11 Nov 2024

Understanding Rey's Age In Star Wars: The Force Awakens

When we first meet Rey in 2015's Star Wars: Episode VII: The Force Awakens, she is a resilient young scavenger navigating the desolate landscape of Jakku. As a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, fans have been curious about her age during her debut in the film. The mystery surrounding Rey’s age adds depth to her character and enriches the narrative of the beloved franchise.

Throughout the movie, the specific age of Rey is never explicitly stated; instead, it’s left for fans to uncover through supplementary materials and lore. This lack of direct information leaves viewers pondering, just how old is Rey when she embarks on her epic journey? To find the answer, we must delve into the timelines established in the Star Wars universe.

According to the 2023 reference text Star Wars: Timelines, Rey was born in 15 ABY, which is 15 years after the events of Star Wars: Episode IV: A New Hope. Since The Force Awakens takes place in 34 ABY, calculating her age becomes straightforward: by subtracting 15 from 34, we find that Rey is 19 years old at the time of her first appearance. This information highlights the gap between the character's origin and her role in the ongoing saga, showcasing how much she has yet to experience and learn.

Rey's Age Across the Star Wars Saga

In the sequel trilogy, Rey's age doesn’t change significantly between the films. She remains 19 in both The Force Awakens and its immediate sequel, Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, as both films are set in the same year, 34 ABY. This continuity allows viewers to see Rey as she grows and evolves, while also emphasizing her character's steadfastness during tumultuous times.

As the trilogy progresses, Rey turns 20 in Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker, marking a pivotal moment in her journey. By the end of the trilogy, she has gained invaluable experiences that shape her identity and place within the Star Wars universe. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that actor Daisy Ridley was actually 22 when filming The Force Awakens, which adds an interesting layer to the character's portrayal and age perception.

Rey in Other Star Wars Media

Rey’s age is also explored in various Star Wars media outside the main films, such as animated series and books. For example, in the upcoming Rey-centric movie, informally titled "New Jedi Order," which occurs 15 years after The Rise of Skywalker, Rey will be depicted as 35 years old. These expansions of her character deepen our understanding of her evolution and contributions to the galaxy.

In summary, Rey’s journey from a 19-year-old scavenger to a powerful figure in the Star Wars universe showcases her growth and resilience. With each installment, fans witness her transformation in response to the challenges she faces and the relationships she builds along the way, emphasizing the importance of her character in the continuing legacy of Star Wars.

Rey's Age in Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Rey's Age Across the Star Wars Saga
Rey in Other Star Wars Media

Rey's Age in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Rey is 19 in Star Wars – Episode VII: The Force Awakens. The film does not explicitly state this, but the reference text Star Wars: Timelines confirms her age based on her birth year, 15 ABY, and the film's timeline in 34 ABY.

Rey's Age Across the Star Wars Saga

Rey remains 19 in Star Wars – Episode VIII: The Last Jedi and turns 20 in Star Wars – Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. This continuity emphasizes her character's growth during the trilogy.