Summary
- The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduced new and powerful Force abilities that pushed the boundaries of what was previously known.
- The Force can be used for both good and evil, with characters like Kylo Ren and Rey demonstrating its potential for freezing objects, psychometry, and forming powerful Force bonds.
- The possibilities for future Force abilities in the Star Wars universe are endless.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduced several new Force powers that created iconic scenes and forever changed the Skywalker saga. Each entry in the Star Wars franchise explores a different aspect of the Force, both physical and ethereal, revealing more abilities that Jedi and Sith alike could never have dreamed of. This reflects the mysterious nature of the Force, how it is "more powerful than you can possibly imagine" in the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi, possessing many secrets that may never be unlocked. As Ahsoka Tano would say, "when you think you understand the Force, you realize just how little you know."
The incredible Force powers featured in the sequels illustrate the various ways to apply the Force for good or evil. It can be used as a tool for understanding or can be manipulated for sinister purposes, personifying the eternal struggle between the light and dark sides. Each movie pushed the boundaries of what rules the Force had to follow, often concluding that there were no limits to what a character could achieve through the Force. From completely original abilities to ones that built off previous movies, eight Force Powered introduced in the Star Wars sequel trilogy were the most significant in shaping the story.
8 Kylo Ren Freezes A Blaster Bolt
The first Force power used in the Star Wars sequel trilogy was Kylo Ren freezing Poe Dameron's blaster bolt. The laster remained frozen in the air for several minutes, sizzling as if a full speed yet held in place by a Force user barely giving it a second thought. The bolt stuck its target after Kylo finally walked away, taking Finn and the other stormtroopers. On top of stopping an object in motion, Kylo freezing Poe and later Rey almost appears to have put them on pause, implying that the Force can be used to freeze the flow of time.
7 Rey Uses Psychometry When She Touches The Lightsaber
Rey had to learn the hard way that she possessed the power of psychometry when she touched Luke Skywalker's lightsaber. This ability allowed Force users to learn about an object's history by touching it, which is why Rey experienced a vision of Luke and others related to him. The images then segued into Rey's past and future, reflecting Yoda's words to Luke on Dagobah and revealing how naturally gifted Rey was through the Force. While not as proficient with the ability as a Jedi like Master Quinlan Vos, Rey used the power again to sense the history of Ochi's danger on Pasaana.
6 The Last Jedi Introduced The Most Powerful Force Bonds
The prequel and original trilogies featured characters forming bonds through the Force, but Star Wars: The Last Jedi introduced a more powerful Force bond between Rey and Kylo Ren. Once Supreme Leader Snoke bridged their minds, Rey and Kylo could talk and interact from halfway across the galaxy, sensing each other's thoughts and feelings when they made contact. Their bond was so powerful that Rey learned some of Kylo's skills with a lightsaber, and both saw a piece of the other's future. Snoke may have formed the Force bond initially, but Rey and Kylo's connection remained strong after his death.
5 Luke Skywalker's Force Projection
Another Force power introduced in The Last Jedi was Luke projecting an image of himself across the galaxy. Rey and Kylo Ren couldn't do this until Snoke bridged their minds, and Kylo knew that Rey would have been killed had she attempted it on her own. As a Jedi Master, Luke was more powerful and could use the ability long enough to save the Resistance before becoming one with the Force. It reveals that the Jedi can create any illusion with the Force and presumably not die if the ability is used at close range. Rey's connection with Kylo suggests that multiple Jedi could survive by using it together.
4 Rey's New Force Heal Power
Anakin Skywalker wanted to save Padmé Amidala from certain death, but while he sought this power through the dark side of the Force, Rey discovered Force healing by embracing the light. By studying the ancient Jedi texts and honing her natural abilities, Rey learned to transfer her life energy to other beings to speed up the healing process of serious wounds. Sith Lords like Darth Plagueis sought to achieve immortality by manipulating the Force to heal the body, so it's fitting that Rey ultimately discovered the power as a Jedi, saving Kylo Ren and inspiring him to save her in return.
3 Palpatine Plans To Transfer His Essence Into Rey
Palpatine hinted at the ability to cheat death in the prequel trilogy, but it wasn't until Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that his method was revealed. He survived his apparent death by transferring his spirit into a clone body and planned to do the same with Rey. Palpatine also hinted that previous Sith Lords passed their spirits into those that killed them, meaning they lived on in those who succeeded them. Because the ritual required the victim to strike down Palpatine out of anger, it's possible that the Emperor planned to transfer his spirit to Luke in Return of the Jedi.
2 Rey & Kylo Ren Can Teleport Lightsabers
Once they discovered their link was still intact, Rey and Kylo Ren realized they could teleport objects across space and time. This power was first hinted at in The Last Jedi when Kylo rainwater off his face that came from Rey's location on Ahch-To, which is how he knew to grab Rey's necklace in The Rise of Skywalker. Thankfully, Ben Solo returned to the light and threw away his red lightsaber, setting the stage for Rey to teleport her lightsaber to him on Exegol. The ability to transfer objects instantly raises more possibilities for Rey's New Jedi Order and travel throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
1 Palpatine Uses Force Drain On The Dyad
Palpatine's plan quickly fell apart thanks to Rey and Ben's new abilities, but he exploited their power upon learning they were a dyad in the Force. No longer needing a new body, Palpatine drained the power of the Force dyad to restore his own, granting him more power than he ever had before. The draining also recontextualized Palpatine's "death" in Return of the Jedi as a large amount of Force energy leaving his body, explaining why he wasn't as strong in the clone body. The Force powers introduced in the Star Wars sequel trilogy changed the saga forever, and there's no telling what abilities will appear in the upcoming movies.