Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker differed significantly from Colin Trevorrow's original Duel of the Fates script, but 10 of his ideas should've been kept in the final version of Episode IX. After the polarized reaction to Star Wars: The Last Jedi and the unfortunate ing of Carrie Fisher, much of Trevorrow's Duel of the Fates script had to be reworked in later drafts. This eventually lead to Trevorrow departing the project entirely, with J.J. Abrams returning to direct and completely re-write Episode IX's script. While some elements from Duel of the Fates remained in the final movie, overall The Rise of Skywalker took a completely different approach.
However, the similarities that do remain demonstrate how some of Trevorrow's ideas could've been worked into The Rise of Skywalker. Many discarded elements would've been easy to integrate with a few minor changes, and some ideas would even have worked better than what was in the final movie. Trevorrow's Episode IX may not have come to fruition, but it's still possible to appreciate what his script did right, and how some of its ideas could've improved the end of the sequel trilogy. Here are 10 of Duel of the Fates that J.J. Abrams absolutely should've kept in his script for The Rise of Skywalker.
10 Rey Has A Double-Bladed Lightsaber (Made From The Broken Skywalker Lightsaber)
One of the best unused ideas from Duel of the Fates was Rey crafting her own double-bladed lightsaber from the broken pieces of Anakin Skywalker's. A prominent theme of The Last Jedi was learning from the past to create a better future, so Rey's new saber would perfectly symbolize her honoring the Skywalker legacy while still forging her own path. There was really no point in Anakin's lightsaber being destroyed if Rey was just going to put it back together and not bring it up again. A double-bladed weapon also makes more sense for Rey, since she demonstrated great combat ability with a quarterstaff throughout the first two sequel films.
9 Kylo Ren And General Hux Are On (Mostly) Equal Footing
General Hux was largely sidelined by Kylo Ren in The Rise of Skywalker, but the original Duel of the Fates script had the two on more equal footing. While Kylo Ren was still Supreme Leader of the First Order, Hux took on the title of "Chancellor" after establishing the new central government. He also oversaw most of the First Order's military operations while Kylo Ren was off dealing with Rey and her quest. This approach would've continued Kylo Ren and Hux's power dynamic from the previous films, and focusing on Hux would've been more logical than introducing Allegiant General Pryde as a last minute replacement.
8 The Knights Of Ren Actually Get To Do Something
Another Duel of the Fates idea that would've helped The Rise of Skywalker was the original portrayal of the Knights of Ren. The sequel trilogy received criticism for saving the Knights of Ren until the last film, only for them to stand around most of the time until they were easily defeated by Ben Solo. In Trevorrow's draft, however, the Knights of Ren had a stronger presence, some speaking lines, and a few were even named in the script. While they were still killed, they went down fighting Rey and her friends, with one of the Knights angering Rey into triggering her Force lightning, prompting her to leave the others.
7 Finn Leads A Stormtrooper Rebellion
Another missed opportunity in the sequel trilogy was building on Finn's life as a stormtrooper, which wasn't developed much after Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Duel of the Fates would've seen him run across a young stormtrooper, and the two share a moment after Finn sees the soldier's doubt. This later leads to the stormtrooper recruiting other defectors to help Finn lead a rebellion, which eventually sees the First Order defeated. The Rise of Skywalker touched on this concept briefly, but it would have been so much more satisfying to see Finn help the stormtroopers he left behind, a fitting end to his character arc.
6 Rose Tico Goes With Finn
The Rise of Skywalker also sidelined Rose Tico after the character's polarizing reception in The Last Jedi, and this was highly unfair to Kelly Marie Tran. Rose was clearly established as a new main character in The Last Jedi, so the next film should've honored that by committing to her involvement, focusing on good character writing rather than giving up altogether. The Rise of Skywalker had a large main cast to juggle, but that could've been fixed by sticking with already-established characters instead of hastily introducing new ones. Kelly Marie Tran is a highly talented actress, and Duel of the Fates would've given her character the chance she deserved.
5 Luke Skywalker Helps Train Rey (And Haunts Kylo Ren)
The Rise of Skywalker missed a big opportunity to feature Luke Skywalker more significantly, especially after his limited role in the first two films. Duel of the Fates would've shown Luke's Force ghost haunt Kylo Ren for his actions in the sequels, as well as helping to train Rey as a Jedi. This would've built off Luke telling Kylo Ren that he'd always be with him in The Last Jedi, and it would've helped after Carrie Fisher's ing limited Leia's role in the movie. Having Luke serve as connective tissue between Rey and Kylo Ren, guiding each of them differently, would've been a satisfying end to the "Skywalker" saga.
4 Seeing The Spirits Of Past Jedi
The Rise of Skywalker's Jedi voice cameos was one of the best parts of the movie, and Duel of the Fates would've taken this a step further. After sacrificing herself to defeat Kylo Ren, Rey would've been welcomed by Yoda and other Jedi into the Netherworld of the Force, but she'd choose to return to the galaxy to rebuild the Jedi Order. The Rise of Skywalker could've adapted this idea by having the Jedi appear as Force ghosts to help Rey defeat Palpatine, or they could've appeared just before Ben Solo gives his life to save hers. Either option would've made for an epic return of Star Wars' past Jedi.
3 Finn And Rose Create A Home For The Canto Bight Orphans (Who Rey Will Train To Be Jedi)
Another change that built off The Last Jedi, the Duel of the Fates script ended with Finn and Rose starting a home for the Canto Bight orphans, who Rey would train as the next generation of Jedi. The Last Jedi spent a decent amount of time setting up these characters and hinting that some of them were Force-sensitive, so this is a good conclusion for Finn and Rose's arcs while giving a brief glimpse at Rey's future Jedi Order. This would also have built off Finn working to reform the stormtroopers, showing that he and Rose would be committed to helping those affected by the injustices of the First Order.
2 The First Order Capitol Is On Coruscant
Duel of the Fates would also have featured more connections to the prequel era, with the First Order even establishing their capitol on Coruscant. The sequel trilogy received criticism for its lack of world-building compared to previous Star Wars films, so including Coruscant would've automatically expanded the galaxy by utilizing the biggest planet in the prequels. It also makes sense for the First Order to set up there, since it was the center of the galaxy for so many decades. This would've helped The Rise of Skywalker feel more like a proper finale to the entire Star Wars saga, and not just the sequel trilogy.
1 "Duel Of The Fates" Is A Far Better Title Than "The Rise Of Skywalker"
Perhaps the biggest mistake that The Rise of Skywalker made was changing the title, as Duel of the Fates works much better. It ties back to the beginning of the saga, as "Duel of the Fates" was John Williams' composition for the Darth Maul duel at the end of Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace. Duel of the Fates also makes more sense for Episode IX's plot, with Rey and Kylo Ren struggling over their heritage and what fate they'll choose. Any one of these 10 Duel of the Fates idea would've improved Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, and it's a shame that Episode IX didn't keep them.
