Daisy Ridley Clarifies Rey & Kylo Ren’s Final Scene: “You Can Call A Kiss A Thousand Things” Explained

The contentious kiss shared between Rey Skywalker and Ben Solo/Kylo Ren in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has generated significant debate among fans and critics alike. While Daisy Ridley’s interpretation of this moment has often been scrutinized, the sentiment surrounding Rey and Kylo’s relationship remains a divisive topic within the Star Wars community. Many fans view the sequel trilogy unfavorably, particularly regarding the final installment, leading to even greater dissatisfaction with the kiss that closes the saga for these characters.

In a recent episode of the Happy Sad Confused podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, Daisy Ridley provided her perspective on the kiss between Rey and Kylo Ren. Reflecting Lucasfilm’s stance in the years since the film’s release, Ridley described the kiss as devoid of romantic intention:

“It felt earned. And what was interesting again, I think it’s like intentionality. My feeling in that moment was it was a goodbye, so that felt earned. Because, I mean, you can call a kiss a thousand things, but I felt like it was saying goodbye. And that whole scene felt so emotional, and I felt like I was saying goodbye to the job.”

Despite Ridley’s insistence that the kiss did not carry romantic implications, this claim has raised eyebrows, as many find the idea implausible. This leads us to question why Lucasfilm is so reluctant to acknowledge the romantic history between Rey and Kylo Ren.

The Reluctance of Star Wars to Acknowledge Rey & Kylo Ren’s Romantic Connection

Lucasfilm’s Hesitance on Confirming Romantic Feelings

Rey and Ben Solo kiss in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

It’s evident that Lucasfilm has been careful not to explicitly label Rey and Kylo Ren’s relationship as romantic. This caution is curious, especially considering that from their first interaction, fans noticed the chemistry between the two characters. In their inaugural meeting, Kylo Ren not only captured Rey but also transported her to his ship in a manner that signified a deeper connection.

The disparity in how Kylo treats Rey versus other characters, such as Poe Dameron, adds further layers to their dynamic. While Poe faced imprisonment and torture, Rey awakened in a well-lit room with Kylo watching over her—an encounter filled with unspoken tension.

Additionally, their connection through the Force Dyad introduced an array of profoundly intimate moments, culminating in a scene where they nearly kissed in an elevator. Such instances laid the groundwork for the blossoming feelings between them, long before the events of The Rise of Skywalker.

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A Little Acknowledgment Wouldn’t Hurt

Ridley’s assertion that the kiss was merely a “goodbye”seems forced, especially given the emotional weight of the moment. Rey’s astonishment at Kylo’s sacrifice implies that she was unaware of the imminent finality of their embrace, raising questions about the coherence of Ridley’s interpretation.

This hesitance from Lucasfilm to openly confirm the romantic undertones of Rey and Kylo’s relationship seems unwarranted. Such narratives often resonate well with audiences, especially the popular enemies-to-lovers trope—an established theme that can enhance storylines rather than detract from them. In fact, this angle could add depth to the saga, even as discourse around their relationship remains contentious.

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As it stands, it appears unlikely that the narrative surrounding this kiss will shift anytime soon. Both Ridley and Lucasfilm are expected to maintain their current positioning regarding the sequel trilogy. Nonetheless, viewers and fans clearly recognize the deeper implications behind the moment shared between Rey Skywalker and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, suggesting that their kiss was layered with meaning beyond what is officially acknowledged.

Source: Josh Horowitz

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