"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" introduced several new characters such as Rey (Daisy Ridley), Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis). However, a new rumor suggests that Rey might not just be a female gifted with the Force but could be the direct descendant of Emperor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), a secret which might become crucial in "Star Wars: Episode VIII."

According to Movie Pilot, very little is known about the time between the death of the Emperor in "Return of the Jedi" and the time Rey found Luke Skywalker (Luke Hamill) at the end of "The Force Awakens." The report further points out that during this time Luke may have met the Emperor's own daughter and could have been romantically involved with her.

In the old "Star Wars" books, which are no longer considered canon and are now labeled as "Star Wars Legends," Luke did fall in love with a female Force-user known as Mara Jade. While she was not the Emperor's daughter she was one of his top apprentices and was meant to succeed Darth Vader.

The report continues to explain that Mara Jade or someone similar to her might be reintroduced into the official "Star Wars" canon but now as Palpatine's daughter. This would in turn make Rey Luke's daughter but also the granddaughter of the Emperor, a descendant of his greatest enemy.

According to a report from Cinema Blend, YouTube user Vincent Vendetta also supports this theory and showcases in his videos how Rey's lightsaber skills are very similar to how the Emperor fought, particularly the method of his stabs when he was fighting Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson) in "Revenge of the Sith."

Disney and Lucasfilm have yet to confirm if this rumor is true and if it will be addressed in "Star Wars: Episode VIII." Given that it is still a rumor, there is still the chance of it being false and that Rey's lineage could be entirely different.

"Star Wars: Episode VIII" will release in theaters on Dec. 15, 2017.