Could Rey Have an Ethnic or Force-Related Connection to Obi-Wan Kenobi?

Often in storytelling, a relationship between characters can turn a simple conflict into a profound and emotional one. In the case of the Star Wars saga, the question of whether Rey, the insightful and mysterious protagonist, could be connected to the wise and stoic Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, remains a topic of intense debate. While there are some compelling arguments for a potential connection, the complex nature of their storylines and the pragmatic needs of the narrative paint a different picture.

Rey's Lineage and Inheritance

No, there is no concrete evidence to support the notion that Rey is in any way related to Obi-Wan Kenobi, whether by blood or by any other means. Rey herself identifies not as "Skywalker," a name that typically denotes a direct bloodline to the Jedi Order, but rather as a Palpatine, the grandchild of the Sith Emperor. By doing so, she attempts to disown any ties to her grandfather and hopes to initiate a fresh start, unburdened by the dark legacy of the Sith.

For Rey to be a Skywalker, it would necessitate a connection to Padmé Amidala, who died shortly after giving birth to Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. Given the biological impossibility of this scenario—Padmé’s weakened state post-pregnancy and the absence of any historical account of a romantic involvement between Obi-Wan and Padmé—the idea of Rey being a Skywalker from a previous fling is highly implausible.

Thematic and Narrative Considerations

The story of Star Wars thrives on its ability to blend complex themes with compelling narratives. Sometimes, the most compelling stories arise from the absence of a character's connection, rather than from its presence. The question of Rey's connection to Obi-Wan could have been a thematic boon, providing depth and intrigue. However, the integration of this storyline may have disrupted the flow of the narrative and required excessive exposition.

Moreover, the choices made by the key characters in the Star Wars saga often emphasize acceptance and fidelity. Both Luke and Leia demonstrate an almost familial love for their companions, including Han Solo. Despite their busy lives and the chaos of the galaxy, they do not abandon their allies or loved ones. If Rey were somehow related to Obi-Wan, the narrative could easily have included hints or scenes revealing their connection, yet no such elements were introduced in the films or canonical materials.

Force-Based Connections and Reimagining

The concept of Rey being a result of a Force-based event—a second Chosen One born to restore order—could have provided a more compelling and intricately woven narrative. This storytelling choice would have allowed the audience to explore the idea of generational cycles within the Force and the potential consequences of actions taken by powerful beings. For instance, the death of Emperor Palpatine could have caused a significant imbalance in the Force, necessitating the birth of a new Chosen One to restore harmony.

This idea would have been a thematic and narrative coup, emphasizing the importance of rectifying past mistakes and healing the damage caused by the Sith. Additionally, it would have allowed for a deeper exploration of the Force, its ebbs and flows, and the responsibilities that accompany being a Chosen One.

Pragmatics of Storytelling

The compelling narrative arc and the meticulous setup of the Star Wars universe require a certain degree of consistency. Any significant changes to established characters and their histories could have compromised this consistency. The integration of Rey being a Skywalker from a previous fling with Obi-Wan would have required a substantial reimagining of the character dynamics and plot progression, which may not have been feasible within the confines of the existing narrative structure.

In conclusion, while the idea of Rey having an ethnic or Force-related connection to Obi-Wan Kenobi is intriguing, it remains outside the practical realm of storytelling within the Star Wars universe. The narrative choices made by the creators have focused on the power of acceptance, loyalty, and the importance of forging one's own path in the Force, rather than relying on bloodlines or traditional relationships to drive the story forward.