The Original Star Wars Episode 9: Duel Of The Fates

Taking a look at the original script for The Rise of Skywalker titled Duel of the Fates. Before JJ Abrams signed on to direct Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Colin Trevorrow was slated to direct. We explore the key differences between Colin Trevorrow's vision and JJ Abrams’ final version of the movie, examining the plot, characters, and themes. Featuring Rey wielding a double bladed lightsaber, Finn leading an insurrection on Coruscant with the help of Rose, Poe falling in love with Rey, Kylo fighting a vision of Darth Vader and The Knights of Ren trying to hunt down Rey, this would’ve been a very different film. Don't miss this in-depth analysis of the 'Star Wars' franchise's most controversial and discussed topic, and discover the untold story of the original version of 'Rise of Skywalker.' Thanks for watching What Could Have Been!
⏱️TIMESTAMPS⏱️
0:00 Intro
1:22 Opening
2:11 Hux
2:46 Knights of Ren
3:11 Kylo Ren on Mustafar
4:16 Rey
5:11 Sith Training With Tor Valum
6:16 Bonadan
6:58 Coruscant
8:32 Mortis
10:27 Ending
10:56 Closing Thoughts
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Duel of the Fates opening crawl at 1:19 from: • Episode IX: Duel of th...
#starwars

[@ajingogliafilms5340]

The fact that not a single person said wait why don’t we have Han Leia and Luke in a scene together in the first film is beyond me.

[@buttscarlton1490]

Because that would have immediately been the best part of that movie, and Disney apparently thought people would just forget what made Star Wars so amazing to begin with. I really think it's that simple

[@Dudanation12]

Jar Jar Abrams said the issue with Luke coming on screen is everyone would forget about the new characters. Joining him up with the other 2 would have been way too much. Yeah, we got screwed.

[@LuckyBastardProd]

The problem with Hollywood (I’ve been in many a production meeting) is that they think their audience are morons. I’m Mexican American an a high school drop out but I got in as as a PA and became an editor. They think they are above regular working class people and think we’re all stupid, when in fact they are the morons and they are completely out of tough with reality.

[@user-vi4xy1jw7e]

Would've made too much sense

[@arthurmartine6410]

EXACTLY 💯 I WAITED 32 YEARS TO SEE THAT AND GOT NOTHING THEM SOB'S !!

[@irish-italianintrovert.8600]

Personally I think instead of Leia using the force to convince Kylo to stop being evil, I like the idea of force ghost Anikan appearing in front of Kylo and showing him a path of enlightenment in his own way. It would be very ironic that the man he idolized was the one to turn back to the light.

[@afiqazman6615]

YES!! Way more logical than my thinking. Perhaps Leia reached out to her father to speak to Kylo? I mean Luke had a scene where he connected with their father, we need a scene for Leia connecting to their father as well. In Ahsoka final episode we already know Anakin force ghost is watching

[@ddl3718]

It also ties well into him throwing away the mask and then ending up like Vader. Once anakin, not Vader talks to him he sees how he was corrupted and decides to go out on his own terms instead of losing himself to the dark side

[@joythought]

Absolutely. Doing that would have made the whole 9 part arc make sense. The fact that the last 3 films added in a scatter of new forces and new planets and didn't take advantage of the existing content from the whole of Star Wars such as Clone Wars was such a pity. There were so many narrative elects they could have revisited that would have given them the playground for their new stories but also provided fans with a richer interweaving tapestry. Where was Dave Filoni when we needed him?

[@notability-austingieselman5193]

If Dave filoni was in charge that would’ve been the direction

[@ScooterinAB]

I dunno. I kind of like the idea of Leia either pulling Han from the Force, masquerading as him, or dicking with Kylo Ren's mind to make him see stuff. Pulling in Anakin would have just resulting in him screaming about how Vader failed and went soft. Remember that Leia is kind of an asshole, so her messing with her son checks out.

[@AlmightyArceus]

Trevorrow using the actual politics, stakes, and timeline of Star Wars, as well as using Mortis as a central and meaningful location would have been so excellent.

[@Sandlund93]

@@TheCoolCucumber I don't get what people see in The Clone Wars and Rebels. Some of their concepts are like retcons of the entire saga. Mortis and the World Between Worlds are of course the largest ones. Unless we count Ahsoka and Maul, they have no place in the canon. Maul obviously had one in Episode 1 but beyond that. The trouble now is that you need these two series in order to understand some of the new live action series. It's easier to just stick with Episode 1-6 and let that be Star Wars.

[@CJ198707]

Duel of the Fates script is so much better than what we actually got for IX

[@deadshot5007]

lol

[@Necrometalfist]

It was dogshit fan fiction

[@crazyinsanepenguin]

Pretty low bar but yeah probably

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

True but Colin Trevorrow is a dogshit director so idk if he’d actually be able to make anything of that script

[@pprewqq5822]

and duel of the fates could play during Rey and Kylo’s final battle, just like the first chronological duel we see.

[@SheevPalps868]

Seeing Darth Vader bully Kylo would’ve been amazing 😂

[@jacquelyynorgana77]

Ikr? 😂 if only!

[@edwardbloecher4563]

He could do the old,. Why you hitting yourself thing from across the room! Lol

[@bhaveshjugnauth]

Kylo at his turn would then have rhe upper hand against vader at some point(after a lot of bullying) when kylo would get very emotional or when he'll really awaken.

[@mike197714]

Ahh hmm it would be almost Dark Empireesque thing. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@Sam_T2000]

“l3t ThE pA$t d1e. kILl iT 1f u hAv3 t0.”

[@TheLiamster]

I love this version so much more with Coruscant. It’s the perfect setting for a true large scale battle on the ground and in space.

[@thecloudtherapist]

You mean, Corus-Cant. 😉

[@Usernumber777]

Didn’t they destroy coruscant in the force awakens

[@TheLiamster]

@@Usernumber777 no, that was Hosnian Prime

[@Usernumber777]

@@TheLiamster ok thanks , I really like coruscant but didn’t understand the sequels

[@jsizemo]

I really wish Coruscant had been revisited in the sequel era

[@ziyangyipfilms]

having introduced a sith wielding a double-bladed light saber in Episode I and concluding Episode IX with a jedi that can do the same, that's the kind of poetry rhyme in line with George Lucas! And it does make so much sense to Rey's character development, she started off skilled with a staff.

[@sandal_thong8631]

I expected it too. And despite not watching 8 and 9, was disappointed to learn they didn't go there. Another video talks about Lucas's idea that Darth Maul should have been the main villain of 7-9. LOL. He lost his mind when he killed him in 1, after everyone applauded him for turning Vader from Tarkin's lackey to escaping to become the villain in 5.

[@fracturedfingers]

Disney fumbled the ball with the sequel trilogy 'bout fifty 'leven times

[@markeithwhitaker409]

Rey with a double blade, and her name being Lana Solo sounds way better.. Kylo was her brother 😂😂

[@afiqazman6615]

@@sandal_thong8631but Maul can be resurrected by the Nightsisters, right? I know at this point Obi-wan already killed him again just before ANH, but Maul was resurrected before 🤔

[@sandal_thong8631]

@@afiqazman6615 The problem with sci-fi fantasy (and comic books) is if you decide one impossible or implausible thing is happening, like Faster Than Light travel, then anything is possible, like resurrection or time travel. So believe what you want.

[@TexasRy]

THIS story is LIGHT YEARS better than what we got, damn it, hopefully someone can MAKE this version of the movie, would be AWESOME!

[@ActrixTheTank]

It still would've been shit on by fans due to the disrespect that was done to Luke by Rian Johnson

[@nc956]

Better, but still not proper when it comes to ending the whole saga. We need a complete rewrite of the sequels.

[@SonicHedgehog1991]

It still wouldn't save the entire sequel trilogy but I would be very interested in giving it a chance. I couldn't even watch episode 8 for any longer than 3 minutes and still haven't finished it to this day. I refuse to even go near episode 9.

[@vice2versa]

​@@SonicHedgehog1991 ep 9 was even worst than last jedi lol.

[@deadshot5007]

@@vice2versa Opposite

[@fangkc]

Among one of my biggest disappointments, was how much of a misopperunity it was for Finn to convince some stormtroopers to join him in the final fight, it would have made a moving character arc.

[@deadshot5007]

That... literally happened?

[@richard1493]

For me it was the finale of TLJ when Rey had the perfect set up to accept Kylo’s offer to run away with him. It would have been a phenomenal setup for Rey to have a falling to the dark side only to redeem herself and thus, her character who had been written remarkably poorly up until that point. The setup was perfect, but then, she just didn’t do it.

[@Filterdeez]

​@@deadshot5007not a single stormtrooper defected😂😂

[@theranman0000]

@@Filterdeezthe former storm troopers on that planet during Rey’s boat scene

[@MasonStrand]

They had already defected though. Totally different arc.

[@NERDx23]

I read somewhere that Rey’s lightsaber was supposed to be a combination of Luke and Leia’s lightsabers. As for Luke’s side (Anakin’s lightsaber that broke in the Last Jedi) the blade was distorted just like Kylos. And for Leia’s blade it would had been green. So just imagine seeing Rey wielding a double blue/green light saber that belonged to the original Skywalkers…

[@d3j4v00]

That actually would have justified her adopting the name Skywalker

[@ddl3718]

@@d3j4v00plus her fulfilling the prophecy in her era just like the skywalker are supposed to

[@Yeastextract]

🤮

[@BrytonBand]

I remember having a conversation with a friend of mine and he said "the problem I have with Disney is that they just see these new movies as films, not Star Wars films." This script that you just talked about really proves what he meant by that. Colin clearly respected the lore and recognized the weight of what he was making. Kennedy and crew just wanted to shovel something out for a profit.

[@righteousham]

It's a bit weak in some areas, notably the unnecessary romance and Kylo's heel face turn, but overall this is significantly stronger overall.

[@JoffreyKimbotay]

This version actually MAKES SENSE

[@deadshot5007]

No it doesn't

[@pietrosala1728]

I would really like to have at least an animated version of this script. A "what if" story, maybe labeled under the "visions" banner... Something that would keep Episode IX intact for those who liked it, but would also give those who were not something to conclude their rewatches of the saga

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Same!

[@kingofhearts3185]

Who knows, maybe some madlad will make it with AI someday

[@99jarjarbinks]

I've been thinking about this lately. The fact that Zack Snyder's Justice League was made, what if Disney and Lucasfilm did the same for Episode 9: Duel of the Fates? But in animated form. And they can even try and get Daisy, John, Oscar, Kelly, Adam, and Mark to return for their respective roles. Of course all this is just fantasies, but man! It would be ballsy of Disney and Lucasfilm if they actually did it.

[@BigmertsFilmpjes]

@@99jarjarbinksI’d like to see the same with George’s original scripts.

[@z-beeblebrox]

@@BigmertsFilmpjes That would take a bit more effort, as he didn't have finished scripts, only treatments. Which are basically the screenwriter's version of an outline. In the intervening years, he's even made some alterations in what he would've done, so you'd have to be kinda forensic about it too.

[@noahsryan]

I love how this is clearly an early draft but still better than what we got

[@pprewqq5822]

facts I was more interested in a 12 minute video of a man summarizing a script than episode 9

[@deadshot5007]

No it definitely it's not ans would've been the worst SW movie.

[@krowtic6807]

When I first read the script years ago I couldn't believe that this is what we could have had. I still feel the same.

[@ULYSSES-31]

Most of the conflicts with Trevorrow’s script arose because Carrie Fisher died and the script relied so much on her character. Trevorrow couldn’t square that circle,

[@joelsteverson]

I agree with you in principle, but there are lots of viable techniques for working around a dead actor. I'd honestly rather have had a great story and Carrie Fisher recast (which IMO is the least viable option) than what we got with Rise of Skywalker.

[@ULYSSES-31]

@@joelsteverson One of the other problems was they wasted the Knights of Ren as antagonists. They had been set-up in Episode 7; and in 8 it was implied they may have been the other students Kylo had fled Luke's temple with. They should've been given identities, personalities, and character so they could be a threat to Kylo and Rey. Being ex-students they could also have served in the resolution of Luke's story, which also didn't happen. They were given no story in any of the scripts. They were just action-beats. The parallel story was Luke's failure and how he atones for it, and it was ignored in 9.

[@disneyboy3030]

​@@joelsteversonI did hear that there was going to be more scenes of her and Rose at the base but the effect wasn't perfect.

[@trekkiejunk]

@@joelsteverson -- I would have rather had them just recreate a digital Leia for necessary scenes, but have her only appear as a hologram on another ship, giving orders. Then give her a heroine's death. Fans would have been well aware that Fisher was dead, and they wouldn't have been creeped out by weird uncanny valley stuff.

[@Mprator]

Replace the with another Rebel General, problem solved

[@gravelycritical]

This is what we wanted. This would have cemented the sequel trilogy as one of the best. If only we could remake the movies and get Colin back on. Damn you, KK...

[@Nomednomel45]

This is outrageous. We need this version of the movie.

[@julioalbertoherrera1339]

It seems a better movie than the one we got, but we really don't need anything from this movie universe.

[@tyrannozilla]

@@julioalbertoherrera1339 I'll just stick with ROTJ, thank you very much.

[@sonicsawblade]

It could be better, but the ideas in this sound absolutely awesome. The whole Battle of Coruscant sounds amazing and the idea of Rey having a dual saber, and then being blinded and then using the force to fight is so cool. It makes me sad how truly awesome the sequels could have been

[@EwokFuica]

This would have been a much better version than what we had. Hands down. People would remember the battle of Coruscant.

[@JoshMarshain]

Daisy Ridley is too good a person for her character or these movies, bless her heart, kid had the Star Wars spirit

[@gmpa9747]

That’s so true…

[@Sentient_Blob]

That applies to literally every actor on this movie lol

[@jvelez5381]

Please she like these movies suck

[@ROMANTIKILLER2]

She comes off as quite likeable, especially compared to other obnoxious modern Hollywood personalities.

[@joshlyons1590]

This version captures the epic feel of a Star Wars movie, taking you from location to location and building on the universe. Needed some tweaking, mostly with the kylo renn angle, but way more solid than the last two films. Also, too many hints that both Finn (who managed a light saber when all the lore suggests they are way too awkward and dangerous with the force to help) and Poe with his crazy piloting skills, both have some force sensitivity. Would have been awesome to see them get trained up a bit with Rey, maybe even have Finn find that legendary purple light saber and do some work.

[@devonportfilmclubdvfc3469]

That tweaking would have happened during production and post. But never got to be.

[@josephamato2031]

😢😢

[@tragicallyfunny]

Not only was this script a better continuation to the new trilogy, but they had way more callbacks to the prequels than I expected. Much more cohesive of a whole universe rather than a bunch of random stories and planets like a cartoon

[@gjhall99]

this was so much better of a plot than what we got-

[@RahulIyer24]

There was no plot in the sequel trilogy. Just regurgitate first 6 movies with bad dialogues, bad acting, bad subplots. The only saving grace was the soundtrack but that was John Williams. Disney higher-ups should just walk away from star wars. they have done enough damage.

[@leaprincexleia4172]

OMG, the Duel of the Fates story would have been SOOOO much better than what we got!!!

[@adamas66]

This version of Episode 9 is way better than the hyped melodrama we got on film. Really wished that they had made this version than that mess we finally got. Being a long time fan, I did not buy the Blu Rays of “The Last Jedi” or “Rise Of Skywalkers”. I did not even pay money to go watch it on the big screen. Only watched it over streaming. Massively bad conclusion to an epic saga.

[@ashleyjones7765]

Would deffo have preferred Duel of the Fates version! Also, the absence of 'Rey. . . Skywalker,' would have been worth the price in and of itself. Rose n Finn would've been a decent pay off from the previous entry. Kylo mirroring his Uncle on Dagobqh w/Yoda would've awesome to see, and have given Adam Driver more opportunity to demonstrate his acting abilities...(please bear in mind, all of what I've just remarked, is nothing more than my own personal opinion!!) Be Kind!!!💙💜💙

[@BoyBlunder66]

Well damn. I certainly had some major issues with The Last Jedi and this script definitely isn't perfect, but this is so much better than what we ended up getting. It actually follows up what came before it in a meaningful way.

[@qweqqweq2090]

rey having a double light saber would have made way more sense, just like you said, I was dumbfounded by how horrible the last Jedi was that I didn't even think about it, I still haven't seen all of episode 9 to this day cause it's just too terrible. I just watched bits and pieces of it once when I was drunk and curious. but now that I think about it, I also agree with you, I was thinking she'd end up with a unique light saber that would be more like a staff.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Same here!

[@berryawesomecamden]

OMG, the story makes so much sense for the trilogy, sounds way better than what we got

[@deadshot5007]

No it doesn't

[@89playstation65]

This version of the movie 1000000000%! I'm just so sad that it will never make it to the big screen.

[@palmerrouse1413]

How this was not the movie we got, I’m floored. This would’ve been absolutely amazing. Thanks for sharing and visualizing! Feels like closure I didn’t know I even needed, haha!

[@KodyCrimson]

Wow, this is insanely so much better than the movie we got. Not perfect, but much better.

[@LeontiusInvictus]

I'm so disappointed that we didn't get this. Who wouldn't have preferred this over what we got? Imagine having the power to make this a reality, but fumbling so hard. I do recognize some themes and elements have made their way into the TV shows. Especially now after episode 5 of Ahsoka.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

Using JJ to save a franchise is like using Galactus to save the planet!

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

LMAO

[@philliprosewood7049]

Yo that's crazy and hilariously accurate ASF 😂

[@matis9118]

The Sequel trilogy is the Star Wars equivalent to the Kelvin timeline from Star Trek. I believe the old EU, even though Lucas wasn't that thrilled some stuff it did, was a much more valid continuation of the franchise that what Disney under Kennedy has provided.

[@THEMOONWOLF]

This actually sounds way better. The handling of the latest trilogy was criminal.

[@ace448]

I’d have added remnants of the new republic/rebellion show up with lando. So like Hera, Sabine, Wedge (piloting an old t-65), and some people from the Aftermath.

[@00xanawolf00]

Definitely this version. I’m still pissed that Johnson (and then Abrams on episode nine) did so little with Finn’s character. I wish they had made him Force Sensitive. I would have loved seeing his character have the time (and storyline and screen time) to develop his abilities, much like we saw with Luke and then Rey, who were both “too old” to be Jedi, and yet became Jedi.

[@AI_Talks_About_The_Bible]

This version would have restored EVERYTHING to Star Wars

[@jonathancampbell5231]

I never viewed the sequels as a continuation or conclusion to the first six films. The themes are very different (a big part of the original 6 is that giving in to fear will corrupt you, something entirely absent in the 7-9), they didn't have the same central villain until Palpatine was shoehorned in at the end...it just felt like they were merely rehashing the beats from the OT, and badly at that.

[@jonathancampbell5231]

@@TheCoolCucumber Sayimg that Palpatine wasn't the central villain because stuff he was doing happened "offscreen" is a weak argument, one that would exclude a bunch of villains from other stories (including title villains). Palpatine- even as Sidious- is more present in the prequels than he was in the original trilogy even, and he more clearly drives the plot (you could argue that Tarkin was more responsible for blowing up Alderaan, for instance). They are not "completely different" in story (prequels are literally about how the Empire rose and Darth Vader came to be), themes (both are about how anger, fear and aggression can corrupt you and turn you to the Dark Side) and certainly not characters (Kenobi, Vader, Yoda, the droids, the Emperor, heck even Luke and Leia show up in both trilogies) and tone isn't really important since it is a different period (and ESB has a different tone from ANH and ROTJ anyway). And...no, I'd defend the prequels against all three sequel films.

[@ezravanmelle4333]

Pretty much every character would've had a better deal in this version, especially Hux. I personally consider it a crime against creative writing that they set him up as a credible and formidable opponent in the Force Awakens, then turned him into comic relief after that.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

They did him dirty

[@craigbrison4241]

There was absolutely zero creative anything in these movies. Hot garbage is what they are.

[@devounwohoopizzamango]

Duel of the Fates was by far the best unmade star wars movie

[@Toast960]

This sounds amazing. I would like to see them do this script as an animation ala The Clone Wars as an alternative option for the fans. I doubt it would happen, but I never thought we'd get the Snyder Cut either.

[@jefferysterner]

JFC this is the movie we should have gotten. It makes me want to cry. Kennedy should be jailed for tossing this script.

[@matthewgaudet4064]

Its because each film was supposed to feature one of the original cast and their death. Episode 7 Han, Episode 8 Luke, and 9 Leia.

[@johnp8206]

I think a bigger problem not addressed here, is the direction Disney took starting back with episode 7. JJ seemed stuck with "too many cooks in the kitchen" and ended up doing more what they wanted than following George Lucas's unfinished treatments for 7, 8 & 9. After realizing they should back off, Disney gave Johnson too much creative control. However, they then realized they needed to "save" the final episode and JJ was again had too many cooks in the kitchen. It's ironic how the Mandalorian and Boba Fett spin offs went back to Lucas's treatments to recapture former glory. I don't put much of it on JJ as I do on Disney, specifically Kathleen Kennedy, not understanding the nuances of the franchise to begin with. Star Wars was treated as this cash cow and any movie made would make a fortune and why Solo didn't work but Rogue One did. They seem to have wisened up with Filoni and Favreau getting back to the secret sauce with the TV shows.

[@gibsonchomar7428]

JJ was given absolute freedom to do what he wanted. He initially rejected the offer to direct, then KK approached him again and he accepted, and one of the stipulations was that he had absolute freedom to tell whatever story he wanted, and thats what he did

[@thefractalchannel4833]

Duel of The Fates by a mile. Thanks for reminding me btw of the ludicrous Finn riding horses on a Star Destroyer scene. I had managed to completely erase that from my memory.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

😂

[@justcardio]

The biggest problem with TROS is that it felt very rushed, jumping from scene to scene, location to location, like 3 movies in one... I don't blame Ryan, he had to explain why Kylo turned evil and why Luke turned his back on the galaxy, J.J. alredy set that in ep. 7

[@johnstriker480]

Because ep 8 was a stinking DRAG

[@justcardio]

@@johnstriker480 ok what was your plan?

[@ae86takumi]

Don't blame Johnson ?? what? He undid everything ep7 built. It was like starting over..

[@MrFuckshitdammit]

And when everyone kicked and screamed about it, they scrapped this and really did start over. This entire trilogy was a lesson in all the ways fan service can go wrong. The film industry is so weak now.

[@angryhands9564]

@@justcardioweird take to not blame rían Johnson for literally having a teenager fit like “oh you wanted me to do it this way? We’ll then I’ll do the exact opposite how about that?” It was stupid and Kennedy for approving that script was terrible too. It’s the least cohesive trilogy in existence, it’s like each movie was made with no idea what the other movie was building towards

[@pbrogue5]

This sounds great and I would much preferred this over what we received. I still don't think it would have saved that trilogy, the damage was too far extensive from the previous two.

[@Felix-nn4kb]

This is way better than what we got. I still say Finn should've been a Jedi and back with Rey.

[@RoadHead62]

I much prefer the unmade version we should have gotten. As good as Duel of the Fates sounds in this written form, imagine how it could have been had they made it and polished the roughness out of it while it was being made. It's not very often the movie you get is the movie pitched to the studios, for good or bad.

[@roldanrosario8292]

The Movie starts in Coruscant. Luke is the head of the newly established Jedi temple. Our story follows the new students. (A natural progression) It’s very easy for the audience to figure out how they got to that point considering Lea’s background in politics. The Prequels did a lot of things right. So interconnecting nods to all six previous entries to set the tone for the new characters is what I was expecting.

[@jumpcity971]

Definetly better than the actual 9 episode. On screen, it would be better than better, especially seeing rey fighting with the dual saber

[@evifnoskcaj]

This is so much infinitely better than what was made. I would have loved this movie. Colin Trevorrow deserves credit for this brilliant script.

[@tannerschnelle7897]

I always imagined a large scale clone wars type battle where Luke Leia and Han are seen in action together for one last time but eventually have to make the ultimate sacrifice.. Luke could even had looked at Rey and had been struck down like Obi wan for an awesome callback.

[@splatracer7726]

Big problems with that script too. It certainly shouldn't get built into something that it isn't just because it's not what we got. A dead Rey getting to choose life would have been barf inducing and incredibly naff.

[@vladimirimp]

Agree. It's become a bit of a cliche. It's also dramatically unsatisfying because it makes you question all death in the story. Take Harry Potter confronting Voldermort in the woods. I was in tears reading that scene because I felt he was really making a sacrifice. And I'd already reasoned it all through - if he sacrificed himself then he'd be destroying a Horcrux and therefore helping to kill Voldermort. It all stacked up. But then he goes to wizard heaven and Dumblydoors tells him he can choose to go back. I mean, the lore just about enables this but it still disappointed me a little. But then you see it in other movies (one very recent one) and...I mean, how about we let death be death? Stop bringing characters back to life! Is nothing sacred?! (Generally I should add that this treatment did seem waaaay better, if not faultless).

[@splatracer7726]

@@vladimirimp Good points. If death can no longer be viewed as final for a character then it undermines the stakes and diminishes the drama. I could say the same for 'non super powered' characters in modern films being able to withstand silly over the top physical punishments just because its part of a fantastic stunt sequence. Once again it undermines the danger in any situation. Interestingly with regard to Star Wars, cloning is a valid way to cheat death but unfortunately to be effective it would need a properly teased build up and a dramatic pay off reveal. With regard to Palpatine 'Somehow' just doesn't cut it. Trevorrows script treated characters far better and held far more integrity for the most part. I'm personally not convinced that it would have been the conclusion we all deserved though and I wonder how it might have been had Carrie not died. Nearly four years on I can watch TROS and enjoy it for what it is. I know its not the conclusion to the multi generational space saga I grew up with. Rather its just another slightly sub par episode in something much, much larger. I'm ok with that now.

[@retromacman620]

I would have really liked to see Trevarrow's episode 9, I just feel like it would've been much more unique and really ambitious

[@cmere9141]

First of all: this is a great channel! The Narratorvoice fits great (not to monotone and not too joyful, just as neutrals as the information dealt with) and the editing that fits the narration perfectly also adds to the experience! Just uncovered this channel yesterday and binge-watching. Second of all: how come that so often the good and creative ideas get tossed aside for the obvious and safe idea. Yes I know, because it's safe money, but this sounds so much better than TROS...

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thank you! And welcome aboard! And I agree, it's a shame.

[@JamesWalker-gj2wc]

They were on the Mortis planet, oh damn. WAY MORE INTERESTING STORY LINE. It has originality while mirroring some past situations. Not sure I like the duel bladed Ray sword but maybe giving Ray 2 blades or starting with dual blades that are separated and showing her use 2 would be more original since no live action force users dual wielded on screen. Ok, I don't really like the ending in this one so much but then giving the broom kid an X-Men send off makes him a bit more relevant

[@danielharman572]

I think that I would have liked to have seen the duel of the fates rather than the rise of skywalker. It just sounds better and more thoughtfully executed in general. Kind regards from Daniel Harman.

[@PUTRiDLegacy]

Love you, Dan

[@llively8272]

Thanks for this. I like how you synchronized your summary with relevant/similar footage from various SW stuff. Very well executed. This would have made a much better sequel series than what we got. Although it doesn't really solve all the problems of "Star Wars Episode 8: Battlestar Galactica". But it still would've been better than "Episode 9: Revenge of the Director"

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thanks!

[@landonlively4226]

@@TheCoolCucumber In BSG, which I enjoyed for the most part, all that remains of humanity is stranded on a ragtag fleet of ships fleeing from a badguy fleet of ships. In SW 8, all that remains of the Rebel Alliance is.... stranded on a ragtag fleet of ships fleeing from a badguy fleet of ships. I says to myself, I says... "copyright violation, much?" But I'll give you the big horse-dogs. Those were new. Irrelevant... but... yeah, new. (cough Free Willy cough cough) : )

[@extraterrestrialgoose8738]

Dude this would have been SO much better. Rey with a lightsaber staff made of her old one and the youngling slayer's broken pieces, rey actually LEARNING to be a better jedi and letting the force guide her even when blinded, Finn leading other stormtroopers to battle against the empire, so much would have been more rewarding. Ofc its still a bit weird in some ways, mostly on Kylo's end, but leagues better than the last jedi

[@stevenclark2188]

I think there was some hint in The Last Jedi that Rey might be a balanced grey Jedi. And that would have been amazing to see go somewhere.

[@taraskywalker453]

This is near perfect… the future that could have been

[@custodiansrock]

What would have been a nice nod to the original is that at the medal ceremony mentioned. Liea gives the medals as she did in A New Hope. I think the concept presented, with a few tweaks, would have definitely appealed to fans. The big issue i had with the last two movies is the addition of characters and storylines that made no sense. They tried too hard to throw people off but it failed miserably.

[@Will3TheJerk]

All the call backs and intensity sounds so dope. From the dual saber, being blind, both dying together so dope.

[@beelzebob23]

Fin and Rose starting a rebellion on Coruscant that quickly, and Lando showing up to save the day would have been incredibly cheesy. Even with those scenes this still would have been a much better ending then we got. Seeing a lightsaber guillotine execution and Kylo vs Vader would have been awesome.

[@BabyPowderedDiaperBoy]

I definitely prefer duel of the Fates instead of the version we ended up getting!

[@DarthTecolote]

I concur. This first draft sounds much more solid than what we got. Thank you for the video.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@nolanray1331]

I cant beleive how rediculously ass the episode 9 we got was. It fills me with sadness that something more along the lines of this script was not adopted. Great video!

[@martinvulu1848]

I didn't even need to finish your video, this is 1000 times better!!

[@peterproductions5015]

It’s not perfect, but I think it’s pretty damn good. I especially loved the part with Kylo Ren dueling Darth Vader.

[@mylifeinGA]

Holy crap that wouldn’t just have been better, it would have been awesome.

[@mattlau95]

I watched your video and really resonated with how you explained Episode 9 vs Endgame. I also searched up the fan edit by MSWGA and that fan edit is AMAZING! Watched it twice immediately. I loved how they did that one to bring more emotional depth back into the whole 9 episode long series spanning 40 years. As for this script, I love a lot of the concepts, though as you mention: why Kyle would turn good randomly doesn’t make sense from what we know. Also the random Poe/Rey love connection is kind of random too. Also you had me dying when you reminded us of the horseback riding … oh my

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Haha thanks

[@ziachung4547]

Rey solana is such a cool name. What a pity this whole movie was discarded, thrown away like nothing when it possibly could've saved the sequels

[@Sick_Boy.]

I thought it was just me in endgame that felt that way even though I was a fan of Thanos but even now, when you put the clip in there, it still chokes me up.

[@amel3457]

This story with good execution could have saved the trilogy

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Agreed!

[@CharlieHepp]

I read somewhere that Rey’s lightsaber was supposed to be a combination of Luke's and Leia’s lightsabers. As for Luke’s side (Anakin’s lightsaber that broke in The Last Jedi), the blade was distorted just like Kylos. And for Leia’s blade, it would have been green. So just imagine seeing Rey wielding a double blue/green lightsaber that belonged to the original Skywalkers… Duel of the Fates script is so much better than what we actually got for IX Trevorrow using the actual politics, stakes, and timeline of Star Wars, as well as using Mortis as a central and meaningful location would have been so excellent. Among one of my biggest disappointments, was how much of a misopper unity it was for Finn to convince some stormtroopers to join him in the final fight, it would have made a moving character arc. having introduced a Sith wielding a double-bladed lightsaber in Episode I and concluding Episode IX with a Jedi that can do the same, that's the kind of poetry that rhymes in line with George Lucas! And it does make so much sense to Rey's character development, she started off skilled with a staff. I love this version so much more with Coruscant. It’s the perfect setting for a true large-scale battle on the ground and in space. This is what we wanted. This would have cemented the sequel trilogy as one of the best. If only we could remake the movies and get Colin back on. Damn you, KK... This is outrageous. We need this version of the movie. This story is LIGHT YEARS better than what we got, damn it, hopefully, someone can MAKE this version of the movie, would be AWESOME! I would really like to have at least an animated version of this script. A "what if" story, maybe labeled under the "visions" banner... Something that would keep Episode IX intact for those who liked it, but would also give those who were not something to conclude their rewatches of the saga Seeing Darth Vader bully Kylo would’ve been amazing 😂When I first read the script years ago I couldn't believe that this is what we could have had. I still feel the same. It could be better, but the ideas in this sound absolutely awesome. The whole Battle of Coruscant sounds amazing and the idea of Rey having a dual saber, and then being blinded, and then using force to fight is so cool. It makes me sad how truly awesome the sequels could have been It's a bit weak in some areas, notably the unnecessary romance and Kylo's heel face turn, but overall this is significantly stronger overall. Using JJ to save a franchise is like using Galactus to save the planet! This version captures the epic feel of a Star Wars movie, taking you from location to location and building on the universe. Needed some tweaking, mostly with the Kylo Renn angle, but way more solid than the last two films. Also, too many hints that both Finn (who managed a lightsaber when all the lore suggests they are way too awkward and dangerous with the force to help) and Poe with his crazy piloting skills, both have some force sensitivity. Would have been awesome to see them get trained up a bit with Rey, maybe even have Finn find that legendary purple lightsaber and do some work. This version actually MAKES SENSE This would have been a much better version than what we had. Hands down. People would remember the Battle of Coruscant. this was so much better plot than what we got- Most of the conflicts with Trevorrow’s script arose because Carrie Fisher died and the script relied so much on her character. Trevorrow couldn’t square that circle, This version of Episode 9 is way better than the hyped melodrama we got on film. Really wished that they had made this version of that mess we finally got. Being a long-time fan, I did not buy the Blu Rays of “The Last Jedi” or “Rise Of Skywalkers”. I did not even pay money to go watch it on the big screen. Only watched it over streaming. Massively bad conclusion to an epic saga. This version of the movie 1000000000%! I'm just so sad that it will never make it to the big screen. Well damn. I certainly had some major issues with The Last Jedi and this script definitely isn't perfect, but this is so much better than what we ended up getting. It actually follows up what came before it in a meaningful way. It’s not perfect, but I think it’s pretty damn good. I especially loved the part with Kylo Ren dueling Darth Vader. I would have really liked to see Trev Arrow's episode 9, I just feel like it would've been much more unique and really ambitious OMG, the Duel of the Fates story would have been so much better than what we got!!! Not only was this script a better continuation to the new trilogy, but they had way more callbacks to the prequels than I expected. Much more cohesive of a whole universe rather than a bunch of random stories and planets like a cartoon This script is so much better than what we got. So much of it is good and cannon-friendly. And Rey wielding a double-bladed saber makes so much sense. I Wish Han, Luke, and Leila got to be in the same room again but it’s too late now.

[@R4T_VortexX]

I really hope is Rey’s new movie she will get a chance to show how good of a character she can be

[@R4T_VortexX]

@@TheCoolCucumber ok then,you did not need to write a whole story bro 😭

[@craigbrison4241]

There'll never be a Rey movie. It's a dumpster fire to even think about.

[@williamcooper9379]

This storyline had more substance and plot connection than what we got

[@user-mw2ds7fz1z]

This is soooo much better than what we got. The fact that it wasn’t made is malfeasance

[@sonicguyver7445]

It breaks my heart to hear this. The conclusion could have been so much better than what we got. It may not be perfect in its current state but I'm sure more revisions from people who actually liked Star Wars would have polished it up nicely. I haven't even watched episodes 8 or 9 since I saw them theaters.

[@francisily2136]

I remember reading this script just a few months after seeing TROS and being filled with impotent rage. 1: Shame on the fanbase. So many people claim that the problem with the sequel trilogy was that there wasn't a cohesive plan for it. Those in that camp I guess are assuming that the three, originally chosen writer/directors, were just going to do their own thing without any coordination. I think that's a stupid assumption and this script leak was proof that that wasn't the case. They did have an agreed upon arc that was poetic and beautiful. Every decision in TLJ makes sense upon reading this script. Everything ties together. Unfortunately, the fervently anti-TLJ crowd, chanting "that's not my Luke Skywalker," is largely to blame for us missing out on this epic finale. Had they just calmed down a little bit and waited, they could have seen force ghost Luke basically haunt Kylo throughout DOTF, which was amazing to read. I'm annoyed I didn't get to see it, so big thumbs down to all of you. 2: Shame on Kennedy and the Disney execs for caving. If it truly was just "creative differences," then you're bad at your job(s). If it was solely because of a salty fanbase, then capitalism has officially trumped art and you're all pigs. As a life-long fan of this series, TROS is something that will truly never sit right with me. It confirmed every suspicion we had when Disney bought Star Wars. Yuck.

[@Jetway]

Really loving this series! Thank you amd keep it up!

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Thanks Ben!

[@juliancaraveo5700]

​@@Bulletsandblockbusters Please do What could've been : Jurassic World Dominion .

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

I would have to have seen that to do it and I couldn’t get through five minutes of that film before I turned it off 😂

[@juliancaraveo5700]

​@@Bulletsandblockbusters What about the first JW ?

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

The only alt version would’ve been if Cameron directed it. He said it would’ve been more like aliens, but Spielberg bought the rights first.

[@lausdeo4944]

Will we ever get a "Snyder-cut"-esque movie based on this script? Because this is now the canonical end in my head.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

Doubt it unfortunately

[@lausdeo4944]

@@Bulletsandblockbusters Maybe an animated fan movie made by those more skilled than me. Fan movie are getting better after all.

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

There’s a few on KZbin!

[@IndorilTheGreat]

The fact that Rey didn't get a saber staff and the Knights of Ren didn't get proper screentime is criminal

[@craigbrison4241]

This entire series was a crime in progress and we all knew going forward it was never going to get any better. Now it's exponentially worse...

[@pkwok6]

This version is better than the released film 😢

[@TwinRiver100]

I think I like this version better over what we got. This feels like more of a step in the right direction. Definitely could've used a few more edits, but I think they were onto something with what you were describing.

[@mdjmurray]

This sounds infinitely better than what we got. Quite how anyone signed off “somehow Palpatine returned” is beyond me. It’s a crime against writers.

[@coolcaleb9939]

This script is so much better than what we got. So much of it is good and cannon friendly. And Rey wielding a double bladed saber makes so much sense. Wish Han, Luke, and Leila got to be in the same room again but it’s too late now

[@DaveDaChicken21]

What I hate most about TRoS is it highlights the lack of planning/ vision for the sequels. If Lucasfilm had just stuck to their guns and released Duel of the Fates then at least they wouldn’t appear as though they had no plan and therefore reverted to fan service for episode 9

[@Bloomio95]

The sequels could have been another nice trilogy about Luke, struggling to rebuild the order without having any knowledge about the Jedi and without guidance, not trusting in his ability to teach while having to teach the first students. Only through (setting out with his students and) finding lost sith and Jedi temples/artifacts (learning bits and pieces about the beginning of the order) and conflicts with not cooperating remnants of the sith and a more overarching threat from thrawn, possibly also dealing with love, and exploring his connection to the force, is he able to come to his own conclusion about what the Jedi should be. And on that premise he builds the first temple of his new order. Thoughts?

[@Bulletsandblockbusters]

I dig it!

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Sounds excellent to me! If only we could somehow travel back in time to prevent Kathleen Kennedy from ever being involved with Lucasfilm...

[@PureBleachFilms]

This is definitely better than the Rise of Skywalker script

[@jb1995]

That would’ve been pure magic. I was a kid when I saw Star Wars in theater in the 70s. At 53. I’m still a fan of Star Wars. And clone wars and Ahsoka.

[@craigbrison4241]

This new Star Wars is hot garbage except for the first two seasons of Mando and Rogue. It's all about "ThE mEsSagE"...

[@AnthonySforza]

God DAMN IT. I would have definitely watched this movie more than the one time I saw the actual one in the theatre. Hell, I probably would have gone back for another go IN the theatre.

[@BBROSNANN]

I have a feeling that poor Daisy much preferred the Duel Of The Fates script to the Rise of Skywalker. You could tell she was so done when promoting Rise of Skywalker. She deserved better. Every character deserved better. Also, Rose making a ship crash into a planet would definitely give her one of the highest kills counts in Star Wars. It's a wonderful and hilarious thought.

[@deadshot5007]

Nah she loves Rise and loves the character

[@thorsmith5946]

Duel of the Fates seems like it would have made more sense and been much better than Rise of Skywalker. It’s a shame we didn’t get the better version. The whole Palpatine returns thing always bothered me since it made Vader’s sacrifice to save Luke mean very little.

[@patgarner]

this would have been endlessly better than what we got. I felt excited just listening to it be described.

[@nodtothestrange1008]

Obviously we’ll never know if it would have been a better film because a lot can happen between writing a first draft of a script to releasing a finished film. But Trevorrow’s story does a much better job of continuing the themes that the previous two films established instead of throwing them out of the window. E.g. in TLJ Kylo tells Rey her parents were nobodies, it seems like she starts to realise it doesn’t matter where you come from, what matters is how you live your life, you can choose your own destiny. We even see her story inspiring the kids at the end and one of them starting to use the force. Then in TROS Abrams is saying “actually forget that message, it’s all about who your parents were and Rey’s Palpatine’s granddaughter because it’s the twist with the most shock power”. He chickened out of continuing the more mature and original story. Plus Vader basically sacrificed himself for nothing if Palpatine can come back that easily, and what’s to stop him having a second backup plan and coming back some other way later on? 😂