The father of Anakin Skywalker has been a point of debate for Star Wars fans for many years. Since the prequel trilogy, in fact.

Some believe he was a miraculous virgin birth, while some theorise that he was a product of The Force.

However, It seems that Star Wars confirmed one theory back in 2018, and we all simply missed it.

A popular theory for the father of Anakin Skywalker is Palpatine – because of course it is.

It goes that old Palps sought out Anakin’s mother Schmi and manipulated the gestating fetus.

This was not only confirmed in 2018, but put into Star Wars canon by writer Charles Soule and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli via Darth Vader #18.

During that issue of the comic book, we see Palpatine via Force projection making spell-casting hands around Schmi’s pregnant belly.

This is via a ‘memory’ of Vader, and he sees, and realises, that he was manipulated into becoming the chosen one for the dark side of The Force.

It’s a bit hamfisted and adds another complex layer to Anakin’s history, but it did clear up a plot point of contention that fans have discussed for years.

When I first heard about this canon point, I was a little disappointed as it felt rather lazy.

Having The Force create Anakin is one thing as it means his creation was bigger than the galaxy and life.

However, always treading back to Palpatine, as we saw in Rise of Skywalker, feels like a cop out.

If you’re disappointed too, you could always attempt to ignore the addition to the lore and pretend whatever you want.

After all, George Lucas made it vague when Schmi spoke on Anakin’s conception with Qui-Gon in The Phantom Menace, saying, “There was no father. I carried him, I gave birth, I raised him, I can’t explain what happened.”

Otherwise, blame Palpatine, it’s what Disney would do.