of the saga’s installments thrown into the movie at every turn, and it’s clear Disney were eager to make fans feel nostalgic.
While that worked, however, Disney reportedly insisted on this over plot development. It’s reportedly for this reason that many things, like answers about Palpatine, Snoke and much more, were left on the cutting room floor. Because who needs explanations anyway, right?
Anakin, Obi-Wan And Mace Windu Were Going To Return
While Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Mace Windu did technically return - their voices are heard when Rey reaches out to the Jedi of the past for help in her battle against Palpatine - many were angry and disappointed that we didn’t get to physically see the trio.
But scenes were apparently shot with the three characters in full costume. Once again, Disney are accused of pulling the plug, not wanting anything to detract from Rey’s story. That, to us, is a really big missed opportunity.
