Fans of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, which ended with the divisive release of The Rise of Skywalker in 2019, were surprised and even skeptical when Lucasfilm announced at Star Wars Celebration that they will be making a new Star Wars movie featuring Rey, the hero played by Daisy Ridley. Rey’s story ended with the implication that she would start a new Jedi order on Tatooine, but the new film reportedly explores more of her past and future. Now, rumors have emerged that John Boyega may also be in talks to return as Finn, a former stormtrooper turned rebel, in the same movie.
John Boyega in The Force Awakens as Finn
Boyega’s character Finn had a prominent role in The Force Awakens, the first film in the trilogy, as he helped Rey and Han Solo fight against the First Order, a new evil empire led by Kylo Ren, the son of Han and Leia. Finn represented a significant step forward for diversity and representation in Star Wars, as he was portrayed by a black actor and many fans saw parallels between his story and real-world issues of racism and imperialism. However, as the trilogy progressed, some fans felt that Finn was sidelined and underutilized, especially in The Last Jedi, where he seemed to be given a subplot that didn’t lead to much.
Boyega himself has been open about his mixed feelings towards Star Wars and how his experience making the movies affected him. In a recent interview with Variety, he criticized Disney for not knowing what to do with Finn and his co-star Kelly Marie Tran, who played Rose Tico, an engineer and resistance fighter. Boyega said: “What I would say to Disney is do not bring out a black character, market them to be much more important in the franchise than they are, and then have them pushed to the side. It’s not good.” He also noted that he and his fellow actors were not always on the same page as the filmmakers, and that he was “the only cast member whose experience of Star Wars was based on their race.”
Given Boyega’s comments and the fact that he was not shy about expressing his disappointment with the way his character was handled, some fans find it hard to believe that he would reunite with Lucasfilm and Disney for another Star Wars adventure. However, others argue that the narrative would benefit from Finn’s involvement and that Boyega could bring depth and complexity to the role once again.
From a storytelling perspective, Finn’s journey in the trilogy was closely tied to Rey’s, as the two shared a connection through the Force and a bond of friendship that many fans thought could develop into a romance. In The Rise of Skywalker, Finn and his new ally Jannah led a charge against the Final Order’s fleet on Exegol, and Finn even had a moment where he wanted to tell Rey something important before they parted ways. Some viewers speculated that he was going to confess his feelings, while others thought he might reveal that he had a Force sensitivity like Rey or that he knew something about her parentage.
What Would Happen if John Boyega Returns in Star Wars?
If Boyega does return as Finn, it will be interesting to see how the new movie reconciles his past criticisms and the expectations of the fans. It will also raise questions about the state of the galaxy after the defeat of the First Order and the rise of a new generation of heroes, including Finn, Rey, Poe Dameron, and BB-8. Perhaps the new movie will delve into the mysteries of the Force more deeply, or introduce new threats and challenges for the heroes to face. Whatever the case may be, the idea of seeing Boyega and Ridley’s characters on screen again is sure to spark both curiosity and controversy among Star Wars fans.
In conclusion, the prospect of John Boyega returning as Finn in a new Star Wars movie with Daisy Ridley as Rey is intriguing and exciting for some fans, but also raises concerns and doubts about the storytelling and representation in the franchise. Boyega’s past criticisms of Disney and his character’s development may make it challenging for the filmmakers to bring him back in a way that feels organic and satisfying, but his talent and charisma as an actor could make it worth the effort. Ultimately, the success of the new movie will depend on how well it honors the legacy of Star Wars while also charting a new course for the future. May the Force be with us all.
