Duel of the Fates vs. The Rise of Skywalker: Which would have been a better Episode IX?

Having explored the details of Colin Trevorrow's "Duel of the Fates" script, it's hard not to feel a pang of what could have been. 

His version offers a darker, more consistent tone and gives characters like Finn and Rose their due, allowing them to shine in ways they didn't in "The Rise of Skywalker." Rey's character arc is more nuanced, and her double-bladed lightsaber is a fitting evolution of her weaponry and skills. Kylo Ren's journey is also more compelling, depicting him as a true, unrepentant villain haunted by Luke's ghost and seeking power from an ancient Sith master. Not a Romeo in the making that he became in the released version.

The final battle on Coruscant ties the conflict back to a significant location, making the stakes feel real and tangible. Rey and Kylo's duel on Mortis adds a layer of mysticism and emotional weight, concluding their arcs with thematic resonance. While "Duel of the Fates" isn't perfect and has some plot elements that might feel abrupt or overused, these could have been refined with further drafts.

In contrast, "The Rise of Skywalker" felt disjointed, trying to tie up too many loose ends and often sidelining important characters. The return of Palpatine, while nostalgic, seemed like an out-of-place retcon, and the film's attempt to please everyone ended up satisfying no one. Ok, maybe a few.

In the end, similar to the W. Gibson script for "Alien 3" within the Xenomorph universe, "Duel of the Fates" stands as a fascinating "what if" scenario, providing a more coherent and emotionally resonant conclusion to the Skywalker saga. It's a version that many fans, including myself, would have loved to see brought to life on the big screen. While we'll never know for sure how Trevorrow's vision would have translated, it certainly offers a compelling alternative that feels truer to the legacy of Star Wars. 

So, here's to the story that could have been, and to the endless possibilities of the galaxy far, far away.

Cause as it's stand today, Star Wars is in a shit load of trouble. Andor Season 2 anyone?

Further readings:

• "Star Wars: Duel of the Fates" (Wikipedia)
• "Star Wars: 10 Major Differences In Colin Trevorrow's Rise Of Skywalker Script" (Screen Rant)
• "The Full Original Star Wars 9 Script Has Supposedly Leaked. And It Gives Fans the Ending They Deserved." (Esquire)
• "Colin Trevorrow's Alleged Star Wars Episode IX Ending Features Some Familiar Themes" (Gizmodo)
• "Colin Trevorrow's Star Wars 9 Was Full Of Shocking Story Choices" (Screen Rant)
• "‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ Director Colin Trevorrow Promises “Satisfying” Answer to Rey Theories" (Collider)