What Are 'Grey' Jedi And Why Do They Divide Star Wars Fans?
Most force-wielding characters within the "Star Wars" franchise are split into two categories: the Jedi (who wield the light side of The Force) and The Sith (who use the dark side of the Force). Over the years, we've been introduced to several characters who seem to walk the line between light and dark. Fans online have often used the term "Grey Jedi" to refer to these characters — denoting a Jedi who becomes evenly aligned between the opposing sides of the force without becoming corrupted.
The title first cropped up in the Star Wars Legends comic book "Star Wars: Republic: The Stark Hyperspace War," which referred to Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) as a "Grey Jedi" for his disobedience towards the Jedi Order. The name was most prominently featured in the Legends video game "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic," where players meet a self-titled "Grey Jedi" named Jolee Bindo (Kevin Michael Richardson) who uses the light and dark side of the force. While there are multiple instances of this term being used in the non-canon Legends universe (formerly known as the Expanded Universe), it's worth noting that the term is fairly controversial within the "Star Wars" fandom. Fans online are torn on whether or not "Grey Jedi" exist at all.
Some fans believe there is a middle ground within The Force
The primary argument against "Grey Jedi" is the fact that (within "Star Wars" canon) The Force only deals in absolutes of good and evil, so its inherently evil nature will corrupt any Jedi who uses the dark side of The Force. Despite this, many online fans continue to support the idea of "Grey Jedi" because they find the black-and-white nature of The Force to be unrealistic and restrictive.
"It will never cease to amaze me how the existence of Grey Jedi frustrates some Star Wars fans because they can't conceive the idea that maybe The Force shouldn't be just limited to a black and white binary," wrote Twitter user @TommyTheIllest. "Again, you don't suddenly turn Dark because you shot lightning once." Additionally, other fans noticed that even Jedi who follow the so-called "light" side of The Force have caused plenty of damage due to the restrictive nature of their Order. "It's wild to me to be angry at the concept of Grey Jedi when time and time again the films and shows keep showing how the Jedi's conservative, restrictive way of looking at the world does more harm than good," explained @Krocecz.
One fan found a middle ground in this argument, asserting that "Grey Jedi" don't exist in canon but that somebody like Qui-Gon Jinn could be considered one because he followed the will of The Force rather than the will of The Jedi Order. While "Grey Jedi" are not considered canon, fans still believe there ought to be a middle ground here — regardless of where Lucasfilm stands.
The term is rejected by the majority of fans
According to Lucasfilm Story Group member Matt Martin, there is no such thing as a "Grey Jedi" within the canon "Star Wars" universe. Any Jedi who uses the dark side of the force will be corrupted by that usage. "It doesn't really make sense in the way the Force works," Martin tweeted in 2017. "That sort of goes against what Star Wars is all about. The dark side corrupts."
The fact that "Grey Jedi" aren't considered canon has opened up plenty of debate. Many feel that the title is too general and childish to have any basis in the franchise while others claim that there are plenty of characters who could fit the bill as "Grey Jedi." On Twitter, user @jjakejameslugo vehemently rejected the term, claiming that "Grey Jedi" are just a silly excuse to not pick a side. Echoing this sentiment, @BDaveWalters declared, "REJECT THE GREY JEDI HERESY. It's for teenage edgelords who want to be able to force choke someone without being evil." On Reddit, there appears to be similar antipathy. "The very concept betrays how the Force works," a fan wrote.
Despite the overwhelming rejection of this term, many fans continue to debate which characters are "Grey Jedi" within the "Star Wars" canon — most recently discussing whether or not "Jedi: Survivor" lead Cal Kestis (Cameron Monaghan) could be considered a "Grey Jedi" due to his actions. Although some fans might decry the term, the concept of "Grey Jedi" remains up for debate.