When THE LAST JEDI released in theaters just over two years ago, the film set off a maelstrom of controversy. Fans were as fractured as Luke Skywalker's lightsaber at the end of the film, with some hailing it as the best STAR WARS film to date while others declaring it a complete cinematic disaster. Regardless of your feelings on Rian Johnson's film, there's no question that THE RISE OF SKYWALKER walks back several of the plot points from THE LAST JEDI.
One of the more explosive and shocking moments from THE LAST JEDI was when Kylo Ren destroys his mask. The Vader fanboy smashes his helmet into smithereens just after a dressing down from Snoke. This action was in concert with the film's overall theme of letting the past die. Even if you haven't seen THE RISE OF SKYWALKER yet you probably know from TV spots and promotional art that Adam Driver's Kylo Ren rebuilds his helmet for this latest film. The real question is why? Well screenwriter Chris Terrio is here to offer some answers.
In a recent interview with The Wrap, the Oscar winning screenwriter addressed the concern that THE RISE OF SKYWALKER somehow undoes THE LAST JEDI. Terrio insisted that that is not the case but rather that the RISE OF SKYWALKER is having a conversation with Rian Johnson's film. That statement is probably up for debate considering the topic has launched about 1,000 think pieces at this point. However, when asked about Kylo Ren rebuilding his mask, Terrio stated it was so Kylo could show the world he's broken on the inside. It's essentially Kylo Ren acknowledging that fact and owning it. Terrio went on to say that the act was also because Kylo Ren doesn't want to face the past:
"Kylo says ‘Kill the past,’ but remember, it’s the bad guy that’s articulating that. ‘Kill the past’ is not the voice of the film. That is what any number of dictators would say. I feel that although Kylo Ren is always saying “Kill the past,” that is his blind spot. He doesn’t want to face the past. He doesn’t want to face what he’s done. He doesn’t want to betray the legacy that he’s come from in joining the Dark Side. I even think Rian would probably take issue with the idea that ‘Kill the past’ is the voice of the director. I think you don’t write characters that way, or write characters in a meta-conversation with another film.”
Now take this as just one person's opinion here but this seems like an incredibly convoluted answer. While I agree it's a mistake to assume that what's said and done in a film mimics the beliefs of the director, Terrio's words come off as scrambling for an explanation. I've seen the film twice and I still don't think there's a solid explanation as to why Kylo Ren rebuilds his mask. I could be wrong but I feel like the consensus is that everyone loved Adam Driver's use of the mask in THE FORCE AWAKENS so why not bring it back just for that reason. It may be a shallow reason but it makes more sense than what Terrio is saying here.
So what do you guys think? Do you buy Chris Terrio's explanation? Why do you think Kylo Ren rebuilt his mask? Sound off in the comments below!