Vision or not, Ben cannot survive.
Like Darth Vader, these two were only “redeemed” by one person. The whole galaxy would not forgive these Space Hitlers. It is a simpler ending to have them die, then to have them live. Ben would have to stay in hiding for the rest of his life from THE ENTIRE GALEXY and Rey would have to hook up with him in secret since she would be aiding and abetting A MASS MURDERER.
The more I think of the “Reylo” thing it makes me roll my eyes harder and harder.
Anyway, that’s my two cents on that topic.
Yeah, Ben has to go. I get the point of using a fan edit to make some big creative changes, but I just don’t see how anyone believes he should survive. The movie did such a poor job of executing the redemption of his character as it was (which is definitely an aspect that can be improved through an edit), but outright letting him live sends a dangerous message. This would be no different than Vader surviving. Sacrifice is really the best redemptive arc a character like Vader or Ben can have, considering all the atrocities they’ve performed. You are going to have a galaxy worth of skeptical citizens…now, imagine that person not only surviving but living among you. “But he’s changed…!” A life of isolation is the only realistic path here, but then that just makes for a sadder story than what we got. Ben becoming one with the Force and potentially showing up at the end as a Force ghost is consistent with mythology and is really the best case you can realistically hope for.
More power to anyone wanting to keep Ben alive in their edit, it’s just not a believable story decision for me personally. My 13-year old loves Disney stuff and she’s seen the sequel films and actually cringed at the Reylo moment. “Why would she kiss that maniac? He was such a bad person!” Couldn’t fool this teenager, but nice try Disney! 😃