Buzz
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has become one of the most eagerly awaited films in recent memory, sparking endless fan speculation about its mysteries. Director J.J. Abrams has even expressed enthusiasm for these theories, stating, “I love seeing what fans come up with. It’ll be exciting when they finally watch the movie and discover the truth. Some will feel validated, while others will be surprised. The debates and discussions before the release are part of the fun.”
Please note: Some of the theories listed below could contain potential spoilers—or they might be entirely off the mark. Dive in and decide for yourself.
10. Rey Is the Descendant of a Legendary Figure
The trailers for The Force Awakens highlight Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) as the central characters. During a panel discussion, Ridley shared that Rey is a scavenger residing in a ship graveyard on Jakku. In one trailer, Rey is seen piloting a speeder and exploring a derelict Star Destroyer. Ridley hinted that Rey’s journey begins when she encounters another key character, widely believed to be Finn.
During the same panel, Boyega disclosed that Finn is part of the First Order, this film's iteration of the Stormtroopers. Trailers suggest these troops align with villains like Kylo Ren, General Hux, Captain Phasma, and Supreme Leader Snoke. Boyega hinted that Finn’s journey kicks off when he faces a life-threatening situation, propelling him into the Star Wars universe in an extraordinary manner.
Isaac remained even more secretive, describing Poe Dameron simply as “the galaxy’s greatest pilot.” He mentioned that Poe’s involvement begins during a mission sanctioned by a “certain princess,” likely referring to Princess (now General) Leia.
With limited information available, fans have taken it upon themselves to speculate. For example, Rey’s last name has been deliberately withheld by the filmmakers, as has Finn’s. Abrams confirmed this was intentional, sparking theories that Rey could be a Skywalker, Solo, or even a Kenobi.
A potential hint emerged during a Japanese TV interview with Ridley and producer Kathleen Kennedy. When asked about her character, Ridley remarked, “I’m not sure how much I can reveal. I’ve mentioned that I start off alone, and that’s probably a significant clue.” She and Kennedy then shared a nervous laugh. Fans quickly noted that “solitary” sounds strikingly similar to “Solo,” with some even suggesting Ridley pronounced it as “Solo-tary.” While unconfirmed, this has fueled intense speculation that Rey might be the daughter of Han and Leia.
Another popular theory posits that Rey is Obi-Wan Kenobi’s descendant, though evidence is scarce. The Force Awakens is set 30 years after the Battle of Endor, by which time Obi-Wan had already passed away. Given Ridley’s age of 23, it’s improbable she’s playing someone over 30, meaning if she is connected to Kenobi, she would likely be his granddaughter.
9. Finn or Kylo Ren Could Be Luke’s Offspring
Alongside Han and Leia, Mark Hamill is confirmed to reprise his role as Luke Skywalker, sparking theories that he might have children in the galaxy. This idea gained traction after the release of the second trailer last spring, where Luke’s voiceover states, “The Force is strong in my family.” He mentions his father, himself, and his sister (Leia) possessing this power, concluding with, “You have that power too.” This strongly suggests he’s addressing his or Leia’s child.
Finn’s lack of a surname, unlike most other characters, has also fueled speculation. Notably, he is seen wielding Luke’s iconic lightsaber in a trailer, facing off against Kylo Ren. Concept art further depicts Finn with the lightsaber strapped to his belt, hinting at its significance. Could this weapon have been passed down from his father?
Some fans argue that Kylo Ren, the antagonist, is Luke’s son. J.J. Abrams revealed that Kylo Ren’s name was changed at birth. Ren’s fascination with Darth Vader is evident, as he designed his mask to resemble Vader’s damaged helmet. Abrams noted that this connection “plays a crucial role in the film’s narrative.” Could Ren’s obsession stem from his lineage?
8. Darth Vader Might Still Be Alive
While Anakin Skywalker’s death is evident from his ghostly appearance in the original trilogy, cloning remains a possibility. Proponents of this theory highlight that cloning is a well-established concept in the Star Wars universe, and clones don’t always mirror their originals in appearance or behavior. This opens the door to the idea that Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, could be a clone of Darth Vader.
Fans bolster this theory by referencing Mark Hamill’s trailer voiceover: “The Force is strong in my family. My father has it, I have it, my sister has it. You have that power, too.” Hamill revealed that he initially struggled with the line, repeatedly saying “had” instead of “has,” which producers insisted on correcting. This subtle change seems meaningful.
It’s worth noting that the first three sentences of the voiceover are a direct quote from Return of the Jedi, so the producers may have aimed for accuracy. However, speculation has been fueled by rumors (unconfirmed) that Hayden Christensen, who played Anakin Skywalker in the prequels, might appear in Star Wars VIII. Even if true, his role could simply be as a Force ghost.
Additionally, one might question whether Darth Vader’s return is necessary. Anakin’s rise and fall were central to six films. Is there more to explore about Vader’s story?
7. Boba Fett Makes a Comeback in Some Form
In one trailer, a character appears briefly wearing armor, a cape, and holding a blaster, closely resembling the iconic look of Boba Fett. The bounty hunter was seemingly devoured by the Sarlaac in Return of the Jedi. Did he escape? Could he have a descendant? Or are fans simply projecting their desire for Boba’s return onto this fleeting scene?
Advocates for Boba’s return highlight that the new film is co-written by Lawrence Kasdan, who introduced Boba Fett in The Empire Strikes Back. Kasdan has expressed his admiration for Fett, and rumors suggest he might write a standalone film centered on the bounty hunter.
Eagle-eyed fans have also spotted two banners in another trailer featuring symbols identical to those on Fett’s armor. (These appear in the background of a scene where Han, Rey, and Finn enter a building at 1:38 here.) Is this an Easter egg or a clue? Additionally, a Vanity Fair spread showcases alien criminals, one of whom dons a helmet strikingly similar to Fett’s.
Critics of the theory argue that the caped character is actually Captain Phasma, a high-ranking officer in the First Order. Gwendoline Christie, known for her role in Game of Thrones, is cast as Phasma. While Christie likely isn’t portraying an older man, some speculate she could be Fett’s daughter.
6. Jar Jar Binks Is the Sinister Supreme Leader Snoke
Fans have long theorized that Jar Jar Binks, one of the franchise’s most disliked characters, was secretly an ally of Emperor Palpatine. Reddit user Lumpawarroo authored a widely circulated post claiming Binks’ clumsy demeanor masked extraordinary agility, rivaling that of the Jedi. The post compared Jar Jar’s movements to Zui Quan or Drunken Fist martial arts, even including gifs to illustrate the similarities.
Lumpawarroo highlights that Jar Jar and Palpatine both hail from Naboo and that Binks played a key role in Palpatine’s rise to power. The theory suggests Jar Jar’s true nature was meant to be unveiled in the later prequels, but George Lucas abandoned the idea due to the backlash against Jar Jar in The Phantom Menace. Perhaps Disney plans to revive this concept, reintroducing Binks as Supreme Leader Snoke.
While it’s tempting to dismiss this theory, descriptions of Snoke bear an eerie resemblance to an evil Jar Jar: “Concept art reportedly depicts Snoke as a reptilian alien with a cobra-like head, pitch-black eyes, and a closed, bulbous mouth. His expression is said to carry an angry sneer.”
5. Darth Vader’s Artifacts Play a Pivotal Role in the Story
Two trailers feature Anakin Skywalker’s original lightsaber, which Luke inherited in A New Hope and lost during their climactic duel in The Empire Strikes Back. Finn wields this lightsaber in his battle against Kylo Ren, indicating its critical significance to the narrative. But how was it recovered, and how did Finn come to possess it?
One popular theory revolves around a rumor that the film begins with Luke’s severed hand clutching the lightsaber or the weapon drifting through space. According to this idea, the lightsaber lands on Jakku, Rey’s home planet. She discovers it and, alongside Finn, embarks on a mission to return it to Luke.
The final trailer reveals Kylo Ren addressing Darth Vader’s melted helmet, declaring, “Nothing will stand in our way. I will finish what you started.” This implies that Ren and his followers hold Vader in high regard. If so, Vader’s lightsaber could become a coveted relic, with Ren seeking to claim it from Rey and Finn.
4. Poe Dameron’s Torture Alters Finn’s Path
According to trailers and Comic-Con behind-the-scenes footage, one theory suggests Poe Dameron is central to the start of Finn’s journey. A fleeting scene in a trailer shows Poe being tortured, likely by Kylo Ren, using the Force. Additionally, Comic-Con footage reveals a First Order stormtrooper leading Poe through what appears to be a detention facility. Poe is bound, wearing a brown leather jacket with red shoulder accents.
Other clips show Finn in a desert (likely Jakku) dressed in his First Order uniform, holding Poe’s jacket. Did Finn escort Poe to his interrogation? Later scenes show Finn wearing the jacket, possibly replacing his uniform (as seen in concept art). But how did he acquire it?
In one trailer, Finn removes his helmet, visibly shaken by something he witnesses. Perhaps it’s Poe’s torture, compelling Finn to defect from the First Order. Finn then assists Poe in escaping to a TIE fighter—shown taking off from a hangar and engaging other TIE fighters. The same TIE fighter is later seen crashing on Jakku. Were Finn and Poe aboard?
3. A Major Character Will Meet Their End
This theory is almost certainly accurate, though many fans hope it isn’t. In one trailer, Rey is seen crying over what appears to be a lifeless body. The scene is somewhat ambiguous, but some fans believe they can spot hair and a bandolier, hinting at Chewbacca’s demise. Others notice a leather jacket, which might belong to Han Solo, Poe Dameron, or Finn.
Elsewhere in the same trailer, Han Solo is shown consoling a grief-stricken Princess Leia. Could they be mourning Chewbacca’s death? Harrison Ford famously requested George Lucas to kill Han in the original trilogy, but Lucas declined. Did Abrams grant Ford’s wish this time?
Lucas once described his Star Wars films as having a poetic symmetry: “It’s like poetry, sort of. They rhyme.” While Lucas isn’t heavily involved in the new films, his earlier work serves as a blueprint. In the first installment of each Lucas trilogy, a mentor dies in battle. Will a beloved character meet the same fate as Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in The Force Awakens?
2. Two Superweapons Will Be Introduced
The film’s primary poster showcases a spherical space station reminiscent of an upgraded Death Star. However, this depiction doesn’t align with what we know about the First Order’s superweapon. At last year’s Comic-Con, Domhnall Gleeson (General Hux) disclosed that the First Order’s headquarters is named Starkiller Base, a reference to Luke’s original surname in the early drafts of A New Hope. According to the Star Wars official site, Starkiller Base is “an ice planet transformed into a First Order stronghold, equipped with a devastating new weapon capable of annihilating entire star systems.” Yet, the poster’s imagery lacks any indication of an icy surface.
Furthermore, trailers show Kylo Ren and Finn traversing and battling on the ice planet’s surface without the need for breathing gear. However, the poster’s depiction seems to lack an atmosphere. Could this imply the existence of a second superweapon?
A rumor (unverified) suggests that General Hux was once a resistance member who defected to the First Order after the rebels, led by General Leia, developed their own superweapon. Could this be the enigmatic Death Star-like structure featured on the poster?
1. Luke Skywalker Has Turned to the Dark Side
Despite numerous trailers and promotional materials, Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker remains conspicuously absent. He’s even missing from the action figure lineup. One compelling theory suggests he does appear—disguised as Kylo Ren. A detailed examination of the movie poster shows Ren’s right hand, holding his crossguard lightsaber, bears a striking resemblance to Luke’s mechanical hand.
A blogger theorizes that Luke succumbed to the dark side at the conclusion of Return of the Jedi. An early script draft even depicted Luke consumed by anger and frustration over failing to save his father. As Yoda often warned, anger can lead to the dark side. This version was ultimately scrapped by George Lucas in favor of a more optimistic ending.
However, this theory faces a hurdle: Adam Driver is credited as Kylo Ren, and the voice and physique in the trailers align with Driver. Yet, J.J. Abrams is no stranger to misdirection. For instance, he denied Benedict Cumberbatch’s role as Khan in Star Trek: Into Darkness. Abrams also mentioned being intrigued by the question, “Who is Luke Skywalker?” In a strange coincidence, a 2005 episode of Dinner for Five featured Hamill and Abrams discussing the possibility of Luke becoming a villain.
Another theory attempts to merge the idea of an evil Luke with Adam Driver’s portrayal of Kylo Ren by suggesting Luke is Ren’s Sith master.
