Theories about Rey’s parents are plentiful. There’s a new theory, however, that it is making the rounds, and it’s a bit disturbing. Frankly, it’s one I don’t particularly want to believe. However, if we take Kylo Ren at his word in The Last Jedi, it just might be plausible. And it might come to light in Star Wars Episode IX.
Reddit has always been a hotbed of Star Wars fan theory. The latest speculation about Rey’s parents comes from Reddit user “fromanuneasysea“, who presented this hypothesis:
“Well, maybe one of the big twists in episode IX is that Rey pulled that ship down with the force (a theory I have seen elsewhere, not my original idea) she blocked it out, but now that she has met Kylo, she realizes she also killed her parents and is not so different than him, this is part of what brings them closer in TLJ, but we are not made privy to this detail of their memory exchange.”
Disturbing Theory About Rey’s Parents
My gut reaction to this theory was “no way.” Then I started thinking about this in more depth, and I researched the matter. In doing so I found others, notably Esquire Magazine, that shared my same thoughts. Now, keep in mind that all of this hinges on Kylo Ren telling the truth. This theory, of course, also assumes that J.J. Abrams won’t course correct Rian Johnson’s… departure from Star Wars norm.
In The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren tells Rey in the elevator “[y]ou know the truth. Say it.” He then goes on to tell her that her parents are buried in a pauper’s grave on Jakku. Plausible, if Rey’s parents died when she downed their ship with the Force. Don’t forget that Maz reminded Rey that Rey already knows the truth, that whomever she’s waiting for isn’t coming back.
What if Rey Killed Her Own Parents?
Imagine if a distraught Rey really did kill her parents by crashing their ship. That could also explain the seeming disdain Unkar Plutt has for Rey. The crash left Rey with no one, and left her to Plutt’s unwilling care.
I’m still not convinced. Rey’s parents dying at their child’s hands? That’s a little dark for Disney. Let’s not forget: the rumor is Disney cancelled The Clone Wars for being too “graphic”, after all. However, Disney did scar (pun intended) plenty of kids with Mustafa’s murder in The Lion King. So who knows. We certainly won’t until the final episodic Star Wars film hits theaters next year.
I’m still sticking with my theory about Rey’s parents, and holding out hope for a Mara Jade appearance in Episode IX.