Says dumb
The film asks us to feel a loss and then removes it a few scenes later. It makes later moments less meaningful and treats the audience as easily moved.
Why was Chewbacca's apparent death reversed so quickly?
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
At 0:58:20
Verdict: Contested. 56% of viewers say this is dumb. Top defense: The film cuts away from the explosion, so viewers know Chewbacca could have been on another ship.
Contested
56% dumb44% explained
960 votes
Dumbness rating
6.5/ 10(960 ratings)Unearned twistLazy trope
Your verdict
Is this scene dumb, or does it make sense?
Rate how dumb
Mildly dumbThrow the remote
Rating distribution
12345678910
What happens in this scene
Rey accidentally strikes a transport with Force lightning and the group believes Chewbacca was aboard. Shortly afterward, he is revealed to be alive on a different transport. The film does not give the character time to react to either.
The tone toggle also switches the reviews below. Contains spoilers for this scene only.
Reviews 3
Says explained
The film cuts to the explosion but does not show him inside. When he reappears we see that he was in another transport. It is a trick, but not a cheat.
Says dumb
Even if the film technically played fair, it undercuts the stakes of the sequence, and the characters accept it too quickly.
Write a review
Actually, it’s explained
The film cuts away from the explosion, so viewers know Chewbacca could have been on another ship.
- DumbScenesStaff8 months ago
The film cuts away from the explosion, so viewers know Chewbacca could have been on another ship.
Add your argument
Quick Fix
Fixes are written by people. The smallest change, in 200 characters or fewer, that would have fixed the scene. AI is used only for duplicate detection, length and moderation.
Change an action
Keep Chewbacca off the transport, and show Rey's guilt in the next scene. She can focus on her own fear, not on a death.
Would this fix it?85% say yes
script_doctor_samSupporter2 months ago
A newer idea
Cut a line
Cut the scene where the group mourns. Go straight from the explosion to Chewbacca appearing at the rebel base.
Would this fix it?60% say yes
late_to_credits5 weeks ago
Suggest a fix
Also asked as
- Did Chewbacca die in The Rise of Skywalker?
- Why was Chewbacca alive after the explosion?