Hey there, Rebelscum fans! This week on the site we’re examining how the Skywalker saga came to a close in The Rise of Skywalker at the Battle of Exegol. Make sure to read our “Expand Your Mind” article first in order to read about the scene and its importance within the broader saga, but stay tuned throughout the week for more articles, insights, videos, and info about the best merchandising opportunities.


There are few characters in the overall saga as complex and well realized as Han Solo and Leia Organa’s son Ben Solo, who took on the name Kylo Ren when he was turned to the dark side by the enigmatic Sith Lord Supreme Leader Snoke. The origins of Ben lie in Jacen Solo, Han and Leias’ son in the Expanded Universe. Jacen was born amidst the Heir to the Empire saga and became a hero and leader throughout the Yuuzhan Vong War, but like his grandfather before him he turned to the dark side and took the name Darth Caedus. It was only after the intervention of his twin sister Jaina that Caedus’s reign of terror came to an end.


Adam Driver was cast as Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens when he was a relative unknown, having first gained prominence for his role on HBO’s Girls. In the subsequent years, Driver has grown into one of the best actors in the industry with unforgettable performances in films such as While We’re Young, Silence, Patterson, Annette, Logan Lucky, The Report, The Last Duel, and House of Gucci. He received Academy Award nominations for BlacKkKlansman and Marriage Story.


In The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren reveals his cross guard red lightsaber, which had wowed fans since its appeared in the highly anticipated first teaser trailer released in November 2014. Ren searches for the map that leads to his uncle, Luke Skywalker, and captures Rey in an attempt to lure her to the Dark side. After killing his father, he is weakened and scarred after dueling Rey.


Ren returned with a vengeance in The Last Jedi, in which he continued to reach out to Rey and share secrets of his origins. As a child, Ben grew powerful with the Force and formed the Knights of Ren, and was nearly killed by his uncle. However, Ren is once again unsuccessful in both tempting Rey’s allegiances and slaying his uncle.


The Rise of Skywalker concluded Ren’s story arc as he transitioned back into Ben Solo after losing his mother. Now under the influence of Palpatine’s cloned essence, Ben turns on his master and joins forces with Rey, completing his transition back to the Light side. The film ended with a controversial kiss between the two that continues to divide fans.

What do you think, Rebelscum fans? What are some of your favorite Kylo Ren moments? What is some of your favorite Kylo Ren merchandise? Let us know in the forums, and as always, may the Force be with you!