Ahead of Star Wars: Episode IX releasing later this year, a new parody video has emerged, featuring Kylo Ren and Rey serenading each other with an adapted version of ‘Shallow’ from A Star is Born. The hit duet was originally performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the latter’s directorial debut. Both the film and song have since gone on to receive numerous awards, as well as Academy Award nominations.

Filming on the still-untitled Star Wars sequel recently wrapped. Director J.J. Abrams, who also helmed Star Wars: The Force Awakens, released an on-set photo to celebrate the achievement. Having previously passed the baton to Rian Johnson for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Abrams reclaimed the director’s chair for the concluding installment after previously scheduled director Colin Trevorrow was let go. When last seen together, Rey (Daisy Ridley) chose to literally and figuratively close the door on Kylo - and their burgeoning connection - after failing to steer him fully towards redemption.

Nerdist has refused to give up hope on the pair, however. Posting on their YouTube channel, they released a parody music video which crosses the streams between Star Wars and A Star is Born, with Kylo playing guitar and singing in the style of Jackson Maine (Cooper). Rey, of course, occupies the role Ally (Gaga), initially apprehensive but ultimately giving into the musical temptation. Though not quite released in time for Valentine’s Day, the video still plays every bit like a star-crossed love-story between the conflicted villain and the emerging hero, with the lyrics brilliantly changed to correspond instead to the galaxy far, far away. There are even brief cameos from a BB-8 droid and Ghost Luke. Check it out below:

The video is not without a sense of humor, taking equal good-natured jabs at both Star Wars and A Star is Born. Everything from Jackson’s fascination with Ally’s nose to Kylo Ren’s somewhat childish nature is referenced. Even the much-maligned moment of Luke drinking Thala-siren milk is touched upon, with the green liquid being what Kylo is addicted too - as opposed to alcohol in Jackson Maine’s case. It was probably inevitable for somebody to combine these two properties. The respective characters, after all, share many similarities. Kylo, like Jackson, is a conflicted man torn between various desires and impulses whilst Rey, like Ally, is a highly talented individual finally receiving the opportunity to come into her own.

Whether the two end up in as tragic a place as Jackson and Ally, however, remains to be seen. The film, predictably, remains shrouded in secrecy, with fans able to do little but speculate as to where things will go next. Though Kylo seemed to commit fully to the dark side at the end of The Last Jedi, vowing to destroy Rey and what remains of the Resistance, Star Wars has always been built on the themes of hope and redemption. As such, there are many who believe he could ultimately redeem himself through sacrifice. And whilst Rey seemingly turned her back on him, they could ultimately find their way back to each other - especially if rumors of a new, emerging threat prove true.

Fans will no doubt hope so. Despite their dynamic being somewhat abusive in nature, support for ‘Reylo’ remains strong. Prompting numerous pieces of fan-fiction and art, there remains many who long to see them end up together and ultimately become a personified version of balance in the force. Whatever the case, fans will no doubt get an inkling if a trailer does indeed drop in April and they will know for sure when Star Wars: Episode IX finally hits theaters. In the meantime, this is sure to tide them over for a while.

More: Screen Rant’s 50 Most Anticipated Movies of 2019

Source: Nerdist

  • Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker Release Date: 2019-12-20