Although J.J. Abrams' STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is about to cross $1 billion atthe global box office, it hasn't exactly been well received by critics and fans. Both have criticized the film for its convoluted story, plot inconsistencies, Michael Bay breakneck speed, and backtracking of Rian Johnson's THE LAST JEDI. Even though J.J. Abrams came back to direct the final film in the Skywalker Saga, that wasn't always the plan. JURASSIC WORLD director Colin Trevorrow was originally brought on to write and direct Episode IX but due to that ubiquitous phrase, "creative differences," Disney and Trevorrow ultimately parted ways. Disney's vision and Trevorrow vision vastly differed and if this latest report is to be believed, that is an understatement the size of a rancor.
The report comes courtesy of Reddit, specifically the sub-Reddit for Star Wars Leaks. Now typically the aforementioned source is about as reliable as a C-3PO vow of silence. However, the leak itself originated from noted filmmaker and YouTuber Robert Meyer Burnett which lends the story more credibility. Having said that, the following information should be taken with a Crait sized dose of salt.
Highlights from Colin Trevorrow's script saw our band of adventurers on quests completely different than what we saw in RISE OF SKYWALKER. After Kylo Ren shuts down all communication between planets to stifle rebellion, Rose and Finn go on a mission to First Order occupied Corsucant to activate an ancient beacon at the Jedi Temple to call the galaxy to war. There's also a sequence where Rose and Finn steal a Star Destroyer and Finn's Stormtrooper origins are explored in more detail. Trevorrow's story also found Rey going on a separate mission with Poe that involved Rey having a double bladed light saber. Kylo Ren finds a Sith Holocron (not a Wayfinder) on Mustafar that leads him to a Sith Lord, reportedly Palpatine's master. Kylo also fights Darth Vader in a dream sequence and it's revealed Ren killed Rey's parents.
Furthermore, Trevorrow's script only had Palpatine returning in hologram form as Kylo Ren remains the sole Big Bad. He's not redeemed as he is in THE RISE OF SKYWALKER. Rey also remains a "nobody" as stated in THE LAST JEDI and is not Palpatine's granddaughter. The final confrontation between Rey and Kylo also saw the Force Ghosts of Luke, Obi-Wan, and Yoda all returning to assist Rey. Finn and Rose also save some Force sensitive children (including Broom Boy) for Rey to train as the next generation of Jedi.
Whoo man! As someone who was extremely disappointed by THE RISE OF SKYWALKER, I can personally say that this script is exponentially better than what we got. Not only does the plot make sense, it's a true connection between all three trilogies. It also gives Rose's character much more agency and provides a richer arc for Finn. I also liked the fact that it doesn't redeem Kylo Ren, something I thought was lazy and obvious. I can't stress how much I love Palpatine barely showing up and Rey not being his grandchild. Plus Kylo Ren fighting Darth Vader in a dream sequence and Obi-Wan, Yoda, and Luke showing up as Force Ghosts at the end??!! Are you kidding me??!!!
Oh yeah Colin Trevorrow's title for Episode IX? DUEL OF THE FATES. Insert Michael Fassbender "Perfection" GIF here.
I almost hope this story isn't true because if it is I'm sincerely bummed. The idea that Disney would turn away from this story in favor of Chris Terrio and J.J. Abrams' script just boggles the mind. Although to be fair this is par for the course for Disney. If you don't toe the company line you're gone. This is something Phil Lord and Chris Miller learned as did Colin Trevorrow. Trevorrow however is clearly not crying in his blue milk. He's got the third JURASSIC WORLD film set to start filming later this year which will see him reunite with Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard.
So what do you guys think? Do you think this leaked script is legit? Do you love it? Hate it? Were you satisfied with the story we got in RISE OF SKYWALKER? Let us know in the comments below!