As we approach the third and final film in the “New Trilogy” of “Star Wars” films, characters and actions are being analyzed more than ever. And a character that seems to be one of the more fiercely debated is Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver. Is he destined to have a Darth Vader-like arc where he finally embraces his heroic side? Or is Kylo too far gone to be embraced by fans?
According to a new Rolling Stone interview with Adam Driver, he admits that Kylo Ren might not be the model citizen and the easiest to redeem, but that’s part of the character’s charm and what makes him a more interesting antagonist in “Star Wars” films.
“There’s something in having an antagonist who is a little more vulnerable,” said the actor. “That seems to be more relatable and human than just someone who is a psychopath.”
The vulnerability of Kylo Ren seems to be the part of the character most attacked, with many calling him petulant and immature, as he’s been known to act out and destroy property when he doesn’t get his way. But even still, there are some fans that hope that Ren is redeemed and, perhaps, find love with the mysterious Rey.
“I mean, of course, I’m sympathetic to him and I understand,” Driver said. “But I can see on the outside, if I analyzed it, which I don’t, that someone who’s killed his class doesn’t really seem to be good boyfriend material.”
He added, “He’s almost like a spoiled rich kid who has to evolve into something. He’s following his path of finding who he is. You might have had to metaphorically, or in this case literally, kill your father to find out who you are. To be your own person, at a certain point you have to claim it. But then again, we never really figure out who we are.”
Is there redemption ahead for Kylo Ren in ‘Rise of Skywalker?’ We have less than three weeks before we find out, as the film opens on December 20.
