Luke’s Fate: A Divergent Path Leading to Palpatine’s Side in The Rise of Skywalker

One of the most thrilling and intriguing what-if scenarios in the Star Wars saga is the potential outcome of Luke Skywalker joining Palpatine’s side during The Rise of Skywalker. This article explores the hypothetical situation where Luke does indeed choose to align with the Emperor and the far-reaching consequences that would ensue.

Escaping the Death Star

The journey to Palpatine would have been fraught with peril. Once aboard the Death Star, it would be imperative for Luke and his companions to extricate themselves as quickly as possible, given the imminent explosion. Among the darkness and flames, Sidious would undoubtedly beckon Luke to fulfill a grim destiny—dismantling his past and replacing it with a more sinister future as the Emperor’s new Sith apprentice.

The Dark Path Revisited

Luke, much like his father Anakin before him, would have succumbed to the dark side, corrupted by the immense power that Palpatine offered. The transformation would have been swift and complete, turning a man who once fought against the Empire into its most formidable and feared weapon. This dark path, just like Anakin’s, would have led to a tragic and inevitable end.

The SPL Interjection

A user suggested a different hypothetical scenario, where Luke could have been sent by the Emperor to bring Rey back, making her the new Sith apprentice. The idea lacked detail, but it raises an interesting point about the dynamics between Luke, Rey, and the Emperor. However, the user’s concern about Rey’s lack of training and experience is valid—she would be an unpolished sword compared to the seasoned Sith.

Given Luke’s considerable strength, even in his old age, he would likely have convinced Rey of the path of the dark side and turned her into a formidable Sith. Palpatine, sensing the potential in both Luke and Rey, would have ultimately seen Rey as the more promising apprentice. This would have led to a confrontation between Luke and his former master, culminating in a tragic duel where Luke’s hatred would have driven him to kill the Emperor.

A New Empire and Dark Lord

With Luke as the new Sith Lord, the old Emperor would have seen his own demise as necessary. Luke’s rise would mark the beginning of a new, more brutal Empire. The political landscape, now fractured and weakened, would have ultimately led to its decline, setting the stage for further conflicts. Luke, with the help of Rey, would have ruled with an iron fist, eventually finding a new apprentice to take his place in the power vacuum.

The Alternate Sequel Saga

Had this alternate path been taken, it could have opened up a plethora of new storylines. The original trilogy and sequels would have taken on a very different trajectory. The Forbidden Art in Episode VII and Rey’s initial training in the Force would have been a series of lessons and confrontations with the dark side. This would have led to a more complex conflict with Kylo Ren and would have established a whole new legacy for the Jedi and Sith.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, while Luke’s original arc in the saga was determined by the showrunners and established in the canon, exploring alternative paths through fan fiction and discussions enriches our understanding of the Star Wars universe. It invites us to imagine new adventures and conflicts, pushing the boundaries of our imagination.

Luke Skywalker, Paul Giamatti, The Rise of Skywalker