In 2015, "Star Wars" returned to the big screen through "The Force Wakens" after nearly 11 years after its last installment. It was a commercial success, breaking box office records in the United States domestic market. It was also critically-acclaimed as the film received mostly favorable reviews from a dedicated but extra-picky fan base.
Central to the new "Star Wars" film is its heroine, Rey, who is played by actress Daisy Ridley. In "The Force Awakens", Rey virtually became the first female main protagonist of the scifi franchise. She also instantly became an icon, especially among female fans who have long waited for a strong female character.
However, Rey's back story and origins have remained shrouded in mystery as "The Force Awakens" did not tackle it yet. As such, Rey's background and parentage have been subject of much speculation with fans formulating different theories. The latest one has one simple explanation as to Rey's background and force sensitivity, that she is a royalty.
According to Reddit, user The_Playboy posits that since the "Star Wars" canon is filled with examples of the Empire and thereafter the First Order seeking to wipe out various royal families allied with the Rebel Alliance and the Resistance, that may be what happened to Rey and family as well:
"The royalties played always large part in the Star Wars universe. In the prequel era there were thousands of star systems with monarchic government. Before the Galactic Empire, many planets (for example Naboo, Mandalor, Lasan) were ruled by royal families. Supreme Chancelor Palpatin declared the First Galactic Empire and named himself Emperor."
"In Star Wars Rebels we learn from Zeb (former captain of the Lasan High Honor Guard) that the Empire wiped out the royal family of Lasan, along with most of its population. Queen Apailana of Naboo was also assassinated by the 501st Legion. House Organa the Royal House of Alderaan at that time almost died out when the imperial super-weapon, the Death Star destroyed the entire planet."
"At this point we know for sure that some of the monarchs survived the Imperial regime. This is where my theory comes in. I think Rey is from a royal family, from a planet unknown to the audience. The First Order invaded Rey's homeworld, and wiped them out. Maybe a group of loyal guards escaped with the young Rey, and left her on Jakku for her own safety."
This new theory, according to Screen Rant, is the first claim where Rey is not a descendant or a child of any specific character in the franchise. While the theory is also not very specific, Rey being descended from a royal family actually makes sense. But one thing is definitely sure, Rey's central role in the new "Star Wars" films would mean that her origin is one of significant importance.
