Star Wars fans might think that Kylo Ren's (Adam Driver) helmet and outfit design inspired the Knights of Ren knowing that the wayward son of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and Leia (the late Carrie Fisher) leads the group, but it turns out that the truth fans have it the other way around.
Lucasfilm just recently released the official Ultimate Star Wars New Edition as part of the studio's "Journey to the Rise of Skywalker" campaign (via Screen Rant). The book doesn't really give away that much detail about The Rise of Skywalker, however, it does reveal a few interesting details about the film. That includes the truth behind the relationship between Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren.
Kylo Ren was introduced as the leader of the Knights of Ren in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. However, the book reveals that Kylo Ren was actually inspired by the Knights in making his outfit and his helmet (though he was also inspired by his grandfather, Darth Vader).
"Kylo Ren's helmet is designed in the style of the Knights of Ren. It is also reminiscent of the infamous mask of his grandfather, Darth Vader, connecting Kylo Ren to the dark side of his family heritage," the book reveals, "The helmet conceals his former identity as Ben Solo (also obscured by the helmet's vocoder which makes his voice sound more threatening), and serves to intimidate both his enemies and his subordinates in the First Order. Beyond this and the protection it affords, the helmet has no special functions."
This changes a lot of our assumptions about the sequel trilogy's lore. Star Wars fans used to think that Ben Solo found himself swayed to the Dark Side. After becoming Snoke's apprentice, Kylo Ren then forms the Knights of Ren. This detail in The Ultimate Star Wars Edition reveals that the truth is different from what Star Wars fans used to believe. The Knights of Ren actually existed before Ben Solo was drawn to the Dark Side, and it seems like Kylo drew inspiration from the group. The question now is how Ben becomes the leader of the Knights of Ren? Let's wait and see.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker premieres December 20, 2019.
Read: Star Wars Reveals No One in the First Order Knows Kylo Ren's Real Identity
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!
Star Wars: Episode IX