It seems like Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker paid tribute to every other film in the Skywalker Saga. However, there was one unmistakable nod to The Empire Strikes Back that had viewers in tears.
SPOILERS AHEAD, PROCEED WITH CAUTION!
In The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren had a change of heart after he sensed the death of his mother Leia Organa. After being healed by Rey, he stood alone in Exogol thinking about what he would do next. This is when his father Han Solo appeared to him and the two reconnected.
The scene was reminiscent of the final exchange between Kylo and Han in Star Wars: The Force Awakens where Kylo asked his father to help him. But this time, Kylo threw his lightsaber away, reclaiming his identity as Ben Solo all over again.
Interestingly, Ben turns back to Han calling out, "Dad." Han's response is a simple, "I know."
This isn't the first time that Han said those words. In The Empire Strikes Back, Leia told him she loved him and he gave her that iconic response. We didn't need to hear Ben say the same words to his father because yes, he knew.
It's an awesome way to pay tribute to Han and that legendary scene from Empire where he was imprisoned in carbonite. At the same time, it was an emotional reminder that Han always knew that his son would never completely succumb to the Dark Side of the Force.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is still screening in theaters worldwide.
Related: Star Wars Icon Finally Gets Big-Screen Cameo in The Rise of Skywalker
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