I think the big question it comes down to is how IX will conclude and tie into the saga thematically. If Ben dies evil, what will the concluding message be for the overall saga? What if Ben is redeemed and lives?
And if he is redeemed, how will that be executed? I think we immediately think of Vader’s redemption and just seeing it as a repeat of that, but I Ben being redeemed doesn’t necessarily mean it will play out the same way it did for Vader.
At this point “the way it played out for Vader” is already not an option. Kylo already killed Snoke, so at least in some regard it will be different. He’s the Supreme Leader now and we’re in uncharted territory which is very exciting to me.
I will say I’m worried most about how they’ll handle Ben but at the same time I have the most confidence in that aspect. I think JJ, having originated the character, definitely has what it takes to resolve his story.
Unfortunately the biggest shame of the trilogy is that we’ll never get to see Ben and Leia share the screen together.