--- title: Star Wars Fan Theories: 11 Force Awakens Rumors description: Don’t read if you want to keep the mystery alive canonical: https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/ author: Melissa Locker article:opinion: false article:content_tier: free article:published_time: 2015-11-20T13:00:51.000Z article:modified_time: 2026-08-04T07:43:18.389Z article:section: Entertainment og:title: The 10 Most Fascinating 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Fan Theories og:description: Don’t read if you want to keep the mystery alive og:url: https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/ og:site_name: TIME og:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 675 og:image:alt: TIME og:type: article twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:title: The 10 Most Fascinating 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Fan Theories twitter:description: Don’t read if you want to keep the mystery alive twitter:image: https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/bltde093bcdab65f2d0/6988d9b9bc6cfc69913e2a3c/time-logo.jpg?branch=production --- # The 10 Most Fascinating _Star Wars: The Force Awakens_ Fan Theories > Sponsored content. 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Terms and conditions apply. * Savings buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Savings Account. * No ATM fees from Ally Bank at Allpoint and Moneypass ATMs plus we reimburse for fees charged by other ATM owners nationwide up to $10 per statement cycle. * Early direct deposit offers eligible direct deposits up to two days sooner. * Spending buckets are a feature of Ally Bank's Spending Account. ## Video: Star Wars- The Force Awakens Trailer (Official) [Watch (HLS stream): Star Wars- The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)](https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/t3MjF3mv.m3u8) (2:35)  _Published 2015-10-20. Star Wars- The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)_ by [Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/) ## Melissa Locker Nov 20, 2015 1:00 PM UTC by [Melissa Locker](https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/) ## Melissa Locker Nov 20, 2015 1:00 PM UTC Dec. 18 can’t come soon enough for fans of _Star Wars_ eager to see what _The Force Awakens_ has in store for that galaxy far, far away. Beyond the official synopsis (“Han Solo and his allies face a new threat from the evil Kylo Ren and his army of Stormtroopers.”), the film’s plot has been kept under tight wraps. Here’s what we know so far: Taking place years after the events of _Return of the Jedi_, evil still exists in the form of the First Order, which is basically a modern-day Galactic Empire with an even deadlier Death Star called the Starkiller. We also know that there is a character named Rey (Daisy Ridley), Finn (John Boyega), and that Lupita Nyong’o is playing a character named Maz Kanata, and that many of the classic _Star Wars_ actors are reprising their roles. In the absence of confirmed plot details, fans have rushed to fill the void with theories. Many of them are based on the fact that Luke Skywalker is not pictured in any of the [posters](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Why-Isn-t-Luke-Skywalker-Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-Poster-88997.html) or the [trailers](http://www.cnn.com/2015/10/29/entertainment/luke-skywalker-star-wars-missing-feat/). Other theories are pieced together from the snippets of footage, interviews with the cast and director, TV spots, posters, trailers, the _Star Wars_ books, and any other tidbit of information that has been released so far. There is a possibility of spoilers if any of these wild hypotheses turn out to be true. ### Jar Jar Binks is back  Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. 20th Century Fox What if these two new characters are actually the children of Han and Leia? This theory stems from the _Star Wars_ Expanded Universe books, where Han and Leia get married and have twins, a boy and a girl named Jaina and Jacen, and a son named Anakin. In the books, the children were frequently sent to distant planets for safe keeping, so it’s possible that Rey is sent to Jakku while Kylo Ren is off learning to walk in Grandpa Darth Vader’s footsteps to the Dark Side. (Abrams has [said](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/J-J-Abrams-Clears-Up-Huge-Misconception-About-Star-Wars-Villain-Kylo-Ren-79057.html), “\[Kylo Ren\] works under Supreme Leader Snoke, who is a powerful figure on the Dark Side of the Force.”) Adding fuel to the fire is the fact that Abrams told [_Entertainment Weekly_](http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-force-awakens-character-names/2) he intentionally did away with last names for Rey and Kylo (Ren is a [title](http://time.com/3994149/star-wars-the-force-awakens-kylo-ren-adam-driver/), just like Darth). It would be too obvious if their last name was Solo, right? Need more evidence? In one of the [official posters](http://time.com/4100159/new-star-wars-movie-posters/) for the new film, it looks like Rey and Kylo Ren are facing off against each other, which could make some pretty exciting inter-family drama, which, of course, is what the _Star Wars_ saga thrives on. As [Radio Times points out](http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2015-10-20/7-pieces-of-evidence-that-suggest-star-wars-rey-and-kylo-ren-are-actually-the-solo-twins), it could also explain why Leia and Han look so upset in the trailer. **Plausibility: 40%** While this storyline would make a lot of fans happy, Disney has said that the _Star Wars_ sequels are original stories, so it’s not especially likely. It doesn’t hurt to dream though. ### Rey is Han and Leia’s daughter In a similar vein to the twins theory, some fans are theorizing that after living happily ever after, Leia and Han had just one daughter—Rey. To protect her from the ever-present Dark Side and galactic bad guys on the hunt for Skywalkers and their Jedi predilections, Han and Leia decide to hide her away on the desert planet of Jakku. So when Ridley revealed during the [Star Wars Celebration](http://www.ew.com/article/2015/04/16/star-wars-celebration-jj-abrams-force-awakens) in April that her character is a scavenger currently living on a desert planet named Jakku, fans were curious. And later, she is photographed in the cockpit of the Millennium Falcon. As [one fan on Reddit](https://m.reddit.com/r/FanTheories/comments/3pjx61/the%5Fforce%5Fawakens%5Fpossible%5Fspoilers%5Fhow%5Frey%5Fand/) points out, who would Han let fly his beloved ship, but his daughter? For additional support for this theory, look no further than [the international trailer](http://time.com/4102706/star-wars-asian-trailer/) where Rey tells BB-8: “I know all about waiting …for my family.” Plus, in the new TV spots, Lupita Nyong’o’s character, Maz Kanata, tells Rey: “I have lived long enough to see the same eyes in different people. I see your eyes. I know your eyes.” Who flashes on the screen? Han Solo. **Plausibility: 80%** Rey is a central character in _The Force Awakens_ and since _Star Wars_ is basically a family drama it’s a solid bet that she is related to somebody fans already know and love. ### Finn is Leia and Lando Calrissian’s son  John Boyega portrays a stormtrooper in the new Star Wars movie. Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Here’s what we know about Finn (John Boyega): he is a Stormtrooper, who may be having doubts about his alliance with The First Order, and eventually teams up with Rey and the Resistance. He also eventually has an [epic lightsaber battle](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVGkWBrD3I0&feature=youtu.be) with Kylo Ren. It’s that lightsaber that has fans thinking Finn just might have a little Skywalker in him. This theory stems from the idea that if Leia and Han Solo didn’t last as a couple, Leia would instead end up with Han’s gambling buddy, Lando Calrissian. (Are there so few men in the galaxy?) But Finn could also simply be Lando’s son with another mother entirely or not related to Lando at all. However, Billy Dee Williams [ has hinted](http://screenrant.com/star-wars-7-sequels-spinoffs-billy-dee-williams-lando/) that he may make an appearance in the new _Star Wars_ movies and a site called [SuperBroMovies](https://twitter.com/SuperBroMovies/status/663107914958110720?ref%5Fsrc=twsrc%5Etfw) noticed that an [Amazon](http://www.amazon.com/COLLECTIBLE-Episode-Calrissians-Collectible-Storage/dp/B0153YLTIY?tag=skim1x165631-20) listing for a _Star Wars: The Force Awakens_ puzzle describes Finn as Lando’s son. It could be an error, as [ScreenRant](http://screenrant.com/star-wwars-force-awakens-finn-lando-calrissian/) points out Amazon listings are written by the seller, but it wouldn’t be the first time that a movie’s merchandise leaked a plot point. **Plausibility: 30%** Abrams has intentionally not announced Finn’s last name, which hints that it could be a clue to Finn’s family tree. ### Kylo Ren wants to bring back Darth Vader  Star Wars (1977) Directed by George Lucas Shown: David Prowse (as Darth Vader; voice: James Earl Jones) NB: James Earl Jones' voice replaced Prowse's in postproduction 20th Century Fox Based on the trailers, it’s clear that Kylo Ren is very interested in Darth Vader. While Abrams has [confirmed he’s not a Sith](http://www.slashfilm.com/kylo-ren-is-not-a-sith-in-the-force-awakens/), Kylo’s mask is an homage to the Sith Lord. “The movie explains the origins of the mask and where it’s from, but the design was meant to be a nod to the Vader mask,” Abrams [told _Entertainment W_](http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-force-awakens-kylo-ren)[_eekly_](http://www.ew.com/article/2015/08/12/star-wars-force-awakens-kylo-ren). “\[Ren\] is well aware of what’s come before, and that’s very much a part of the story of the film.” We know that Kylo is working with The First Order, apprenticed under Snoke, got his name when he joined a group called the Knights of Ren and is [searching for a weapon](http://io9.com/hear-two-of-the-villains-of-the-force-awakens-speak-for-1728625448). But what’s his mission? According to one theory [put forward by io9](http://io9.com/we-have-a-crazy-theory-about-how-darth-vader-might-fit-1730904280), Kylo Ren may be trying to resurrect Darth Vader either literally or just as a part of The Force like Obi Wan’s ghost, but, you know, evil. It would explain why in the international trailer Kylo seems to be telling Darth Vader’s bedraggled mask, “I will finish what you started.” **Plausibility: 40%.** Kylo is probably bringing back Vader metaphorically, but probably not literally, although cloning is quite popular in _Star Wars._ While it would be kind of awesome if Vader came back, it seems unlikely that Abrams would resurrect the same old villain for the reboot. This is _Star Wars_, not _The Smurfs._ ### Luke Skywalker is in exile Jason Ward, the editor-in-chief of fan site _Making Star Wars,_ [wrote a piece](http://makingstarwars.net/2014/11/star-wars-episode-vii-state-luke-skywalker/) about the “State of Luke Skywalker,” claiming that in _The Force Awakens_ Luke Skywalker has taken a page out of Obi-Wan Kenobi’s book and put himself into a self-imposed exile. “Luke Skywalker has become the most powerful Jedi ever, but he doesn’t believe he’s the wisest,” wrote Ward. To keep the Force in check, instead of fighting evil in every corner of the galaxy, Luke spends his days meditating and accidentally floating the furniture with the magic of the Force. [Wired](http://www.wired.com/2015/11/star-wars-force-awakens-where-is-luke-skywalker-theories/) notes in its rumors roundup, that Luke could be on the run, while Ward [wrote another piece](http://makingstarwars.net/2014/11/star-wars-episode-vii-state-luke-skywalker/) arguing that Luke has gone M.I.A. in order to protect an ancient Sith tomb and his lightsaber, which may be the key to unlocking a dark Sith secret. That idea is so crazy it just might work, especially if Kylo Ren comes looking for the lightsaber. **Plausibility: 60%** Even if Luke is in exile for the bulk of the film, it is wildly preferable to the theory that [Luke is dead](https://thecantina.starwarsnewsnet.com/index.php?threads/luke-skywalker-is-already-dead.6223/). ### Luke Skywalker has gone to the Dark Side  20th Century Fox As [CinemaBlend](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Why-Luke-Skywalker-Viewed-Villain-Star-Wars-Force-Awakens-93897.html) notes, many people believe that _The Force Awakens_ will reveal a shocking twist for _Star Wars_ fans—Luke Skywalker has become a Sith Lord. Fan Rob Conery has made [a thorough argument](https://medium.com/cinenation-show/luke-skywalker-sith-lord-f8a11072f246#.qd4gfp5aj) as to why this might be the case. In short, “Luke gave in to the Dark Side to save his friends and defeat Vader and the Emperor.” It makes sense and it could explain why Luke has been completely absent from the _Star Wars_ posters and trailers. Plus, in a [2006 appearance](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5EU5kM2pX0) on _Dinner for Five,_ Mark Hamill said that he always figured Luke would turn to the Dark Side eventually. **Plausibility: 50%** [_Making Star Wars_](http://makingstarwars.net/2014/11/star-wars-episode-vii-state-luke-skywalker/) claims that insiders describe Luke as “creepy and frightening in appearance” and you can see “the fire in his eyes.” Does that mean he’s gone Dark? Maybe. That said, would Abrams actually dare to tarnish Skywalker’s legacy? Also, maybe. ### Luke is Yoda While J.J. Abrams [has said](http://collider.com/star-wars-7-kylo-ren-not-a-sith-says-jj-abrams-andy-serkis-character-revealed/) that “Ren is totally not a Sith,” he definitely has a fixation with the Dark Side. If Kylo Ren is Dark, the Force would need to be balanced by someone good. In the 30 years since _Return of the Jedi,_ Luke has probably picked up a few new skills that he could pass on to the next generation of padawans. He could step into Yoda’s tiny Muppet footsteps and start training a new generation of Jedis, especially if it turns out he _is_ related to Rey and/or Finn. Based on the third trailer, it’s clear that Finn knows his way around a lightsaber and who better to teach him than (Uncle) Luke? **Plausibility: 80%** Who else is going to teach those younguns how to use a lightsaber? ### The Resistance is hiding out on Boba Fett’s planet Jabba the Hutt’s favorite bounty hunter has always been one of the most mysterious figures in the _Star Wars_ universe, but _The Force Awakens_ may offer some clues into his world. [Eagle-eyed fans](http://www.slashgear.com/is-boba-fett-in-star-wars-the-force-awakens-20410696/) have noticed that banners hanging outside the temple in one scene of the third trailer are emblazoned with Mandalorian symbols similar to those worn by Boba Fett. Does this mean some of the action will be taking place on his home planet of Mandalore? If so, it would be the [first film depiction](http://www.businessinsider.com/star-wars-force-awakens-trailer-analysis-2015-10) of the planet of the bounty hunter who is “[simultaneously alive and dead in the Sarlaac Pit until a story pulls him out](http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Boba-Fett-Could-Return-Star-Wars-Here-How-71000.html).” Another [rumor](http://makingstarwars.net/2015/05/star-wars-the-force-awakens-green-planet-which-it-most-likely-is-and-whats-there/) is that the temple is actually on the moon Yavin IV, which is not only home base for the Resistance, but also the hideout of pirate Maz Kanata (Lupita Nyong’o). **Plausibility:** 50% Boba’s long been a fan favorite; bringing him back to the big screen would make J.J. an instant hero with the Star Wars crowd. ```json [{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","@id":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/"},"headline":"The 10 Most Fascinating Star Wars: The Force Awakens Fan Theories","datePublished":"2015-11-20T13:00:51.000Z","dateModified":"2026-08-04T07:43:18.389Z","description":"Don’t read if you want to keep the mystery alive","url":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/","keywords":["movies","Star Wars topic","daisy ridley","John Boyega","star wars: the force awakens","The Force Awakens"],"thumbnailUrl":"","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Melissa Locker","jobTitle":"","url":"https://time.com/author/melissa-locker/"}],"articleSection":"Entertainment","image":[],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time","url":"https://time.com/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://time.com/images/logo.png","width":528,"height":156},"foundingDate":"March 3, 1923","sameAs":["https://www.facebook.com/time","https://www.instagram.com/time/?hl=en","https://twitter.com/time","https://www.pinterest.com/timemagazine"]}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@id":"/section/entertainment/","name":"Entertainment"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@id":"/tag/movies/","name":"movies"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@id":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/","name":"The 10 Most Fascinating Star Wars: The Force Awakens Fan Theories"}}]},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Asian Star Wars Trailer","description":"New footage appears in the preview","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/DsO0t1AY/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-11-06T14:01:05.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/DsO0t1AY.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/","duration":"PT1M52S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}},{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"VideoObject","name":"Star Wars- The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)","description":"Star Wars- The Force Awakens Trailer (Official)","thumbnailUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/v2/media/t3MjF3mv/poster.jpg?width=720","uploadDate":"2015-10-20T02:39:51.000Z","contentUrl":"https://cdn.jwplayer.com/manifests/t3MjF3mv.m3u8","embedUrl":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/","duration":"PT2M35S","potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","target":"https://time.com/4116403/star-wars-force-awakens-fan-theories/?jw_start={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}}] ```