Will Ben Solo Be Redeemed at the End of the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

Will Ben Solo, known in the Star Wars universe as Kylo Ren, find redemption at the end of the sequel trilogy? While some may imagine a possible redemption arc for the character, the reality is far less likely. This is not because of any unforgivable act, but due to his refusal to embrace any opportunities for redemption that have been presented to him.

Refusal of Redemption

From the moment Kylo Ren turned to the dark side, he has repeatedly rejected the possibility of redemption. Unlike Darth Vader, whose commitment to the dark side was more internal and ideological, Kylo Ren actively refuses to turn back. Significant moments where he could have embraced the light include his confrontation with Han Solo and his siding with Rey against Snoke. Although these opportunities were there, Kylo Ren consistently chose the dark path. Any form of redemption for him would require a catastrophic last-minute turn or, at the very least, a significant defeat that leaves the door open for further exploration in future media.

Creditable Acts and Failures

Ben Solo, under the guise of Kylo Ren, has committed several unforgivable acts. Firstly, he committed patricide by killing his father, Han Solo, and murdered most of his classmates at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. These actions are severe, and more can be added to the tally, such as his murder of his dark side master, Snoke. Given his penchant for power at the expense of others, he is not a character who easily fits into any redemption narrative.

While some might argue that he has a chance for redemption via a last-minute heroic act, the demand for such a scenario places an immense burden on the audience to suspend disbelief. Furthermore, the likelihood of such an ending coming to fruition is slim, especially considering the character's established path of villainy and refusal to change.

Unlikely Redemption

There is a pervasive sentiment that Ben Solo will be redeemed, driven by the desire for closure and satisfaction in the story. However, from a logical and in-universe perspective, the chances of his redemption are quite low. Snoke's death opened a path for Ben Solo to leave the dark side, but he chose to double down on his dark commitment. Rey provided a way out, but Ben Solo's path was chosen based on his own free will and ideological stance.

Given the severe nature of his actions and his unwavering commitment to the dark side, any scenario involving redemption for Ben Solo would be incredibly difficult to accept. While it is not impossible, the burden it would place on the audience to suspend disbelief would make it highly unlikely.

The Future of Ben Solo

The path forward for Ben Solo, or Kylo Ren, is primarily one of conflict and redemption is unlikely. The character's continued descent into darkness suggests that his future as a villain is secure. However, there may still be elements of exploration in future media. The possibility of Rey ultimately bringing him down in a significant way is a more plausible scenario, given both their personal relationships and the narrative developments within the series.

In conclusion, while the idea of Ben Solo's redemption is seductive and desired by many, the narrative and in-universe evidence strongly suggest that such an ending is improbable. The character's actions and choices have shaped a path that leans heavily towards continued villainy, and any attempt at redemption would require a considerable suspension of disbelief on the part of the audience.