Tying all eras of Star Wars together, as J.J. Abrams has suggested he’d like to do with Star Wars Episode IX, won’t be easy. The task became more difficult when Rian Johnson refused to use any of Abrams’ ideas in The Last Jedi. Notwithstanding, with Abrams back at the helm, the Skywalker saga will come to a close. Episode IX is sure to address, and close out, Kylo Ren/Ben Solo’s character arc. That just might involve the return of his grandmother, Padme Amidala.
I know, I know. There are already rumors about Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader returning, as well. The notion of Padme Amidala making an appearance, however, if the scene is as MovieWeb describes it, is quite plausible. It could also have a poignant effect on Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, and determine whether or not the Sith acolyte will find redemption.
Padme Amidala and the World Between Worlds
For many of us Dave Filoni has become one of the greatest Star Wars storytellers there is. He proved that with The Clone Wars, and again with Rebels. (Even Rian Johnson cites The Clone Wars Mortis story arc as inspiration.) Filoni’s World Between Worlds could allow Kylo Ren to learn the truth about the grandfather he idolizes, and Padme Amidala’s true fate.
According to the rumor, Ren will find himself in the World Between Worlds much the same way Ezra Bridger found himself there in Rebels. Ezra rescued Ahsoka and learned a final lesson in sacrifice while in the World Between Worlds. Conversely, Ren is rumored to first find a portal to Naboo and witness Padme Amidala’s funeral. The true test of his Vader obsession will come when he witnesses Anakin/Vader choking Padme’s life away.
How Padme Amidala will factor in Episode IX, and whether Natalie Portman will film any new scenes, remains a mystery. If the World Between Worlds’ portal images are nothing more than flashbacks, meant only as messages/lessons for Kylo Ren, I’m okay with that. Playing around with the time continuum, on the other hand, could be messy business. Abrams already has enough on his plate if the film will indeed be a “course correction” for the franchise.
We’ll see what Abrams does when Episode IX opens in December of next year. Until then, stay tuned here for more on Episode IX, The Mandalorian, and all your Star Wars news.
Sources: MovieWeb; Drunken Chicken TV