'Star Wars' Shows Off New Jedi With Dark Rey-Like Lightsaber

The High Republic, Lucasfilm’s new cross-media storytelling initiative for Star Wars, is already looking to find ways to expand upon some of the mysteries and lore presented in the sequel trilogy, with the introduction of a new character to the franchise: Orla Jareni.

Taking place roughly 200 years before the prequel trilogy begins, The High Republic, much like The Mandalorian and its multiple upcoming spin-off shows, is a brand-new sub-series within the aforementioned and massively well-loved Star Wars franchise. It follows the Jedi at the height of their power, fighting off a mysterious new foe known only as the Nihil. Divided into three phases that will arrive over the next few years, the first phase, Light of the Jedi, shares its name with the novel by acclaimed writer Charles Soule, known for his work on numerous Marvel titles such as Daredevil, Wolverine, and She-Hulk, as well as multiple Star Wars titles including Darth Vader, Poe Dameron, and The Rise of Kylo Ren. Though its initial release was scheduled for last year, it was ultimately pushed back until recently due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.

The High Republic sees the introduction of a fresh new set of heroes, whom we will inevitably follow throughout their various quests and challenges and see grow and change as time goes on. Given that the second and third phases aren’t set to debut until 2022 and 2023 respectively, there’s a lot of time to speculate and play a guessing game or two of what could potentially occur while the series runs its course. What we do know is the first phase includes an event called “The Great Disaster,” which kickstarts the series, and apparently helps spur the Jedi on to becoming much like they are when we meet them in the prequel trilogy.

During the most recent episode of the Star Wars: The High Republic Show, hosted by Krystina Arielle, Lucasfilm revealed some fresh concept art for a few of our potential protagonists and supporting players, one of which showed off Jedi Knight and Wayseeker, Orla Jareni, in all of her newfound glory.

Accented heavily with white and gold, the most striking detail of the character is obviously in her similarities to the heroine of the sequel trilogy, Rey. Or, more accurately, her dark counterpart whom she meets in the throne room of the destroyed second Death Star during the events of The Rise of Skywalker. From her hair to her hood, the character appears strikingly similar in her design in many ways, most especially via her double-hinged lightsaber, which has been the only other time we’ve seen such a weapon until now.

During the show, it was also hinted that Orla has some connection to this "Dark Rey," and not merely by design alone. Only time will tell what that might entail, as the series has only just begun, and we still have more than a few stones left to turn over as to what might happen until then.

Since the introduction of the sequel trilogy, the franchise has attempted to find solid footing with long-time fans and new fans alike, with mixed results, depending on whom you ask. With the last trilogy of the Skywalker saga having come to an end, it’s clear to many that the balance of the Force needs to be shifted in new directions so that new ground might be conquered. A long-term investment in such a storyline as this could provide just the gateway that gets both the casual and hardcore audiences attached to the cultural zeitgeist, much like The Mandalorian already has.

Whether they can replicate the recent success they’ve had with their streaming series, or whether they indeed have compelling and far-reaching new narratives at play, is yet to be seen, but the hugely ambitious push that Lucasfilm is making with this addition to the series is certainly nothing to scoff at. If nothing else, it’s more Star Wars for all of us, and that’s almost always a good thing.

Written By Henry Abrams

Source(s): The Direct

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