While they rarely ever come true, fan theories always make for some interesting reading and debating among pop culture enthusiasts. The best ones are even more interesting than the ideas that end up in movies, but that’s only because passionate nerds on the internet are unpredictable and more thoughtful than most Hollywood writer rooms.

And when it comes to Star Wars fan theories, there’s certainly no shortage of them. They range between genuinely thought-provoking to very ridiculous. I’ve decided to explore the former.

With the latest trailer for The Rise of Skywalker sending the internet into a frenzy about Rey’s future, now is as good a time as any to look at some of the more fascinating theories and examine their likelihood. Only time will tell if they come true.

Jedi Finn

Finn didn’t have one of the more interesting stories in The Last Jedi, but if a theory posted over at Star Wars Shadow Council comes true, he’ll be a major talking point after The Rise of Skywalker.

The theory, which is based on data gathered from the multi-media Star Wars canon, including video games, movie novelizations, and the recent films, proposes that he might, in fact, be a Jedi. Basically, the argument states that the Force entered Finn at the start of The Force Awakens when he was still a Stormtrooper and dealing with the loss of his friend who’d just died in battle.

The theorist notes that Finn hears a sound that no one else around him seems to notice. Shortly after, Kylo Ren pauses on the way back to his ship and observes Finn, taking note of who he is. It’s highly possible that Kylo sensed the power entering the young Stormtrooper and that’s why he focused on him so thoroughly.

While this is an interesting idea, it seems too late to work without feeling shoehorned in. If Finn discovers that he is one with the Force in the new movie, having him learn how to master the craft in such a short amount of time could be tricky.

Rey and Kylo Are One

The relationship between Kylo and Rey has been one of the more interesting aspects of the current trilogy. Fans have wondered if the pair are related or destined to become romantically involved down the line. That said, even if none of those things happen, it’s still clear that they care about each other.

Both characters are conflicted, seemingly torn between the forces of good and evil. They’ve also shared some pretty intimate moments through the Force, suggesting that their connection is stronger than their similar powers and sympathy for one another.

According to Redditor u/Brilee93, the pair are “two halves of one whole.” The theory proposes that, because Rey’s connection to the Force seemingly grew when Kylo’s propensity for darkness got worse, they’re intrinsically linked to each other somehow.

Because of this Force connection, the Redditor also believes that Kylo will live on through Rey when he dies — after finding redemption.

Dark Rey

The biggest talking point going into The Rise of Skywalker is whether or not Rey will join the Dark Side. The goth version of the Jedi who appears in the trailer isn’t the Rey we’re used to seeing, which has led the internet to speculate that she’s turning heel. If this happens, it’ll make for an interesting turn of events.

Of course, there are other reasons why Rey might be showcasing doomier characteristics. With Emperor Palpatine returning, it’s possible that his spirit has possessed the young Jedi. Or perhaps he’s using his evil Sith mind tricks to haunt her with visions and bizarre dream sequences?

On the other hand, who’s to say that the darker Rey isn’t a clone? Kylo Ren teased the idea of forming an army of Clone Troopers in The Force Awakens, and Palpatine has been known to use them for nefarious purposes in the past. Maybe the new movie will see some clones return to the fold.

A plausible theory is that Rey has found a way to bring balance to the Force, achieving what others failed to do before her. If this really is the end of this saga, having Rey completely master the Force and establish herself as the most powerful Jedi ever is a great way to end things.

That said, my money is on it being a vision of some kind. If the plan is to turn Rey dark, I don’t buy for one second that they’d give it away in the trailer. Revealing a vision or a dream to get people talking is great publicity for the movie, but the movie will opt for the safe route and bring us closure.