"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" has hit screens with massive success, and it's no secret that the new villain, Kylo Ren, is one of the story's best details. However, 'Star Wars' franchise fans beg to ask the question- "What made Ren turn to the dark side?"
The character of Ren has been received well by many film analysts, being called by Washington Post as "the perfect Star Wars villain." However, there is still much more to be discovered about the character, such as his motivation to turning to the Dark Side of the Force.
CAUTION: Major "Star Wars" spoilers ahead
Several months ago, Kylo Ren was first spotted in "The Force Awakens" trailers sporting a gloom that matched Anakin Skywalker's when he turned to the dark side in Episode 3, but no one really knew why.
In episode seven, Ren - formerly known as Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Leia - is convinced by a dark leader known as Snoke to turn to the Dark Side. The reason he follows Snoke and becomes one of the First Order (the resurrected Empire) is a multi-faceted one.
First of all, there is vengeance, but beyond that there is also the desire to finish the work that Darth Vader began years ago.
"Kylo Ren idolizes Darth Vader, not Anakin Skywalker," director J.J. Abrams shares about the new antagonist in his interview with IGN. "He idolizes what Vader represents and what Vader was trying to do. The idea that Vader didn't succeed, if you look at it from Ren's point of view, he was seduced by the enemy and failed because of that seduction. So the idea is that Ren wants to complete the thing that Vader started."
Abrams goes on to add an explanation to why Kylo Ren turned from the Light Side, characterizing the antagonist as a persona with incredible potential and Force that was misguided and unclear.
Ren's character is deeper than most viewers may first think, and there could be more connections between him and other characters.
There have been rumours referring to Rey, the film's protagonist, as Han Solo and Leia's daughter. If this is true, then that would make Kylo Ren and Rey siblings.
Kylo Ren is played by 32-year-old Adam Driver, who is also known for roles he's played in "Lincoln" and "This is Where I Leave You."
