Colin Trevorrow’s unused Episode IX script adapted into a comic book

Star Wars fans across the internet were reeling back in February 2020 when the script for Colin Trevorrow’s scrapped Episode IX story treatment was leaked online. Many fans came to a consensus that Trevorrow’s script, entitled Duel of the Fates, would have produced a better film than J.J. Abrams’ divisive The Rise of Skywalker. Now, one fan has taken matters into his own hands.

In a story first reported by IGN, artist Andrew Winegarner announced on Twitter that he has been working for the past year on a full-scale, colored comic series adaptation of Duel of the Fates. The series, which Winegarner claims will be seven issues in total, is unfinished as of now, but the already-completed comic panels can be viewed on Winegarner’s Squarespace.

The comic series has been liked on Twitter by Trevorrow himself, along with Duel of the Fates screenwriter Derek Connolly. Trevorrow has confirmed in the past that the leaked script was authentic, and it gives a good insight into where the original Episode IX may have gone.

Winegarner created the comic strips in part as a response to his dislike of The Rise of Skywalker. “Like many fans, I was disappointed with The Rise of Skywalker, a retread of Return of the Jedi that didn’t seem to follow the trajectory of the story set up in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi,” Winegarner stated. “I was thrilled that Colin Trevorrow and Derek Connolly’s Duel of the Fates leaked, both the script and amazing pre-production artwork, which I incorporate into my adaptation.”

Trevorrow’s script had significant and wide-ranging differences from the story that was put to screen in The Rise of Skywalker. This includes an expanded storyline for Rose Tico and Finn as well as a visit to the popular prequel planet of Coruscant, among other things. In addition, Emperor Palpatine does not make a return in Duel of the Fates. Rather, Kylo Ren serves as the main antagonist throughout the majority of the film.

Winegarner’s comic strip is incredibly detailed and provides intricate looks into what might have been for Colin Trevorrow’s wrap-up of the Skywalker Saga. While there is obviously no feature film, this comic series has given fans of the script the next best thing. Meanwhile, you can follow Andrew Winegarner on Twitter for continuing updates on the comic.