Exploring the Mystery of Flying Stormtroopers in 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker'

In the aftermath of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, fans have been puzzled by the characters' reactions to the flying stormtroopers. Why do Finn, Poe, and the others act as if they've never encountered jetpack-equipped stormtroopers before? To resolve this mystery, we must delve into the intricacies of Canon vs. Legends in the Star Wars universe.

Canon vs. Legends: A Brief Overview

In the broader Star Wars universe, stories can be divided into Canon and Legends. Anything that happens within the official six films, The Rise of Skywalker, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars (an animated series) is considered Canon. Conversely, any other media, including novels, video games, and animated spin-offs, falls under Legends.

One of the key Legends stories to note is Battlefront II: Rampage, where stormtroopers equipped with jetpacks were seen. However, in the Canon timeline, these jetpack-equipped stormtroopers never existed.

Why the Surprise?

Finn, Poe, and the other characters in The Rise of Skywalker react with surprise because, by that time in the Canon timeline, such technology had not been introduced to the Empire. In the Canon narrative, the Empire only utilized standard jetpack-equipped stormtroopers in the form of the Mandalorians.

To put it into context, considering the events of The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, the characters never encountered such flying stormtroopers. Poe and Finn's initial shock is understandable given that their encounters with stormtroopers were primarily on ground combat, without the added element of flight. This sudden shift in combat tactics would naturally surprise the characters.

The Evolution of the Star Wars Universe

There's also a broader context to consider: how perceptions change over time. Even legendary figures like Luke Skywalker were viewed more as myths than living individuals by the time of Episode VII. The Force and Jedi Order had become relics of the past, and their impact had faded from the collective memory of the galaxy.

The Clone Wars series offers a perfect example of how quickly the galaxy can forget. Although the Jedi Order played a crucial role in the Clone Wars, by the time of The Rise of Skywalker, their philosophies and practices were largely the stuff of legends.

Conclusion

In summary, the surprise displayed by the characters in The Rise of Skywalker is rooted in the Canon timeline and reflects the unexpected introduction of new technology in an otherwise familiar setting. The reaction serves as a subtle reminder of the rapid changes in the Star Wars universe and how its characters have adapted to these changes.

As fans, sometimes it's helpful to step back and consider the broader narrative arc of the Star Wars saga, understanding that what we might take for granted as new developments is simply a return to a previous state of Canon.