Star Wars. He has easily become the most recognizable face in the galaxy far, far away. However, few fans are aware that the legendary Jedi was once known by a different name. This name has resurfaced once again, drawing yet another connection between Luke and his nephew, Ben Solo.

Written by Charles Soule and illustrated by Luke Ross, Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3 reveals a surprising link when Kylo Ren is called "little worm" by Gardulla. This new nickname clearly references Luke’s own childhood nickname, "Wormie."

The name was always meant to be a hostile reminder of Luke’s humble beginnings on Tatooine, and now it serves to humble his nephew as well. The name’s resurfacing in this unexpected and eerie way reveals some uncomfortable truths about their shared destinies.

Wormie: The Origins of Luke Skywalker's Nickname

A Shared Nickname on a Shared Planet

Luke's life on Tatooine was anything but glamorous. He was a farm boy with little ambition beyond escaping his dusty home planet. He was nicknamed "Wormie" by his bullies, who were blissfully unaware that said worm would one day save the galaxy. The nickname was meant as a playful jab at his status on Tattoonie, and it lingered as a reminder of his early struggles. In hindsight, the name serves as a snapshot into Luke’s life before accepting his destiny. Going from “Wormie” to “the chosen one” certainly shows the full breadth of Luke's journey.

Fast forward to Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3, where Kylo Ren, AKA Ben Solo, is called "little worm" by Gardulla. The series has done an incredible job exploring Kylo’s story following The Last Jedi. What’s truly chilling about this connection isn’t just that both Luke and Ben are called the same derogatory term, but that it happens on the same planet, Tatooine. This shared nickname not only reflects their parallel struggles with identity but also further validates how the characters are contrasting reflections of one another, coming from opposite sides of the force.

Star Wars Just Reconnected Luke & Kylo Ren in the Most Unexpected Way

A Forgotten Nickname Symbolizes the Skywalker Family’s Twisted Destiny

The parallels run deep between Luke and Kylo Ren. Both have been manipulated by forces beyond their control, wrestled with their destinies, and endured deep betrayal. Using "wormie" as a shared moniker reinforces the notion that, while the two characters walked vastly different paths, they were destined to meet at a critical crossroads; what better place to set that crossroad than the generational home of the Skywalker family? The choice of Tatooine for this moniker's resurgence makes perfect sense from that perspective and reiterates why this series has been long overdue.

This surprising connection between Luke Skywalker and Kylo Ren provides new layers to the Star Wars mythology. The once-forgotten nickname "Wormie" resurfaces as a symbol of their shared fate, showing that some things never truly change, no matter how far the galaxy reaches. In Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3, fans are treated to a deeper look at the family’s complicated legacy, proving once again that in the Star Wars universe, the past always finds a way to come back and haunt you.

Star Wars: Legacy of Vader #3 is available now from Marvel Comics!

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  Star Wars

  Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
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  Ben Solo/Kylo Ren

  The son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, Ben was manipulated by Palpatine through the Force for most of his life, influenced toward the dark side of the Force. A misstep by Luke Skywalker ultimately left Ben feeling he had no choice but to embrace the dark side, and he became Kylo Ren, a key figure in the First Order. Kylo Ren's heart remained deeply divided, however, even after he ascended to become Supreme Leader of the First Order. He was ultimately redeemed by Rey, with whom he shared a remarkable Force bond, and by the love of his parents.
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  Luke Skywalker

  The son of Anakin Skywalker and Pé Amidala, Luke was brought up on the desert planet Tatooine. Initially mentored by Obi-Wan Kenobi, Luke fired the fateful shot that destroyed the Death Star, and he became a rebel hero. Despite the fears of Obi-Wan and Yoda, Luke's faith in his father was proved well-founded when Vader returned to the light. With the Emperor defeated, Luke dedicated himself to bringing back the Jedi; his first attempt ended in tragedy due to Palpatine's manipulations, but Luke's legacy lives on in Rey.