The Mystery of Palpatine's Clone in 'Rise of Skywalker': A Closer Look

In 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker', many fans have puzzled over why Palpatine's clone was not introduced. This article explores the reasons behind its absence and delves into alternative theories.

Introduction to the Question

The death of Emperor Palpatine at the end of 'The Rise of Skywalker' was one of the most contentious points in the film. According to real-world reports, the scene detailing the cloning process was cut during post-production, resulting in a substandard storyline. This article aims to shed light on the mystery surrounding Palpatine's clone and the implications it might have had on the overall narrative.

The Lack of Explanation in 'Rise of Skywalker'

One of the key questions fans have is why Palpatine's clone was not introduced in the film. The original plans reportedly involved Palpatine's spirit taking over a new clone body, a concept drawn from 'Star Wars: Dark Empire,' a source that predates the sequel trilogy. However, this idea was subsequently dropped due to editorial concerns. During the film, Palpatine seemingly dies in a reactor blast that leads to the destruction of the second Death Star.

Survival Analysis: Sidious and Skywalker

Compared to Palpatine, Han Solo's survival on Starkiller Base is relatively straightforward. However, Sidious, known as 'Kylo Ren' in the film, faces a more challenging survival scenario. He falls into a reactor and eventual explosion, then has to survive the vacuum of space, making his survival even more miraculous. The idea of a spiritual transfer to a clone body, as suggested by 'Dark Empire,' is more logically consistent with Sidious's ability to return. This theory aligns with the Legends continuity, where Palpatine previously transferred his spirit to a clone body in an earlier novel.

The Fate of Palpatine's Spirit

When Palpatine died, his body was destroyed, but his spirit was not. After the Death Star II's destruction, his spirit likely inhabited a clone body, similar to the way Darth Plagueis could transfer his spirit. This theory is supported by the Legends continuity in 'Star Wars: Dark Empire' and could have provided a more satisfying conclusion to the trilogy, tying Palpatine's resurrection to a specific technique rather than simply a sudden reappearance.

Comparison with Leia

Leia, on the other hand, could save herself with her knowledge and resourcefulness. When the Raddus's bridge was destroyed, Leia was flung out into space, but she was not obliterated. The idea of a clone body also fits better with the idea of a physical transfer, suggesting that Palpatine could have chosen this method to avoid the risks of a complete physical resurrection.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The decision to cut Palpatine's clone scene was a creative choice that left many fans questioning the decision. However, examining alternative theories, such as the transfer to a clone body, provides a satisfying explanation that aligns with both the original Legends continuity and the broader Star Wars universe. Whether this change was for narrative simplicity or editorial constraints, the absence of the clone scene has left a gap in the story, particularly for fans invested in the compliancy of the Star Wars saga.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Palpatine's clone not introduced in 'Rise of Skywalker'? The scene was cut due to editing concerns, prioritizing a faster-paced narrative rather than a detailed explanation of his resurrection. Is it likely that Palpatine survived by inhabiting a clone body? Yes, this aligns with the 'Dark Empire' material and provides a logical explanation for his return. How does this alternative explanation affect the overall story of the sequel trilogy? It offers a more cohesive narrative, tying Palpatine's resurrection to a specific method rather than a sudden appearance, enhancing the overall continuity of the story.

References

For more information on the implications of Palpatine's clone and the history of 'Star Wars' Legends, refer to the following sources:

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis Star Wars: Dark Empire