Fans ofStar Wars Jedi: Fallen Orderhave been chomping at the bit for any information about a seemingly inevitable sequel. One of the most successful games in theStar Warsfranchise in recent years,Jedi: Fallen Orderwas well received by fans and critics alike. With a sequel hopefully on the way, it stands to reason that Cal Kestis and the other members of the Mantis will be introduced to more of theStar Warsworld at large. However, that might have dire ramifications for Cal and crew that echo the tone of theRogue Oneprequel movie.
Fallen Orderis considered a canon part of theStar Warsuniverse, taking place several years after the execution of Order 66 and well into the Empire’s establishment across the galaxy. This timeframe has some interesting opportunities for the game going forward, like possibly includingAhsoka Tano inFallen Order 2, but also has some pitfalls that are eerily similar to those in the filmRogue One.Since Cal and his friends are canon members of the universe, their absence in later adventures will need to be addressed. Like inRogue One, this probably means a grim fate for Cal Kestis.
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Jedi: Fallen Order 2 Could Have a Rough Ending for Cal Kestis
Cal Kestis has become one of the few (albeit growing) list of Jedi who survived Order 66 and the betrayal of the clones. Having never fully finished his Jedi training, however, a large thrust ofFallen Orderis the path Cal takes to complete his journey towards being a Jedi Knight. Becoming afull-fledged Jedi Master inFallen Order 2is likely to be a big part of that game, but by the end of the first title Cal has already become a Jedi powerful enough in his own right. His prowess as a Jedi and accomplishments in the firstFallen Orderwill mean that he’s likely high on the Empire’s list of troublemakers.
While things aboutCal will likely change inFallen Order 2, by mere virtue of having defeated an Inquisitor and survived an encounter with Darth Vader mean that he will be pursued more diligently than ever. A Jedi shown to be as powerful as Cal will be sought after not only by the Empire, but by Rebel forces and perhaps other Jedi. Bringing Cal into the wider canon has a lot of interesting possibilities, but doing so likely means that Cal Kestis will end up experiencing either an early death or some other grim fate. Whether that happens inFallen Order 2or beyond, his absence later in the series will need to be addressed. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing from a narrative perspective.
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Rogue One Could Serve as a Good Inspiration for Fallen Order 2
The filmRogue Onehandled such a dilemma in a well-received way. Jyn Orso and her other compatriots are on a suicide mission from the beginning. Going into the film, fans already knew that these characters were likely to die by the end. A similar tone may pervade the next chapter of Cal’s journey. While some would argue forFallen Order 2to move away from canonin order to avoid such a fate for Cal and his friends, embracing that inevitability could giveFallen Order 2a tragic tone that helped makeRogue Oneone of the better receivedStar Warsspin-offs.
Again, whether this happens in the next game or not is anyone’s guess. Cal’s existence will need to be handled eventually. Avoiding commonseries pitfalls will be crucial forFallen Order 2and emulating some of whatRogue Onedid well could help elevate the eventualFallen Ordersequel. Continuing to build the characters out and their relationships with each other could become even more impactful if fans know that a tragic ending is inevitable. This was a big part of what madeRogue Onesuccessful, and could help do the same forFallen Order 2.
SinceFallen Order 2hasn’t been officially announced yet, any assumptions about where it might go is purely speculative. It’s totally possible that some kind of banishment or self-imposed exile awaits Cal Kestis. It’s also worth noting that the fate of every Jedi that survived Order 66 has yet to be revealed, even in the extended universe. A Jedi already shown to be as powerful as Cal needs to be reckoned with much in the way that Ahsoka Tano will likely be in her upcoming Disney+ show. His abilities and personality mean that it’s unlikely Cal would just ignore the events throughout the galaxy without at least attempting to help out.
There’s already a lot ofStar Warscontent forFallen Order 2to pull from, and that will likely be one of the game’s strengths. Between the novels, series likeClone Wars, and other media there’s no shortage of events to tie Cal’s adventures to. While it’s likely to feature mostly original plotlines, Cal’s association with the Jedi and now the Night Sisters after the events of the first game could mean that Cal gets wrapped up in any number of major events throughout theStar Warsuniverse. But a likely impending doom is going to hang heavy over any of his adventures inFallen Order 2.
Using the same kind of dread that permeatesRogue Onecould prove a great narrative device for any sequel toFallen Order. Juxtaposing a likely death or exile for Cal Kestis against helping buildhope for the Rebellion inFallen Order 2could create an incredibly engaging story. Self-sacrifice was part of what made the heroes inRogue Onefeel important to the overall canon, despite their brief moment in the bigger picture.
There are many themesFallen Order 2will likely deal with: Cal continuing his journey towards Jedi mastery, the inevitable conflict between the light and dark sides of the Force for a masterless Jedi, and trying to find a way to help the galaxy. Underpinning those more traditionalStar Warsconcepts with the sense of impending doom for a character likely to meet an early death could help cementFallen Order 2as not just a greatStar Warsgame, but one of the most memorable experiences in a galaxy already filled with such moments.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2hasn’t yet been confirmed to be in development.
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