Summary
If Lucasfilm wants to reignite some goodwill regarding its futureStar Warsfilms, one way to reawaken the Force is for one particular character to return. Surprisingly, he’s a character from the most polarizing era in the franchise.
Let’s face it: audiences have been losing faith in theStar Warsbrand for several years, particularly with its cinematic outings. Whether it is the films that have been released or the comically large number of films that have been shelved if not outright canceled, one of the most iconic franchises in cinematic history is subject to much polarization among critics and its fans. Unfortunately, much of the brand’s current negative reputation is due tothe divisive Sequel Trilogy.
The films, at least individually, are not without their fans. Still, most would agree that as a whole, the trilogy suffered from a lack of narrative cohesion due to the differing creative visions of filmmakers J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson. The films were criticized for theirtreatment of certain legacy characters, particularly Luke Skywalkerin Johnson’sThe Last Jedi.Yet, criticisms were also leveled at the treatment of the trilogy’s new characters. Out of all those new characters, there was perhaps no bigger victim than John Boyega’s Finn.
It’s Been Nearly 10 Years Since We Met Finn
One can find numerous ways to criticize Abrams’The Force Awakens,particularly in how its narrative structure is derivative of George Lucas’ original 1977 film.However, at the time of its release, critics and audiences alike became invested in the new characters. Daisy Ridley’s Rey, Adam Driver’s Kylo Ren, and, of course, John Boyega’s Finn all captured fans' attention. Boyega’s portrayal of the runaway First Order Stormtrooper received praise from critics and audiences alike thanks to his magnetic energy and charisma.
It’s also worth noting that although Ridley’s Rey was the protagonist ofThe Force Awakens(and the trilogy itself), Finn was the undeniable co-lead of the first film.Finn was second to Rey in the film’s overall screen time, and featured more prominently in the narrative than Kylo Ren. Yes, Lucasfilm promoted the film with Finn holdingAnakin Skywalker’s Lightsaber, which turned into a bait-and-switch. However, the film still left off with some exciting narrative potential for Finn.
Unfortunately, once J.J. Abrams passed the ball to Rian Johnson, Finn’s role inStar Warswas downgraded from co-lead to overall supporting character. It didn’t help that he was relegated toThe Last Jedi’smost widely disliked subplot. Although some fans might defend Johnson’s subversive storytelling choices, most agree that Boyegagot the short end of the stickcompared to his returning co-stars.
Johnson passed the ball back to Abrams, whose return was somewhat last-minute due to the departure of originalRise of Skywalkerdirector Colin Trevorrow. Most fans agree that the filmended the trilogy on an unsatisfying note. Although Finn’s narrative was back in the hands of one of his creators, the story could only do so much to pick up the remains that Johnson left behind.
It’s apparent that Abrams had bigger ambitions for Boyega’s role inStar Warsthan Johnson did. Even amidst the messy, convoluted script that wasThe Rise of Skywalker,Abrams, and co-writer Chris Terrio attempted to give Finn some exciting new developments. In particular, they confirmed that Finn is Force-sensitive through numerous scenes. Unfortunately, the conclusion didn’t follow up on any of this, and one of the film’s most notorious errors was never confirming what Finn wanted to tell Rey.
The Most Wasted Character In The Star Wars Franchise
In 2020, Boyega opened up toBritish GQabout his disappointing experience working onStar Wars.He criticized Disney for Finn’s treatment, claiming that bringing out a black character, promoting him to be more important to the franchise than he is, only to push him to the side did more harm than good. He compared his treatment to that of two of his co-stars:
“They gave all the nuance to Adam Driver, all the nuance to Daisy Ridley. Let’s be honest. Daisy knows this. Adam knows this. Everybody knows. I’m not exposing anything.”
The Sequel Trilogy remains a polarizing era forStar Wars,but fans and detractors of those films can at least agreethat Finn deserved better.
Lucasfilm’s plans for futureStar Warsmovies reportedly involve the return of Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker. Although a standalone film to be directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy seems to have beenremoved from Disney’s 2026 release schedule,the trilogy set to be produced and written by Simon Kinberg reportedly involves Rey. While bringing the Sequel Trilogy’s protagonist makes sense narratively, particularly in rebuilding the Jedi Order, her being the only returning character would bring only more derision from fans. That is, unless Lucasfilm brings back Boyega as Finn to be by her side.
A New Hope?
Regardless of how unsatisfyingThe Rise of Skywalkeris as the conclusion of the Skywalker Saga, it stillsets Finn up for an exciting future. So much so, thatThe LEGO Star Wars Holiday Specialexplores the prospect of him being Rey’s first Padawan. Although Boyega previously expressed disinterest in returning to the franchise, he seems to have changed his tune, having toldTechRadarthat he is:
[…] open to all characters and scripts that are enjoyable, have a great cast attached and a terrific director.
It is also worth noting that Boyega recently appeared at New York Comic Con, and expressed excitement over reuniting withStar Warsfans for the first time in years, hinting at some reignited passion. After all, he was always a fan, even before he signed on to the franchise.
Lucasfilm has their work cut out for them in gaining back the fandom’s trust when it comes to futureStar Warsfilms. A major factor in bringing some of that goodwill back into the franchise would involvebringing back Boyega as Finn. Just imagine how amazing it would be at next year’sStar Wars Celebration Japan,if they announced that not only would Ridley return to the new trilogy of films, but the lights in the arena would dim, and a hooded figure wielding a Lightsaber would walk in onstage. The lights turn back on, and Boyega confirms his triumphant return. Perhaps that would be how optimism inStar Warswould resurrect. With thunderous applause.
