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This mindblowing Star Wars ‘Rogue One’ fan theory was just confirmed

Published Sep 2nd, 2016 2:30PM EDT
Star Wars Rogue One Background Spoilers
Image: Lucasfilm

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Rogue One

debuts in theaters this December, the first Star Wars movie that Disney has planned for fans. The action takes place between Episodes III and IV, and will show us how the rebels managed to steal the plans of the Death Star from the Empire so that Luke Skywalker and Co. could destroy it in Episode IV.

But who is Jyn Eros, the non-Jedi protagonist of this story? And why is she chosen to lead this dangerous mission? A fan theory was just confirmed, and while it does contain some spoilers, you should still read it, as it explains the history of Jyn and her connection to the Death Star.

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You see, it’s not an accident that Jyn is called to lead the rebel mission. Her father built it – of course, there’s a family relationship at the center of a Star Wars movie.

Played by Mads Mikkelsen, Jyn’s dad Galen Erso isn’t a bad dude. He just got involved with the wrong people who tricked him into developing his energy research for the greater good of the empire. Little did he know that he was forging a massive weapon that could annihilate entire planets. And that’s why he informed the Republic.

Jyn’s background story comes from James Luceno’s Catalyst, Gizmodo reports, a novel set before the events in Rogue One. Here’s a relevant quote from the novel:

“War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.”

“Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.”

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.