Star Wars: The Reverse Anidala theory, explained
By Meg Dowell
Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker — known as “Anidala” by many Star Wars fans — were the Romeo and Juliet of a galaxy far, far away. Their forbidden love set the galaxy’s most devastating events in motion, which all seemed to resolve at the end of Return of the Jedi when Luke Skywalker saved his father from the dark side. Then the sequel trilogy happened.
The sequels spawned a new subgroup of Star Wars fans, those who celebrated Reylo — the perceived romance between Rey and Kylo Ren. Eventually, some adopted what’s known as the Reverse Anidala theory — the prediction that Rey and Kylo’s connection wasn’t accidental or imagined.
According to Reddit, the Reverse Anidala theory stated that Rey and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo were the reverse love story of Anakin and Padmé. The theory implies that Reylo is the “correction” of Anidala in that Rey pulls been back to the light side of the Force and this returns balance to the universe.
Those who supported the theory believed that even though Padmé was not able to save Anakin from the dark side of the Force, Rey was destined to reverse this tragedy and bring Kylo out of the darkness instead.
The Reverse Anidala theory was created before The Rise of Skywalker, and rightfully predicted that Rey would save Kylo/Ben from evil. It really was Rey’s love for Ben that led him back on the right path. But this was only one way the film emphasized the power of love — and not just romantic love, either. It was Leia’s love for Ben that fully brought him back to the light, and Ben’s love for Rey that saved her from death.
Because Ben Solo did not survive following his selfless sacrifice, many fans don’t consider Reverse Anidala fully fulfilled if the intent was for the pair to have a happy ending. But in its most basic form, it ended in exact parallel. It was, once again, love that saved the galaxy.
Love stories may not always end happily. But love itself always prevails in its own special way.
light. Related Story. How much older is Padmé than Anakin in Star Wars?
Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Dork Side of the Force!