Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker is set approximately one year after the events of The Last Jedi. This places the final film in the Skywalker Saga roughly 35 years after the Battle of Yavin, which serves as the foundational event for the entire Star Wars timeline.
Establishing the Timeline: A Galaxy Far, Far Away, Closely Measured
Understanding the placement of The Rise of Skywalker within the broader Star Wars timeline requires a grasp of the established dating system. The primary point of reference is the Battle of Yavin, depicted in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, which is designated as 0 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). All subsequent events are measured in relation to this pivotal moment.
Therefore, The Rise of Skywalker occurs in 35 ABY (After the Battle of Yavin). This timeframe allows for the repercussions of The Last Jedi to unfold and sets the stage for the final confrontation between the Resistance and the resurrected Emperor Palpatine. This passage of time also allows for characters to develop, alliances to solidify, and the galaxy to react to the events that transpired on Crait.
Delving Deeper: Understanding the Narrative Time Jump
The one-year time jump between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker is crucial to the narrative. It allows the Resistance to regroup, rebuild, and forge new alliances after suffering significant losses. It also provides an opportunity for the First Order to consolidate its power and for Kylo Ren to establish his rule as Supreme Leader.
The jump isn’t just a narrative convenience; it’s a deliberate choice that reflects the realities of war and rebellion. Recovery, strategic planning, and resource acquisition all take time, and the filmmakers recognized the need to portray this realistically, even within the fantastical setting of Star Wars. The year also allows for training montages and the gathering of new skills that are clearly displayed by some of the main characters.
The Significance of 35 ABY
The placement of The Rise of Skywalker in 35 ABY has several important implications:
- Connecting to the Legacy: It firmly establishes the film within the context of the entire Skywalker Saga, acknowledging the events that came before and building upon their legacy.
- Character Arcs: The time jump allows for character growth and development. Rey has further honed her Jedi skills, Poe Dameron has matured as a leader, and Finn has become a more seasoned rebel.
- Galactic Dynamics: The galaxy is in a state of constant flux, with power struggles and alliances shifting over time. The placement of the film reflects this dynamic reality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: Why is the exact year important?
The exact year is important because it provides a framework for understanding the context of the story. Knowing that The Rise of Skywalker takes place 35 years after the Battle of Yavin allows us to understand the state of the galaxy, the relative power of different factions, and the personal histories of the characters. It also helps fans create consistent timelines of events.
FAQ 2: How does the timeframe of The Rise of Skywalker compare to other Star Wars films?
- The Phantom Menace is set 32 BBY.
- Attack of the Clones is set 22 BBY.
- Revenge of the Sith is set 19 BBY.
- Solo: A Star Wars Story is set approximately 13-10 BBY.
- Rogue One: A Star Wars Story is set immediately before A New Hope (0 BBY).
- A New Hope is set at 0 BBY.
- The Empire Strikes Back is set 3 ABY.
- Return of the Jedi is set 4 ABY.
- The Force Awakens is set 34 ABY.
- The Last Jedi is set 34 ABY.
- The Rise of Skywalker is set 35 ABY.
FAQ 3: Is there any conflicting information about the timeline?
While the established timeline is generally consistent, there can be minor discrepancies or interpretations within the expanded universe (books, comics, games). However, the films themselves provide the core framework, and the Lucasfilm Story Group works to maintain consistency across all media. These differences are often explained away as differing perspectives of historical events.
FAQ 4: How do we know it’s one year after The Last Jedi?
Official sources, including interviews with cast and crew, promotional materials, and the film itself, confirm the one-year time jump. Dialogue and character developments also support this timeframe. For example, Poe’s increased leadership qualities and the Resistance’s expanded network would require that period of growth.
FAQ 5: Does this timeline affect the characters’ ages?
Yes, the timeline does affect the characters’ ages. For example, if Luke Skywalker was approximately 19 years old during the Battle of Yavin, he would have been roughly 54 years old at the time of his death in The Last Jedi. Leia would be the same age as Luke.
FAQ 6: Where does The Mandalorian fit into this timeline?
The Mandalorian is set approximately 9 ABY, five years after Return of the Jedi. This places it between the original trilogy and the sequel trilogy, filling in the gaps in the Star Wars timeline. The Book of Boba Fett and Ahsoka take place in the same era, roughly 9 ABY.
FAQ 7: Is there a way to see a visual representation of the Star Wars timeline?
Yes, many fan-made timelines are available online, and official Star Wars encyclopedias often include timeline charts. Searching “Star Wars Timeline” on Google Images will provide numerous helpful visuals. Be sure to check the source to verify the accuracy of the information.
FAQ 8: Does the High Republic era affect this timeline?
The High Republic era takes place approximately 200 years before The Phantom Menace. Therefore, it is largely disconnected from the events of the Skywalker Saga, although themes and concepts introduced in the High Republic could potentially influence later events.
FAQ 9: What happened during that one year between The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker?
While the films do not explicitly show everything that happened during that year, it is implied that the Resistance was actively recruiting allies and rebuilding their forces. The First Order was likely consolidating its power and searching for ways to maintain control over the galaxy. Novels and comics released between movies often fill in these story gaps.
FAQ 10: Could there be inconsistencies in the timeline introduced in future Star Wars projects?
While the Lucasfilm Story Group strives for consistency, minor retcons or reinterpretations are always possible. This is common in long-running franchises, and it’s important to remember that storytelling needs can sometimes outweigh strict adherence to established timelines.
FAQ 11: How does the timeline impact the overall themes of Star Wars?
The consistent timeline, spanning generations, emphasizes the themes of legacy, family, and the cyclical nature of conflict. The struggles of the characters in The Rise of Skywalker are directly linked to the events of the past, highlighting the importance of learning from history and breaking free from destructive patterns.
FAQ 12: Where does Star Wars: Visions fit in the timeline?
Star Wars: Visions is an anthology series of animated shorts that are not considered canon to the main Star Wars timeline. They offer unique and diverse interpretations of the Star Wars universe, often with stylistic or thematic elements that differ from the established canon. They should be enjoyed as standalone stories, free from the constraints of continuity.