Article contributed by Tyler Constable
It’s only a couple of months now until the Star Wars sequel trilogy (and ultimately, the Skywalker Saga) concludes when the franchises ninth instalment hits cinemas on December 19th. Fans over the world rejoiced when we were finally treated to The Rise of Skywalker’s final trailer that gave us just a glimpse into all that awaits, and, what an epic glimpse it was. Here’s a breakdown of all the exciting and emotional moments we’ve been shown so far.
The trailer begins with Rey traversing the jungle terrain of new planet, Ajan Kloss, armed with just her lightsaber and an ancient text, determined to complete her Jedi training and master the ways of the force. We see her strike down a blaster helmet much akin to the headgear Luke originally used during his training in A New Hope – a nice nod to the past.
A monologue from Finn soon begins ‘It’s an instinct, a feeling’ in reference to the force, while Rey continues to run. A smooth midair cut takes us back to the young Jedi’s roots as a scavenger, as she’s seen navigating the abandoned interior of an unidentified ship. Perhaps the remains of the second death star’s wreckage that was revealed in the first trailer? ‘The force brought us together’ Finn concludes and we get our first look at the ex storm trooper turned resistance warrior in his new get-up.
Speaking of the resistance, they’ve clearly grown in numbers since the events of The Last Jedi as Poe takes over the narration in the next shot of the new resistance base where a classic Star Wars group huddle is taking place that features the one and only Lando Calrissian. ‘We’re not alone, good people will fight if we lead them’ Poe exclaims, giving us a brief look at some resistance members caught in hectic surroundings: a brand new fighter played by Dominic Monaghan (Lost, Lord of the Rings), Lieutenant Connix (Billie Lourd), and, Rose Tico who has risen through the resistance racks since we last saw her. We then get to see Poe, accompanied by Finn and Chewie looking like he’s preparing to board his fresh new ship – a slick orange and white X-Wing.
Rey is next to continue the narration, stating ’People keep telling me they know me. No one does.’ One of the biggest questions and speculations of the sequel trilogy have been about Rey’s parentage and who exactly she is. It’s been confirmed that Rise will address and explore the mystery further. ‘But I do’ Kylo Ren claims as he enters the shot through a shower of water and mist and lifts his own lightsaber, ready for battle. However, before it begins we cut to a shot of TIE Fighters heading towards a very icy structure. This is potentially our first look at another new planet – the frozen world of Kijimi.
A shot of the Emperor’s empty throne comes next as Palpatine’s sinister voice echos ‘Long have I waited’ as a star destroyer rises up from icy water in what appears to be an epic lightning storm. ‘And now you’re coming together’ he concludes as we cut to Rey piloting the Falcon, alongside Chewie, Poe and Finn.
The trailer’s most emotional moment comes next when we cut to C-3PO being tinkered with by new alien ally, Babu Frik, who just happens to be an expert in droid repairs. He’s also appears to have his own companion in the absolutely adorable D-O. A heartbreaking line is delivered when Poe asks 3PO exactly what he’s doing and the droid replies ‘Taking one last look sir… at my friends.’ This is followed by pained reactions from R2-D2 and Chewie. We certainly weren’t ready for that.
It’s here that things really pick up, as John Williams masterful scores swells and we’re treated to a shot of Finn, Poe, and Chewie taking down a band of stormtroopers. Have your eyes dried yet? Well you’ll probably need to grab the tissues again when you see the beloved general Leia sharing a moment with Rey. It’s here that Luke Skywalker can be heard, seemingly addressing Rey as he proclaims ‘Confronting fear is the destiny of the Jedi. Your destiny.’
This narration is coupled with some epic action from the skies as a Y-Wing is seen firing away at an intimidating star destroyer, and, on the ground – with the resistance (lead by Naomi Ackie’s new character, Jannah, alongside Finn and BB-8) are charging into battle on… horses? Yep, your eyes weren’t deceiving you, this new species are officially called Orbaks and it looks like they’ll be a big help to our heroes.
A strikingly powerful shot of Rey and Kylo Ren comes next, as the pair stand in the ruins of the Emperor’s thorn room facing each other, in the midst (or at the tail end of?) battle. Rey is clearly armed and ready with her lightsaber while Kylo’s remains to be seen which makes this scene all the more enticing. And if that wasn’t intriguing enough then we immediately get a sequence of the two working together again, shattering what appears to be a podium where Ren’s treasured artefact – the one and only Darth Vadar’s helmet – sits. Only leaving us with even more burning questions.
We once again hear Palpatine’s dreaded laugh as Rey is seen backing away from a cloaked figure that can only be the Emperor himself. He looks to be hooked up to strong machinery, perhaps suggesting that he’s not in the greatest condition? Nevertheless, it’s a shot that ultimately carries an overbearing sense of dread which is wonderfully contrasted by the trailer’s simple final moments:
Rey wielding the Skywalker saber as Luke and Leia remind her that ‘The force will be with you…’ ‘Always.’ It’s a powerful message of hope to end on that’s sure to spark goosebumps.
