The 6 Biggest Theories to Come Out of Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Updated on 4/14/2016 at 6:30 PM

It's been months since Star Wars: The Force Awakens was unleashed upon the world, and we're still breaking down some of the biggest mysteries. The film introduced many new characters, which in turn raised questions. Who are these people? Who are their parents? What's going on? It's a complex world, and the emergence of the Rogue One: A Star Wars Story trailer (and the fact that the Force Awakens DVD was recently released) has made us dive back into some of the more prominent theories. Episode VIII isn't coming out until December 2017, so we have plenty of time to pick these apart.

Rey's Parents May Be Prominent Characters

This is by far the biggest mystery plaguing Star Wars fans: who exactly are Rey's parents? There are a ton of theories about whose kid she is, but here are the main ones.

Luke Skywalker is her father: This is the theory that makes the most sense, and the one we want to be true! Rey is drawn to Luke's former lightsaber, Maz tells Rey that she "knows" her eyes, and she's Force sensitive. Plus, Rey's musical theme is strikingly similiar to Luke's original theme, and Mark Hamill tweeted an eyebrow-raising picture of him with Daisy Ridley on the set. Like father, like daughter?
Jyn Erso is Rey's mother: This theory was brewing ever since Felicity Jones was cast as the lead in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, but now that the trailer is out, it's picking up speed. The clues that Jyn may be Rey's mother include their physical resemblance, their similar rebel spirits, and the fact that the timing would work out pretty perfectly.
Han Solo and Leia Organa are her parents: Some fans contend that Han and Leia are her parents, and they either don't tell her that she's their daughter or don't recognize her as an adult. This would make Kylo Ren her brother!
She's Obi-Wan Kenobi's granddaughter: There are several hints that Rey is related to Obi-Wan, one of them being that he appears to her when she touches Luke's lightsaber. You can also could their similar costumes and British accents!
She's not related to anyone — she's just Luke's former padawan: Another possibility is that her parents aren't really important; what's important is that (as the theory goes) she trains under Luke to become a Jedi but escapes Kylo Ren's wrath and is dumped on Jakku. If this is true, it makes sense that she has a connection to Luke but just isn't his daughter.
She's born of the Force: Finally, there's the idea that she literally doesn't have parents. Like Anakin Skywalker, Rey could have been conceived by the midi-chlorians, the microscopic lifeforms that power the Force.

Kylo Ren Isn't Actually a Bad Guy

Kylo Ren seems almost too bad to be true, right? Well, one viral theory alleges that Kylo Ren is actually a good guy whose grand plan is to infiltrate the Dark Side and kill Supreme Leader Snoke. This is pretty far-fetched, since he has killed so many innocent people already, but maybe he sees them as collateral damage necessary to overtaking an evil ruler? If you're wondering why he would kill his own father (RIP Han), it might be because he needs to appear to make the ultimate sacrifice to pledge his allegiance to Snoke. The theory is actually really convincing.

We May Have Already Met Supreme Leader Snoke

Speaking of Snoke, who is this big bad? There are five big theories as to his true identity.

Darth Plagueis: This evil character is introduced by Palpatine in Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith. While he's supposedly dead, he was so powerful that there's a chance he either fakes his death or is able to bring himself back from the dead.
Boba Fett: Evidence to support this includes the fact the last time we see Boba Fett is when he's fed into the Sarlacc Pit. Could he have survived and been completely scarred by his experience?
Jar Jar Binks: This is a long and convoluted theory, and I think it's safe to say we all hope it's not true.
He's a Force Ghost: A Force Ghost is basically the soul of a Force-sensitive person after they die. Snoke could be the Force Ghost of Palpatine or even Darth Vader.
He's a new guy: The fifth option is that he's simply none of the above and is just a new chacter.

Kylo Ren's Name Is an Homage to Luke and Han

While Ben is his given name, we meet Han and Leia's son after he's adopted the name Kylo Ren. Strangely enough, his chosen name might be a nod to Luke SKYwalker and Han SoLO. It's a stretch, but it contributes to the theory that Kylo is secretly a good guy — see above.

There's More Than Meets the Eye With Captain Phasma

What's the deal with Captain Phasma? We were so excited to see Gwendoline Christie play a part in the movie, but we barely get to see her. Now that we've seen the trailer for Rogue One, a new theory has emerged: Jyn Erso becomes Captain Phasma. We've never seen Phasma's face, and does their difference in physicality really matter?

Han Solo Doesn't Die

Kylo Ren kills his father in The Force Awakens . . . or does he?! Harrison Ford is returning for Episode VIII, so there's a chance he survives. Of course, there's a much better chance that he's returning as a ghost or for flashbacks, but we'll see.