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Is Rex in Return of the Jedi? Unraveling the Mystery of the Aging Clone

The short answer? Officially, no. As per established canon, the old Rebel soldier seen on Endor in Return of the Jedi is named Nik Sant. However, the situation is far more nuanced, steeped in fan theories, and fueled by the creative decisions of those shaping the Star Wars universe. The question of whether Captain Rex, the beloved clone trooper from The Clone Wars, is secretly that same character has become a fascinating point of discussion. This article will delve into the evidence for and against this popular theory, exploring the character of Rex, the events of Return of the Jedi, and the behind-the-scenes decisions that make this debate so compelling.

The Canon Answer: Nik Sant

Let’s start with the concrete facts. The character seen on Endor was initially a nameless background extra. Later, he was identified and given the name Nik Sant in supplemental materials. This firmly establishes, within the official Star Wars canon, that that character is not Rex. End of story, right? Not quite.

The Fan Theory: Rex in Disguise

The theory that Nik Sant is actually Rex hinges on a few key points:

Resemblance: Many fans noted a physical resemblance between the older Rebel soldier and Rex, particularly as he appears in Star Wars Rebels, where he’s aged considerably.
Sabine Wren’s Confirmation: In Star Wars Rebels, Sabine Wren confirms that Rex fought at the Battle of Endor. This is a crucial detail, as it places him on the planet at the right time.
Dave Filoni’s Support: Dave Filoni, a key creative force behind The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels, fueled the flames. He approved designs for Rex in Rebels that showed him wearing gear very similar to what the Rebels wore on Endor, evoking the image of Nik Sant.
Accelerated Aging: Clones age at an accelerated rate. This makes it plausible that Rex, born a decade or so before the Battle of Endor, could appear much older than his chronological age would suggest.

The Case Against: Canon Conflicts

Despite the compelling evidence, there are significant hurdles to overcome for this theory to be definitively true within established canon:

Nik Sant’s Identity: Nik Sant already is a defined character, albeit a minor one. Retroactively changing his identity to Rex would require a significant retcon.
Visual Discrepancies: While there is some resemblance, there are also visual differences between Nik Sant and Rex‘s known appearance. These differences could be explained by aging, injuries, or simply different actors, but they remain potential sticking points.

The Power of Interpretation: Canon and Headcanon

Ultimately, the question of whether Rex is in Return of the Jedi comes down to how you define canon and what you choose to believe. For some, the official designation of Nik Sant is the final word. For others, the evidence suggesting Rex‘s presence is too strong to ignore, particularly given the blessing of Dave Filoni in spirit, if not in strict canonical terms. Many fans have embraced the idea as their personal “headcanon,” a belief that exists within their own understanding of the Star Wars universe, even if it isn’t officially supported.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rex and Return of the Jedi

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding Rex’s involvement in Return of the Jedi and related facts:

1. Is Nik Sant actually Rex?

Officially, no. Canonically, Nik Sant is the name of the old Rebel soldier on Endor. However, a popular fan theory posits that Nik Sant is actually Captain Rex in disguise.

2. How was Rex confirmed to be at the Battle of Endor?

Sabine Wren mentions Rex fighting at the Battle of Endor in an episode of Star Wars Rebels.

3. Did Rex know Anakin was Darth Vader?

There is nothing in canon that definitively states whether Rex ever learned that Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader.

4. Why did Rex resist Order 66?

Rex‘s inhibitor chip was damaged, or at least provided him the mental fortitude to overcome the programming. He was able to resist, if only for a moment, because he knew the clones would no longer have free will.

5. How much older is Rex than Ahsoka?

Ahsoka is approximately 5 years older than Captain Rex and most of the clones.

6. What happened to Captain Rex after Return of the Jedi?

The current canon provides little detail about Rex’s activities after the Battle of Endor. However, it’s implied he continued to serve the New Republic in some capacity.

7. What Jedi did Rex serve under?

Rex served as second-in-command to Jedi General Anakin Skywalker and fought alongside Jedi Commander Ahsoka Tano.

8. Why does Rex sometimes call Anakin “Anakin” instead of “General”?

This is usually a slip-up, showcasing the close bond and camaraderie Rex felt with Anakin.

9. Is Rex a Mandalorian?

No, Rex is not a Mandalorian. He is a clone trooper cloned from the Mandalorian bounty hunter Jango Fett. While he possesses Mandalorian DNA, he is not culturally or by birth a Mandalorian.

10. Why did Rex initially obey the order to apprehend Ahsoka after she was framed?

Rex was a soldier who followed orders, even if he personally doubted Ahsoka‘s guilt. His training and programming compelled him to obey, but his loyalty to Ahsoka ultimately led him to question and eventually help her.

11. Was Rex with Anakin during the events of Obi-Wan Kenobi?

The article indicates that Rex hasn’t interacted with Obi-Wan since the Clone Wars, so an appearance in Obi-Wan Kenobi would contradict Rebels.

12. What is CT-9999?

CT-9999, nicknamed “Nines”, was a clone trooper in the 37th Assault Legion.

13. What does Rex call Anakin?

Rex walks up to Anakin to tell him something, but he forgets protocol and calls him “Anakin” instead of “General Skywalker” or “sir.”

14. Is Rex still alive in Star Wars?

At the dawn of the Empire, Rex has escaped with his life but is considered killed-in-action in the eyes of the new regime.

15. Why do clones call Ashoka sir?

The most obvious reason is that “Sir” is a term of respect among the clones, regardless of gender.

The Enduring Appeal of Rex

Regardless of whether he was physically present on Endor, the character of Rex resonates deeply with Star Wars fans. His journey from a loyal soldier blindly following orders to a free-thinking individual fighting for what’s right is a powerful and inspiring story. The mystery surrounding his presence in Return of the Jedi only adds to his legend, allowing fans to project their own interpretations onto the character and the broader Star Wars narrative.

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In conclusion, while canon may state one thing, the spirit of Rex and his unwavering loyalty to his friends and ideals undoubtedly lived on within the rebellion, making him a hero both on and off-screen. The debate will continue, and perhaps one day, canon will align with the fan theories. Until then, the mystery adds a layer of intrigue to a galaxy far, far away.