Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) concludes the nine-part Skywalker saga with a visually explosive, emotionally charged finale. Directed by J.J. Abrams, the film attempts to tie together decades of lore while addressing the controversial elements of its predecessor, The Last Jedi. It follows Rey as she confronts her lineage and faces Emperor Palpatine, who mysteriously returns to lead the Final Order. Meanwhile, the Resistance, led by Poe, Finn, and Leia, rallies for a final stand. The film reunites many legacy characters, including Lando Calrissian, and uses archival footage to include Leia Organa, following Carrie Fisher’s passing. John Williams returned for his final Star Wars score, providing a grand, emotional soundtrack. Despite its massive scale and familiar charm, The Rise of Skywalker received mixed reviews. Critics praised its action, visuals, and score but criticized its plot for being rushed and overstuffed, and for relying too heavily on nostalgia and fan service. While it holds a low 52% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, audiences were more forgiving, with a B+ CinemaScore and over $1 billion in global box office earnings. However, it remains the lowest-grossing and most critically divisive of the sequel trilogy. Fans were split—some felt it was a satisfying end, others viewed it as a narrative retreat that ignored earlier bold choices. Regardless of opinion, it marks a definitive, albeit controversial, end to the Skywalker legacy.