Fortnite is referenced in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. No, we aren’t kidding. Star Wars Episode IX releases in US theaters on December 20, but those who have already seen the movie in other regions may have missed the sly nod to Epic Games’ recent Fortnite event.
Mild spoilers ahead!
The Fortnite reference pops up in The Rise of Skywalker‘s opening crawl. The intro explains that Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious is alive, broadcasting a message stating that he’s out for revenge.
“The dead speak! The galaxy has heard a mysterious broadcast, a threat of REVENGE in the sinister voice of the late EMPEROR PALPATINE,” the crawl reads.
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This is a reference to the recent Fortnite and Star Wars crossover event, in which Palpatine’s voice appeared offering a message warning that he would return.
“At last the work of generations is complete,” Palpatine said during the special Fortnite event. “The great error is corrected. The day of victory is at hand. The day of revenge. The day of the Sith!”
The message from Palpatine that appeared during the Fortnite event can be viewed below:
It’s certainly a strange easter egg, though if you weren’t aware of the Fortnite event then you likely wouldn’t be aware that The Rise of Skywalker had referenced it. It’s not as unsubtle as the game’s appearance in Avengers: Endgame, another Disney film which featured in a Fortnite crossover event, before it returned the favor by having Thor play the battle royale game in a scene in the movie.