This Theory About Rey's Family Makes So Much Sense

It's the question that's still keeping Star Wars fans up at night: What is Rey's lineage? There have been countless theories dedicated to answering the inquiry, but no one can seem to agree on a definitive conclusion. The options are too overwhelmingly vast and for every piece of evidence that points one direction, there's an equal and opposite point of evidence that steers us away from it. Like this newest theory, for instance, that posits Rey as Emperor Palpatine's granddaughter.

Though there being a connection between Rey and Palpatine isn't a completely new theory (at this point, almost all the conceivable options have been considered), YouTuber Vincent Vendetta uploaded some convincing evidence to support the idea that The Force Awakens protagonist just happens to be none other than the Dark Lord of the Sith's granddaughter. Even if you don't want to consider the possibility that Rey could come from such an evil origin, you have to admit that this theory has merit. She's inexplicably powerful and everyone (except for maybe her) seems to recognize that right away. She was also mysteriously abandoned at a young age — perhaps out of fear for what she could become? When you really think about it, Emporer Palpatine as Rey's grandfather makes a let of sense.

Here are some reasons why:

Their Fighting Styles Are Similar

The ol' forward thrusting stab. As Vendeetta explains, the first time we see Rey fight with the lightsaber she uses this kind of move. And not by coincidence (according to him at least), the first time we see Palpatine fight, he does too. Plus, there are other similar styles, like an over-the-head maneuver.

Rey's Tempted By The Dark Side

It's easy to Rey has some pent-up aggression (or pent-up dark side?). It could be because she's an abandoned orphan, or it could be because she's tempted by evil forces. During Rey's battle with Kylo Ren in the forest, she looks especially sinister. Vendetta even mentions that there's a point in the film's official script that explains how tempted Rey is to kill Kylo Ren at this moment.

The official novel for The Force Awakens also mentions an "amorphous, unidentifiable voice" that tells Rey to kill Kylo Ren. The voice of grandfather Palpatine maybe? With all this it's not a far stretch to assume that Rey's roots are connected to the dark side.

Rey's English Accent

Rey's accent has been discussed ad nauseam, but we can't leave it out when noting this particular theory. Both actors John Boyega and Daisy Ridley have English accents but Boyega bore an American one for the film, so you can't say that accents in Star Wars are chosen at random. And guess who else had an English accent? That's right. Palpatine.

Rey's Abandonment On Jaiku Would Make Sense

Vendetta supposes that when Luke was training a new generation of Jedi, he happened upon the granddaughter of Palpatine. When Snoke got a hold of Ben Solo, Luke knew it was too dangerous to keep Rey around, so he took her to the middle of nowhere and promised her that her parents would be back to get her, in order to ensure that she never left.

Kylo Ren Knows Rey

In the movie, you can see it in the way Kylo Ren looks at Rey: He knows who she is. This is confirmed in the novel during their fight scene when Rey picks up the lightsaber and Kylo Ren says "It is you." When you re-watch TFA, it becomes clear that Kylo Ren and Snoke have a sense of who Rey is and are determined to train her because they know her power.

Palpatine's Voice Is In Rey's Force Vision

The voice in the background of Rey's "vision" is remarkably close to that of Palpatine's. Even the screaming sounds like it could come from the Emperor.

The Skywalker vs. Palpatine Story Of Star Wars

Star Wars has always been built around the conflict between a Skywalker and a Palpatine. First, it was Anakin versus Palpatine, then Luke versus Palpatine, and now it could be Kylo Ren (a Skywalker) vs. Rey (a Palpatine). That seems too perfect to not work out.

I'm not saying I'm 100 percent convinced that Rey is Palpatine's granddaughter, I'm just saying, I'm not not convinced, you know?

Images: Lucasfilm/Walt Disney Studios; Vincent Vendetta/YouTube (8)