The lost Star Wars finale that almost redefined the sequel trilogy's conclusion
In short: Before The Rise of Skywalker hit screens, Colin Trevorrow penned a vastly different vision for the saga's end. Titled Duel of the Fates, this leaked screenplay offered a distinct path for Rey and Finn, sparking intense debate among fans about what might have been if the studio had stayed the course.
In 2015, Lucasfilm tapped Colin Trevorrow to helm the final chapter of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Working alongside Derek Connolly, Trevorrow drafted a screenplay dated December 16, 2016, which diverged significantly from the eventual 2019 release. While Trevorrow eventually left the project in 2017 due to cited creative differences with studio head Kathleen Kennedy, his script surfaced online in 2020. Authenticated by the director, the document revealed a narrative that maintained continuity with The Last Jedi, notably avoiding the return of Emperor Palpatine as a primary antagonist.
The plot of Duel of the Fates centers on a galaxy under the control of the First Order, with General Hux serving as chancellor. The Resistance, led by Leia Organa, operates from a new base while Finn and Rose Tico spearhead a revolution among stormtroopers on Coruscant. Meanwhile, Kylo Ren seeks power from a 7,000-year-old mentor named Tor Valum, and Rey, whose surname is revealed as Solana, grapples with the balance between light and dark. Unlike the theatrical version, this draft gives significant agency to characters like Rose Tico, who leads a pivotal uprising.
Critical reception of the leaked script was largely positive, with many observers praising its narrative cohesion and character development. Journalists noted that it provided a more direct follow-up to the previous film, rather than attempting to reverse its established plot points. John Boyega, who portrayed Finn, expressed interest in the concept art depicting his character leading a rebellion, noting the lack of nuance afforded to characters of color in the final theatrical cut. Although Trevorrow moved on to other projects, the script remains a significant artifact of the franchise's development, illustrating the tension between creative vision and studio production.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Star Wars: Duel of the Fates
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