The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduced us to a scavenger from Jakku who would eventually become the savior of the Jedi, but for a brief, spine-chilling moment in The Rise of Skywalker, we saw her antithesis. Known to fans as Dark Side Rey, this shadowy manifestation represents the ultimate “what if” scenario for the galaxy. Clad in a tattered black cloak and wielding a unique hinged double-bladed red lightsaber, this version of Rey captivated audiences by showcasing the terrifying potential of the Palpatine bloodline. While she only appeared as a Force-induced vision, the cultural impact of this dark reflection has sparked endless debates about destiny, heritage, and the thin line between heroism and villainy in the Force.
Dark Side Rey: Character Biography & Technical Profile
| Full Name | Rey (Manifestation of the Palpatine Heritage) |
| Alias | Empress Palpatine / Dark Rey / Sith Rey |
| First Appearance | Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019) |
| Nature of Existence | Force Vision (Psychological manifestation of the Dark Side) |
| Home Planet | Jakku (Original Rey) / Kef Bir (Location of vision) |
| Bloodline | Granddaughter of Sheev Palpatine (Darth Sidious) |
| Affiliation | The Sith / The Final Order (Potential) |
| Primary Weapon | Hinged Double-Bladed Red Lightsaber |
| Combat Style | Aggressive, Sith-inspired staff combat |
| Visual Characteristics | Hooded black robes, pale skin, sharpened teeth, cold expression |
| Core Motivation | Embracing absolute power and the Palpatine legacy |
| Key Location | The Emperor’s Vault (Death Star II Wreckage) |
| Voice/Actor | Portrayed by Daisy Ridley |
| Status | Dispelled (Conquered by Rey’s choice to follow the Jedi path) |
The Origin of the Dark Side Rey Vision
The cinematic debut of Dark Side Rey occurred during the heroes’ mission to the wreckage of the Death Star II on the moon of Kef Bir. Seeking the Sith Wayfinder, Rey enters a secret vault once belonging to Emperor Palpatine. In a sequence reminiscent of Luke Skywalker’s trial at the Cave of Evil on Dagobah, Rey encounters a terrifying reflection of herself. This was not a physical person, but a Force vision triggered by the dark resonance of the site. It served as a psychological manifestation of Rey’s deepest fears—that her inherent power was tied to a darkness she could never truly escape or control.
The Symbolism of the Double-Bladed Red Lightsaber
One of the most striking features of Dark Side Rey is her weaponry. Unlike her standard yellow or blue blades, this dark reflection carries a folding double-bladed red lightsaber. The design is both functional and intimidating, snapping into a staff-like configuration similar to the weapon used by Darth Maul. Symbolically, the red hue signifies the corruption of a kyber crystal through “bleeding,” a process where a Sith pours their pain and hate into the gem. For Rey, the weapon represents a departure from her staff-wielding scavenger roots toward a more predatory and disciplined form of Sith combat that favors aggression over defense.
Understanding Rey’s Connection to Sheev Palpatine
To understand why Dark Side Rey is so significant, one must look at her lineage. The revelation that Rey is the granddaughter of Sheev Palpatine (Darth Sidious) changed the context of her journey. The vision on Kef Bir was a literal representation of her genetic predisposition toward the dark side. In the lore of Star Wars, bloodlines carry a heavy weight, and the Palpatine name is synonymous with the ultimate corruption of the Force. Dark Side Rey is the personification of the “Empress Palpatine” persona that the Emperor hoped his granddaughter would eventually embrace to lead the Final Order.
The Aesthetic Shift: From Scavenger to Sith
The visual design of Dark Side Rey was meticulously crafted to contrast with her “Light Side” persona. While Rey typically wears neutral, earthy tones and practical wraps, her dark counterpart wears a heavy, hooded black robe that obscures her silhouette. Her skin is rendered as unnaturally pale, and her teeth appear sharpened or jagged, a common trope in Star Wars to signify the physical decay caused by the Dark Side of the Force. This aesthetic shift highlights the transformative nature of Sith power, suggesting that embracing hate doesn’t just change the mind; it warps the very biology of the individual.
Comparing Dark Side Rey to Darth Vader and Kylo Ren
While Darth Vader and Kylo Ren are grounded in tragedy and conflict, Dark Side Rey represents a different kind of threat. Vader was a fallen hero, and Kylo was a confused youth, but the dark vision of Rey suggests a cold, calculated Sith Empress. Unlike Kylo’s unstable crossguard blade, Rey’s dark lightsaber is precise and mechanical. Fans often compare her to Darth Zannah or other legendary Sith women from the Expanded Universe. She lacks the inner turmoil seen in Ben Solo, presenting instead a version of Rey that has completely surrendered to her “rightful” place as the heir to the Sith throne.
The Role of the Mirror Dimension in Star Wars Lore
The concept of a “dark reflection” is a recurring theme in Jedi training. From the Cave of Evil on Dagobah to the Mirror Cave on Ahch-To, the Force uses these visions to force a practitioner to face their internal shadow. Dark Side Rey is the culmination of these trials. On Ahch-To, Rey saw an endless line of herself, seeking answers about her parents. On Kef Bir, she finally found that answer, and it was a monster. These mirror dimensions aren’t just illusions; they are a bridge between the physical world and the Cosmic Force, revealing truths that the conscious mind often tries to suppress.
Why Fans Wanted More of the Dark Side Arc
Despite her limited screen time, Dark Side Rey became an instant fan favorite. Many viewers felt that the sequel trilogy could have benefited from a longer exploration of Rey’s temptation. The idea of a protagonist actually falling to the dark side, only to be redeemed later, would have been a bold narrative choice. The merchandise, including Funko Pops and high-end statues of the character, sold out quickly, proving that the “Empress Rey” concept resonated deeply with the community. It tapped into the fascination with the “Dark Side” and the “What If” scenarios that drive the Star Wars fandom.
The Psychological Impact on Rey’s Journey
The encounter with her dark self was the turning point for Rey’s character development in Episode IX. It was this vision that nearly drove her into exile on Ahch-To, following in the footsteps of Luke Skywalker. The sight of her own potential for evil terrified her so much that she was willing to abandon the Resistance to prevent the vision from coming true. This highlights the character’s core struggle: the battle between nature vs. nurture. By defeating the fear of her own heritage, Rey was eventually able to declare herself “Rey Skywalker,” effectively killing the ghost of her dark reflection.
Dark Side Rey in Star Wars Video Games and Media
The legacy of Dark Side Rey lives on outside the film through various media. In LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, players can unlock this version of the character, complete with her unique lightsaber animations. Furthermore, she has appeared in mobile games like Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes. These appearances allow fans to play out the scenarios that the movies only hinted at. By including her in the wider Star Wars canon of games and collectibles, Lucasfilm has ensured that this “vision” remains a permanent fixture in the tapestry of the franchise’s most iconic character designs.
The Connection to the World Between Worlds
Some theorists suggest that visions like Dark Side Rey might have roots in the World Between Worlds, a mystical dimension that connects all of space and time. While the film presents her as a hallucination, some fans speculate she could be a version of Rey from an alternate timeline where she took the Emperor’s hand. In this context, the vision wasn’t just a fear, but a glimpse into a multiverse of possibilities. While not explicitly confirmed in the films, this interpretation adds a layer of cosmic horror to the character, suggesting that the Empress is always waiting in some corner of reality.
Exploring the “Empress Palpatine” Alternate Ending
Before the final cut of The Rise of Skywalker was settled, there were numerous rumors regarding an ending where Rey takes the throne. In this speculative scenario, Dark Side Rey wouldn’t have been a vision but a reality. Rey would have struck down the Emperor in anger, allowing his spirit to inhabit her body, as per the Sith ritual. While the “Skywalker” ending provided a more traditional heroic conclusion, the “Empress Palpatine” ending remains a popular topic for fan fiction and “theory” YouTube channels, as it offers a much darker, more Shakespearean conclusion to the saga.
How Dark Side Rey Influenced Future Star Wars Projects
The visual language used for Dark Side Rey—the sharp contrast, the red weaponry, and the corruptive power of heritage—has influenced subsequent projects like The Acolyte and Tales of the Jedi. The franchise continues to explore the idea that the “Dark Side” is an ever-present temptation rather than a one-time choice. By showing a hero as pure as Rey being haunted by such a visceral image of evil, Lucasfilm set a precedent for future protagonists. It reminds the audience that in the Star Wars universe, the greatest battle is never against an army, but against the darkness within oneself.
Conclusion: The Lingering Shadow of the Sith
Ultimately, Dark Side Rey serves as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved in the struggle for the Force. She represents the fragility of goodness and the seductive nature of power. Though she was only a vision on the screen for a few seconds, her image has become one of the most iconic pieces of imagery in the modern era of Star Wars. She stands as a monument to what Rey overcame. By facing the Empress within, Rey was able to truly define herself not by her grandfather’s blood, but by her own choices and the family she chose to embrace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Dark Side Rey a real person?
No, she is a Force vision that Rey experiences while exploring the wreckage of the Death Star II. She represents Rey’s fear of her own potential for evil and her Palpatine heritage.
2. What kind of lightsaber does Dark Side Rey use?
She uses a double-bladed red lightsaber that features a unique folding or “hinged” mechanism. This allows the weapon to be folded in half or extended into a full staff.
3. Does Rey ever actually turn to the Dark Side?
In the official canon, Rey remains a Jedi. She feels the pull of the dark side and has moments of anger, but she ultimately chooses to follow the path of the Light Side and honors the Skywalker legacy.
4. Why did Dark Side Rey have sharp teeth?
The jagged teeth and pale skin were artistic choices meant to show the physical degradation that comes with long-term use of the Dark Side, a trait often seen in characters like Emperor Palpatine.
5. In which movie does Dark Side Rey appear?
She appears briefly in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, which was released in 2019.
6. Can you play as Dark Side Rey in any games?
Yes, she is an unlockable character in LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga and appears as a collectible unit in the mobile game Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.
