King Prana, the Dubrovnik planet, and other related matters

King Prana has been mentioned in so many threads lately that I thought the Prana Cheerleading Squad needs its own thread

Although, I actually started this thread to talk about the Dubrovnik set. Now, there's no saying whether the Dubrovnik planet has anything to do with King Prana: but if King Prana actually is in Episode VIII (hopefully played by Benicio *cough*), then my money is on the Dubrovnik planet being his kingdom. The well-dressed characters there, with some of the men wearing knightly sashes, suggest that this might be the elite of a place with a monarchy. (The Rector's Palace location suggests the same, obviously.)

I wanted to post these earlier, but I couldn't think of a suitable thread for them. @panki suggested that the Dubrovnik planet might be the casino planet Pantora, but the Dubrovnik planet has some small things in common with what we've seen of Onderon in canon (TCW) before. Onderon is also included in the galactic map of the Visual Dictionary.

I put the pictures in spoiler tags, so they don't take up a lot of space.

Spoiler:

If this planet happens to be Onderon, it's probably a different city from the capital we saw before... which had the unfortunate name of Iziz. I expect this would be a more high-end part of the planet. And things might have changed quite a bit since the Clone Wars...

However, the concept art for "Exotic City" in The Art of The Force Awakens seems to be similar to Dubrovnik in many ways, as this comparison photo from StarWarsNewsNet shows - and more pics in the spoiler tags:

Spoiler:

Onderon is interesting for two reasons. Firstly, in the EU, the royal house of Onderon had the surname Kira.

Secondly, in the EU, this royal house was descended from an ancient Dark Lord (called Freedon Nadd), who had once ruled Onderon and whose spirit turned some of his descendants to the Dark Side, and taught them with the intention of making them strong and capable enough to resurrect him in the flesh. The ruling class of Onderon belonged to a Sith cult called the Naddists.

It would be very interesting if King Prana is a darksider king and if those aristocratic-looking characters dressed in black and white are actually cult members...

Fixed the market square picture which only showed a small thumbnail.

It makes sense. I thought those aristocratic-looking characters were rather creepy. No idea why.

One thing though, I've notived the ST takes EU and OT elements and renames them and changes them slightly, so I'm sure the planet would not be Onderon, but something similar to Onderon, like Jakku, the "not-Tatooine"planet.

The planet and the chosen sets look like ther could be some royalty, and royalty has an important place in SW. By the way, Prana was the only royalty ever mentioned in TFA. I was going to claim that, unlike in the other movies, no royals are mentioned, but in fact, we have only one, briefly mentioned. Considering the previous 6 films had royalty in them, I think it's likely we'll see royalty in the ST. It also fits with the fairy tale/ fantasy genre that SW belongs to. (No, I don't consider it science fiction, it's high fantasy in space).

So, yes, I agree we'll see royalty, I agree it's likely to be related to the Dubrovnik setting. Will it be kind Prana? Maybe yes, maybe no. I'd say yes because it would "rhyme" with Jabba in the OT. A character Han Solo owns money becomes an important character lately, and has scenes set in his palace.

Could BDT be this king? Yes, otherwise what would his role be? Another FO official? We have Hux. Ok another possibility would be for BDT to be an important knight from the Knights of Ren. Then again, knights are usually related to royalty...

I think you have good guesses there. I don't think all elements will play out the way you're predicting, but at least two out of three will play out .

The 3 points being:

1. Dubrovnik setting is a kingdom.
2. BDT is a leader or important person related to the Dubrovnik setting .
3. King Prana is going to have an important role in the story.

Oh yes, @Force22, those three are actually the only predictions I'm making, too - but I did find it interesting that the EU name for Onderon royalty is Kira, and the Sith cult was also interesting. Especially as I've seen many people speculate - just from the set photos - that those people in black and white look like cult members

You're probably right that the planet could be "not-Onderon-but-like-Onderon", though it's interesting that Onderon is mentioned in the map.

Darth Dingbat wrote:Oh yes, @Force22, those three are actually the only predictions I'm making, too - but I did find it interesting that the EU name for Onderon royalty is Kira, and the Sith cult was also interesting. Especially as I've seen many people speculate - just from the set photos - that those people in black and white look like cult members

You're probably right that the planet could be "not-Onderon-but-like-Onderon", though it's interesting that Onderon is mentioned in the map.

@Darth Dingbat

I like the possibility of the Dubrovnik place being Onderon...it would tie into stories of another important character- Ahsoka Tano....

panki wrote:

Darth Dingbat wrote:Oh yes, @Force22, those three are actually the only predictions I'm making, too - but I did find it interesting that the EU name for Onderon royalty is Kira, and the Sith cult was also interesting. Especially as I've seen many people speculate - just from the set photos - that those people in black and white look like cult members

You're probably right that the planet could be "not-Onderon-but-like-Onderon", though it's interesting that Onderon is mentioned in the map.

@Darth Dingbat

I like the possibility of the Dubrovnik place being Onderon...it would tie into stories of another important character- Ahsoka Tano....

@panki

True. Especially cause TCW is canon. But I don't think people involved in the ST watched TCW. If they did, I think they'd be embarrassed by their flat characterization of the stormtroopers in comparison with the clones. Of course they could not go as deep as the cartoon, because of time, but I think they could have learned a trick or two to help with Finn's character development. Any secondary clone in TCW has more depth than Finn. It's a shame. Completely of topic. Still, I'm not sure how much they know and how much they can tie in with the other material in SW.

Force22 wrote:

panki wrote:

Darth Dingbat wrote:Oh yes, @Force22, those three are actually the only predictions I'm making, too - but I did find it interesting that the EU name for Onderon royalty is Kira, and the Sith cult was also interesting. Especially as I've seen many people speculate - just from the set photos - that those people in black and white look like cult members

You're probably right that the planet could be "not-Onderon-but-like-Onderon", though it's interesting that Onderon is mentioned in the map.

@Darth Dingbat

I like the possibility of the Dubrovnik place being Onderon...it would tie into stories of another important character- Ahsoka Tano....

@panki

True. Especially cause TCW is canon. But I don't think people involved in the ST watched TCW. If they did, I think they'd be embarrassed by their flat characterization of the stormtroopers in comparison with the clones. Of course they could not go as deep as the cartoon, because of time, but I think they could have learned a trick or two to help with Finn's character development. Any secondary clone in TCW has more depth than Finn. It's a shame. Completely of topic. Still, I'm not sure how much they know and how much they can tie in with the other material in SW.

@Force22

I hope they do tie in some of it because it would be a big disappointment to people who buy the tie in stuff looking for clues to where things are going to lead (it would be sort of cheating them of that little extra insight they seek).....I could be wrong....but I think they will include a little of it at least or people will stop buying the related books/novels/comics or watching the tv shows (revenue loss)....for instance, I would think twice about getting any more related literature or watching rebels if I felt I was learning nothing from them or characters I like would not feature in the movies.

I think I'm being swayed to the Lost Princess of Pranaland bandwagon origins for Rey.  I'm not sure how likely it is, but it checks a lot of boxes as far as interesting storytelling goes:

* Dark origins (possibly)
* Probably a dark story as to why she was left on Jakku
* "Lost princess" 
* Parents weren't in TFA but will be a relevant part of the ST storyline

Her being a "lost princess" with a possible surviving relative or two would give a plausible explanation for someone recognizing her at some point and being able to fill her in on her origins. To me, that's one of the bigger obstacles to Rey Random--actually finding out what her origins are if no one knows her parents (outside of Kylo searching the Imperial archives for info).

ISeeAnIsland wrote:I think I'm being swayed to the Lost Princess of Pranaland bandwagon origins for Rey.  I'm not sure how likely it is, but it checks a lot of boxes as far as interesting storytelling goes:

* Dark origins (possibly)
* Probably a dark story as to why she was left on Jakku
* "Lost princess" 
* Parents weren't in TFA but will be a relevant part of the ST storyline

Her being a "lost princess" with a possible surviving relative or two would give a plausible explanation for someone recognizing her at some point and being able to fill her in on her origins. To me, that's one of the bigger obstacles to Rey Random--actually finding out what her origins are if no one knows her parents (outside of Kylo searching the Imperial archives for info).

@ISeeAnIsland

I agree with this....the more I look at the clues, it seems like she is a lost royal.....her wearing a "battle dress" as a little girl in the force vision makes me think her people may have been part of a war and she was either being taken to safety and the people taking her got killed....or her people lost the battle and she was sold as a slave to Unkar because her captors couldn't bring themselves to kill her.

ISeeAnIsland wrote:I think I'm being swayed to the Lost Princess of Pranaland bandwagon origins for Rey.  I'm not sure how likely it is, but it checks a lot of boxes as far as interesting storytelling goes:

* Dark origins (possibly)
* Probably a dark story as to why she was left on Jakku
* "Lost princess" 
* Parents weren't in TFA but will be a relevant part of the ST storyline

Her being a "lost princess" with a possible surviving relative or two would give a plausible explanation for someone recognizing her at some point and being able to fill her in on her origins. To me, that's one of the bigger obstacles to Rey Random--actually finding out what her origins are if no one knows her parents (outside of Kylo searching the Imperial archives for info).

@ISeeAnIsland

Yes, to Rey's possible relation to Prana, if it's the case, JJ's statements make a lot of sense. First he says the person is not in TFA. Then he says they might be in her world, meaning that it's not necessarily someone who hasn't been mentioned.

And Rey could be a lost princess.

Force22 wrote:

ISeeAnIsland wrote:I think I'm being swayed to the Lost Princess of Pranaland bandwagon origins for Rey.  I'm not sure how likely it is, but it checks a lot of boxes as far as interesting storytelling goes:

* Dark origins (possibly)
* Probably a dark story as to why she was left on Jakku
* "Lost princess" 
* Parents weren't in TFA but will be a relevant part of the ST storyline

Her being a "lost princess" with a possible surviving relative or two would give a plausible explanation for someone recognizing her at some point and being able to fill her in on her origins. To me, that's one of the bigger obstacles to Rey Random--actually finding out what her origins are if no one knows her parents (outside of Kylo searching the Imperial archives for info).

@ISeeAnIsland

Yes, to Rey's possible relation to Prana, if it's the case, JJ's statements make a lot of sense. First he says the person is not in TFA. Then he says they might be in her world, meaning that it's not necessarily someone who hasn't been mentioned.

And Rey could be a lost princess.

@Force22
I think it would also fulfill the "deeply satisfying" comment from Trevorrow.

"Lost Princess of Pranaland" Love that.

Don't forget Jett Lucas comparing TFA to Anastasia! Many people read it as implying that Rey is Luke's daughter (er... why?), but what if it means exactly what it says on the tin: lost princess who doesn't remember who she is? Though, again, I have to wonder how much the Lucases know...

@panki: I definitely think Rebels will tie in with TFA, what with the crossguard sabre, so why not TCW in some subtle ways as well... And again, I wonder about the inclusion of Onderon in the galaxy map. It's not the most obvious choice, is it?

Lastly, can't you just see this guy as an evil king? (Recent photo from the Oscars.) Plus, he's 6'2". Dark Side height confirmed!

If Rey is perhaps a missing heir to the throne of Pranaland, that does also open up some interesting possibilities for Rey post episode IX.  Would she return to her home planet to take on a role in government there? Assuming that Kylo survives and Reylo is endgame, what does that mean for him? does that possibly give an out for him having to go into exile, etc?

ISeeAnIsland wrote:If Rey is perhaps a missing heir to the throne of Pranaland, that does also open up some interesting possibilities for Rey post episode IX.  Would she return to her home planet to take on a role in government there? Assuming that Kylo survives and Reylo is endgame, what does that mean for him? does that possibly give an out for him having to go into exile, etc?

@ISeeAnIsland

I don't think she'd go back. The belonging she seeks is ahead. Maybe her heritage is something she has to reject.

I tend to think that she will face a shocking revelation, kind of "we abandoned you because we're afraid of your force powers" or "You're just a girl, our heir is our son" (if she has brothers, who knows). Then she will reconsider Ben's offer. I'm 100% she will stumble. It's necessary. She has to, in one way or another

Darth Dingbat wrote:"Lost Princess of Pranaland" Love that.

Don't forget Jett Lucas comparing TFA to Anastasia! Many people read it as implying that Rey is Luke's daughter (er... why?), but what if it means exactly what it says on the tin: lost princess who doesn't remember who she is? Though, again, I have to wonder how much the Lucases know...

@panki: I definitely think Rebels will tie in with TFA, what with the crossguard sabre, so why not TCW in some subtle ways as well... And again, I wonder about the inclusion of Onderon in the galaxy map. It's not the most obvious choice, is it?

Lastly, can't you just see this guy as an evil king? (Recent photo from the Oscars.) Plus, he's 6'2". Dark Side height confirmed!

@Darth Dingbat

That's right. I want BdT vs. Kylo fight scene. It's too good of an awesome opportunity to pass up.

I too am favoring Lost Princess of Pranaland. Another option that someone can up with last night was that a rival heir dumped Rey on Jakku or asked someone to kill her and that person left her on Jakku.

SoloSideCousin wrote:

Darth Dingbat wrote:"Lost Princess of Pranaland" Love that.

Don't forget Jett Lucas comparing TFA to Anastasia! Many people read it as implying that Rey is Luke's daughter (er... why?), but what if it means exactly what it says on the tin: lost princess who doesn't remember who she is? Though, again, I have to wonder how much the Lucases know...

@panki: I definitely think Rebels will tie in with TFA, what with the crossguard sabre, so why not TCW in some subtle ways as well... And again, I wonder about the inclusion of Onderon in the galaxy map. It's not the most obvious choice, is it?

Lastly, can't you just see this guy as an evil king? (Recent photo from the Oscars.) Plus, he's 6'2". Dark Side height confirmed!

@Darth Dingbat

That's right. I want BdT vs. Kylo fight scene. It's too good of an awesome opportunity to pass up.

I too am favoring Lost Princess of Pranaland. Another option that someone can up with last night was that a rival heir dumped Rey on Jakku or asked someone to kill her and that person left her on Jakku.

@SoloSideCousin

The bolded scenario would certainly be very Snow White/huntsman, wouldn't it?

Force22 wrote:

ISeeAnIsland wrote:If Rey is perhaps a missing heir to the throne of Pranaland, that does also open up some interesting possibilities for Rey post episode IX.  Would she return to her home planet to take on a role in government there? Assuming that Kylo survives and Reylo is endgame, what does that mean for him? does that possibly give an out for him having to go into exile, etc?

@ISeeAnIsland

I don't think she'd go back. The belonging she seeks is ahead. Maybe her heritage is something she has to reject.

@Force22

That's probably most likely, but I could see it going the other way, too - the "belonging she seeks" isn't with her family, but at the same time Lor San Tekka quickly established one of the themes as "you cannot deny the truth that is your family". Both Padme and Leia had more than their fair share of "noblesse oblige" about them; they shouldered great responsibilities at a very young age. Perhaps one part of Rey's coming-of-age will be to accept responsibility?

Or not. I don't know.

I noticed one thing when I was watching TFA with headphones on, though. When King Prana is mentioned, there's an interesting little melody - kind of solemn - playing on the soundtrack. Then the suspenseful action sequence music takes up again. I like to imagine that melody will be associated with King Prana

Like many people, when I first saw the movie, I thought the whole rathar scene was unnecessary filler. I came to wonder why JJ kept this scene in when he left out other scenes (i.e. Kylo in the MF).  So, I really like the idea that the scene has more meaning than just Rey and Finn escaping from rathers. I was reading the Visual Dictionary again and this is what it has to say about Prana:

"Prana, a collector of exotic animals, has a longstanding feud with Regent Solculvis of the Mol'leaj system. Both royals have expansive zoos dedicated to rare and dangerous creatures, but spies in Solvicus's court have confirmed to Prana that the regent does not have rathars. Prana sees an irresistible opportunity to outdo his rival."

That's a interesting little backstory...I wonder who that Regent Solculvis is as well. I agree it looks like King Prana (or Solculvis) are good candidates for BDT's possible character.  Him being a potential familial tie to Rey would be interesting! I really think that Dubrovnik setting and space horse are connected to Prana or that Regent Solcuvis...

Sigh... I don't like the lost princess trope so much, but your posts are very well written. I was on board lost prince Finn theory (I am one of the few that likes him, and don't think that his characterization is poor at all).
Oh well, I will google to find out who this Prana is...

Kessel89 wrote:Like many people, when I first saw the movie, I thought the whole rathar scene was unnecessary filler. I came to wonder why JJ kept this scene in when he left out other scenes (i.e. Kylo in the MF).  So, I really like the idea that the scene has more meaning than just Rey and Finn escaping from rathers. I was reading the Visual Dictionary again and this is what it has to say about Prana:

"Prana, a collector of exotic animals, has a longstanding feud with Regent Solculvis of the Mol'leaj system. Both royals have expansive zoos dedicated to rare and dangerous creatures, but spies in Solvicus's court have confirmed to Prana that the regent does not have rathars. Prana sees an irresistible opportunity to outdo his rival."

That's a interesting little backstory...I wonder who that Regent Solculvis is as well. I agree it looks like King Prana (or Solculvis) are good candidates for BDT's possible character.  Him being a potential familial tie to Rey would be interesting! I really think that Dubrovnik setting and space horse are connected to Prana or that Regent Solcuvis...

@Kessel89

Yes, it's very interesting. Also interesting that Solculvis' system is mentioned, but Prana's system/planet isn't. I wonder if it's one we'd recognise? Like Onderon? *cough*

As for Solculvis, who knows, though I'm inclined to believe Prana is more important because of his significant name.

Solculvis' name, on the other hand... sol (sun?) + cul (arse) + vis (face). King Sunny Buttface, I presume

I found another candidate who could be King Prana (or his relative).... there is a sultan of the Boz Pity system mentioned in the new Star Wars canon comics who has offered a Moon as reward for Han's head (it is implied he rescued and pursued the sultan's daughter as part of a con)

I don't like the 'lost royal heir' trope either... would very much prefer Rey to be awesome because of who she is, no heritage included.

But before I'd begin to even think of speculating about this, I'd very much like to know if Prana is a good guy or bad guy. So far I kinda doubt he's a good guy because of his interest in some of the worst deadliest creatures the galaxy has to offer.

I have no complaints if Rey indeed related to King Prana in some way, I'm just a little worry of how things will play out if she too, is Obi wan's granddaughter. We will need to have a good explanation for that. Somethings that makes sense, like Kenobi's secret son/daughter married into the royal family whose later being killed by Prana. Also do we know how long have King Prana staying in reign? Because in my opinion, I am assuming that King Prana is this tyrant who see himself as a godly image hence the name. And that he may use the FO or Snoke's help to take the throne, or Snoke was the one who put Prana on the throne in order to spread dominant over galaxy. So that Snoke is indirectly cause the death of Rey's parents and her being left on Jakku.

I don't know, I thinks it's a neat way to show that Old Snoke is the common enemy here, who not only manipulated Kylo to be under his command but also response for Rey's harsh life

Thought I'd post this here as well. The architectural details mentioned in my first post reminded me of Onderon, but the other day I noticed that the famous space horse from Dubrovnik is also quite reminiscent of the tee-muss, a "horse-like" species native to Onderon in TCW.

Comparison photos behind the spoiler tag as they're quite big!

Spoiler:

Obviously it doesn't look exactly the same, but intriguingly similar nonetheless. Forest Whitaker doesn't really look like the animated Saw Gerrera, either