The Chosen One Revisited: Anakin Skywalker vs. Rey in the Star Wars Universe

In the expansive Star Wars universe, the debates around the true Chosen One have often pitted Anakin Skywalker against Rey. Who truly carries the mantle of balance in the Force? This article delves into the character and role of both Anakin and Rey, along with context from the original and sequel trilogies, to help enthusiasts make informed decisions on their cherished fan theories.

George Lucas and the Original Trilogy

The concept of the Chosen One first materialized in the original Star Wars trilogy and the prequels, created by George Lucas. These texts established a clear prophecy foretelling of a figure who would bring balance to the Force, specifically by destroying the Sith. This prophecy was outlined in the original trilogy where Anakin Skywalker was confirmed as the Chosen One by Lucas himself.

The Rise of the Sequel Trilogies

While the Star Wars universe continued to expand with the prequels and subsequent sequels, the nature of these films has transformed. The sequel trilogy, directed by J.J. Abrams, was more focused on commercial success and audience engagement, often at the expense of narrative coherence and character development. Abrams, in an interview, summarized the essence of the trilogy as a story about a generation bringing balance to the Force, echoing the prophecy of the Chosen One. However, the commercial success of the original films cannot justify the continued expansion without genuine storytelling sincerity.

Anakin Skywalker: The True Chosen One

Anakin Skywalker embodies the essence of the Chosen One character more vividly than Rey. His journey began with the ability to defeat the Mortis gods, a feat only the Chosen One could accomplish. Furthermore, Tenebrous, a character from the Expanded Universe, explicitly confirmed that Anakin was the physical embodiment and iteration of the Force, stating that he was the son of the Force and the chosen one. This is further substantiated by the original trilogy where Anakin fulfilled the prophecy by destroying the Sith, symbolically restoring balance to the Force.

Rey: A Controversial Character

Rey, although a compelling and heroic character, faces significant scrutiny as the Chosen One. The prophecy in the original trilogy states that the Chosen One cannot be born to a Sith or a Jedi. Rey initially appears to be a savior, but her lineage challenges this prophecy. Additionally, the resurrection of Palpatine adds a layer of complexity, suggesting that the Force can be manipulated, yet Anakin and Tenebrous confirmed that the prophecy chosen one was predetermined and fixed by the Force, not Palpatine.

Conclusion: Bringing Balance to the Force

So, who is truly the Chosen One? The argument rooted firmly in the original trilogy supports Anakin as the Chosen One. Bringing balance to the Force is an ongoing process, not an immediate or everlasting solution. Anakin, despite his eventual fall and transformation into Darth Vader, still succeeded in destroying the Sith, completing the prophecy. This highlights that balance is maintained through continuous efforts, not just a one-time act. Rey's story, while rich and inspiring, does not quite fit the exact prophecy as originally described.

For true Star Wars enthusiasts, the original trilogy offers the most coherent and satisfying narrative, and it's in these stories that Anakin Skywalker stands as the Chosen One. As the Force Awakens continues to evolve, fans will continually debate the true identity of the Chosen One, reinforcing the timeless appeal and complexity of the Star Wars universe.