What Happens at the End of the Last Star Wars Movie?

The last Star Wars movie, The Rise of Skywalker, marks the end of the Skywalker saga that began over 40 years ago. Directed by J.J. Abrams, this movie was released in December 2019 and brings an end to the epic space opera franchise that has captured the hearts and minds of millions of fans across the globe.

Overview

The Rise of Skywalker picks up from where its predecessor, The Last Jedi, left off. The First Order is still in power and Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), now Supreme Leader, is on a quest to find Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid) who has somehow returned from the dead. Meanwhile, Rey (Daisy Ridley) continues her Jedi training under General Leia Organa (Carrie Fisher) as she tries to uncover her true identity and her connection to Kylo Ren.

The Battle for Exegol

The main conflict of the movie takes place on Exegol – a hidden planet where Emperor Palpatine has been hiding with his fleet of Star Destroyers. He reveals to Kylo Ren his plan to destroy all life in the galaxy and replace it with his own Sith army. To do so, he requires Rey’s power as a Jedi to transfer his essence into her body.

The Resistance, led by Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac), Finn (John Boyega), and Chewbacca (Joonas Suotamo), launch an attack on Exegol with the help of Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) and other allies they gather along the way.

The Final Showdown

As Rey confronts Palpatine, she realizes that he is too powerful for her to defeat alone. However, she draws strength from all the Jedi who have come before her – including Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) – as they speak to her from beyond the grave. With their encouragement, Rey defeats Palpatine and saves the galaxy.

In the final moments of the movie, we see Rey visiting Luke Skywalker’s childhood home on Tatooine. She buries Luke and Leia’s lightsabers there and reveals her new lightsaber – a yellow-bladed one that she constructed herself. A passerby asks for her name, to which she responds, “Rey Skywalker” – symbolizing her embrace of the Skywalker legacy and her newfound identity as a Jedi.

Conclusion

The Rise of Skywalker brings closure to the Skywalker saga in a satisfying way. It ties up loose ends, provides closure to some characters, and leaves room for new adventures in the Star Wars universe. With its blend of action, humor, and heart, this movie is a fitting tribute to one of the most beloved movie franchises of all time.