It's hard to believe, but it's been almost two years since J.J. Abrams' The Force Awakens hit theaters, and started a new trilogy of films. The Force Awakens introduced a new trio of protagonists to join the OG heroes, and the biggest breakout hit was the Force sensitive scavenger Rey. Rey's parents left her on Jakku at an early age, making the subject of her parentage a major source of discussion following the film's release. While The Last Jedi will likely explore more of Rey's backstory, actress Daisy Ridley doesn't think it actually matters that much in the long run. Rey is in the Resistance for the long haul, whether or not she finds out her parents.
You can always look for answers and that doesn't mean that the rest of your life is so easy. It's not like, oh, I know who my parents are so now everything falls into shape, especially in the Star Wars world.
Days Ridley's statement to EW makes perfect sense. Even if Rey somehow reunites with one or both of her parents, it's not going to change who the character is. Her issues of abandonment and her inherent tenacity aren't going anywhere. Luke found out who father was in Empire Strikes Back, and didn't actually change his path all that much, all things considered. And the only familial moments he shared with Vader were in the final moments of The Return of the Jedi.
While John Boyega's Finn has been teased to be having a bit of an existential crisis in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the same cannot be said for Rey. Luke will no doubt give her a deeper understanding of her abilities, which will also strengthen her determination to battle The First Order, especially the villainous Kylo Ren. And no matter what plot twists may occur in future films, Rey's trajectory toward mastering her powers is steadfast. As Daisy Ridley describes it,
Yes, it would potentially change her mind, or at least give her a little bit more peace in moving forward. But ultimately what's coming is coming, and whatever abilities she has are there. So, personally, I think it's less important than even she may think.
Daisy Ridley clearly believes in her iconic character, and is perhaps giving the budding Jedi more credit that Rey gives herself. But regardless of Ridley's feeling on the subject, the fandom clearly wants to know where the hell Rey came from.
Following Rey's triumphant debut in The Force Awakens, the fandom immediately began to debate and discuss who Rey's parents were, especially considering her quick mastery of Jedi powers like mind control, light saber battling, and telekinesis. They've debated every possibility, including being Luke's child, Leia's daughter, or even come from a family that Obi-Wan secretly had.
We'll just have to wait and see how things evolve when Star Wars: The Last Jedi arrives in theaters on December 15th. In the meantime, check out our 2017 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.
