Duel Of The Fates: How The Rumored Original Episode IX Could Have Changed Star Wars

The "Star Wars" saga has captivated audiences with stories of a galaxy far, far away for decades. Through tales of hope, love, and resilience, this space opera series has definitely stood the test of time.

When Episode IX, later known as "The Rise of Skywalker," was in development, there were rumors of an original script that differed greatly from what was seen on screen. The script, titled "Duel of the Fates," was leaked in early 2020. The screenplay is rumored to be an early draft of the film, then supposed to be directed by Colin Trevorrow. The story it wanted to tell would have been a diverse, intense, and intriguing addition to the "Star Wars" universe.

There are similarities between "Duel of the Fates" and "The Rise of Skywalker," but the differences bring a new journey to the sequel trilogy. In addition to many dark scenes, Gen. Leia Organa (Carrie Fischer) plays a bigger role — this adds to the leaked draft's legitimacy, considering the script had to be rewritten after Fisher's death. Rey (Daisy Ridley) also makes a name for herself, and Finn (John Boyega) confronts his past in a powerful way. 

Just like Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), Leia had an incredible impact on the life of her son, Ben Solo aka Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). Unfortunately, Carrie Fisher's death in 2016 did not allow that influence to be explored in full in the sequel trilogy.

The leaked script, however, depicts Leia's relationship with Kylo Ren in depth. One of the biggest moments between Kylo and his mother comes when Rey is blinded and struck down by the Sith Lord. In the original film, she is weakened by her fight with Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) and Kylo brings her back to life on his own terms. In "Duel of the Fates," he is not so quick to save Rey, especially since he was just fighting her. Leia reaches out to her son and helps guide him toward the right choice. In the end, he does bring Rey back to life, just as he did in "The Rise of Skywalker," giving her life at the expense of his own. 

As he leaves the persona of Kylo Ren behind and dies as Ben Solo, the script states, according to Esquire, that there is a "look that could be perceived as love." Whether that affection is for Rey or his mother is up to interpretation. All that matters is that Leia's wisdom and determination to save her son allow him to break free of his rage.

One of the biggest mysteries of the sequel trilogy is Rey's lineage. When she is introduced in "The Force Awakens," she is simply known as Rey, and she carries that identity throughout the first two films. In "The Last Jedi," Kylo tells her that she's nobody, that her parents are no one who mattered. "The Rise of Skywalker," though, reveals her to be a Palpatine. At the end of that film, Rey visits Luke's home planet, Tatooine, and meets a woman. The woman asks who this new girl is, and she responds with "Rey Skywalker." 

Some fans took issue with her answer, saying that Rey proved herself time and time again and that her worth should not be based on who her family is, especially since the Skywalkers are the most famous ones in "Star Wars" history. Reddit u/Leftliner said "making her an 'honorary Skywalker' just feels so cheap and reinforces a huge problem in Star Wars: Everyone has to be someone important." 

In the script for "Duel of the Fates," she is neither a Palpatine nor a Skywalker. Instead, the original script has Kylo telling Rey her last name is "Solana" before passing on. This name has no meaning for audiences, but it's incredibly important to her character. By not connecting her to the Emperor, Luke, Leia, or any other important member of the "Star Wars" universe, the screenplay emphasizes that it doesn't matter where she comes from. She doesn't have to be someone famous to do something extraordinary, and throughout the sequels, Rey has shown she is just as important as Anakin Skywalker's children — even if she is a nobody.

One of the most powerful storylines in the sequel trilogy is that of Finn, a former stormtrooper, who becomes a staple part of the Resistance. Finn escapes the First Order, coming into his own as a Resistance soldier and fighting against the fascist military organization that had abducted and brainwashed him. Though "The Force Awakens" took a look at Finn's decision to break free of this organization, Rey and Kylo's complicated relationship takes the lead in the following films, and Finn's past isn't explored fully. In "Rise of Skywalker," he does meet Jannah (Naomi Ackie), who assists the Resistance in the fight against the First Order. However, "Duel of the Fates" gives Finn more power over his past.

In the leaked script, he plays a vital role in the war against Kylo Ren and his troops. In addition to Jannah — who may or may not have been named in the original script — he liberates stormtroopers like him. He helps them find something worth fighting for, and by harnessing his traumatic experiences and his growth, he inspires them to join the Resistance and put an end to the First Order.

This conclusion is extremely satisfying for Finn. By bringing his story full circle, "Duel of the Fates" allows him to confront his past, help his former comrades find the freedom he has, and make the galaxy better for all. Like Rey, he shows that it doesn't matter where he started. He is still able to do something amazing for his friends and for the universe.