Only One Character’s Return Can Potentially Save Star Wars

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Summary

  • Fans lost faith in Star Wars due to the divisive Sequel Trilogy, particularly Finn’s mistreatment.
  • Finn was a co-lead in The Force Awakens but downgraded to a supporting character in subsequent films.
  • Lucasfilm should bring back Finn to rebuild trust, as Boyega expresses interest in returning to the franchise.

As a long-time Star Wars fan, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for John Boyega and his character Finn. Having grown up watching the saga, I remember the excitement when it was announced that a black actor would be part of this iconic universe. But seeing Finn’s journey from the promising hero in The Force Awakens to being seemingly sidelined in the subsequent films, it’s hard not to feel disappointed and frustrated.

To help Lucasfilm generate positive feelings towards their upcoming Star Wars movies, an effective method could be the comeback of a specific character. Interestingly, this character hails from a period in the series that sparked much debate among fans – the most controversial chapter in the franchise’s history.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that the Star Wars brand has been grappling with a sense of disillusionment among audiences for quite some time now, especially when it comes to its big-screen adventures. It seems like a never-ending tale of films either delayed indefinitely or scrapped altogether, and it’s left one of cinema’s most revered franchises in a state of polarization, with both critics and fans voicing their opinions. Regrettably, a large portion of this recent negative buzz can be traced back to the divisive Sequel Trilogy.

In my humble opinion as a movie enthusiast, each film in this trilogy has its devoted followers. Nevertheless, it’s hard to deny that the series as a whole felt disjointed, likely because of the varying creative perspectives brought by directors J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson. Critics were quick to point out the handling of iconic characters like Luke Skywalker in “The Last Jedi,” but even the new characters were not spared from criticism. Among these newcomers, Finn, portrayed brilliantly by John Boyega, seemed to bear the brunt of the unfavorable reviews.

It’s Been Nearly 10 Years Since We Met Finn

There are many angles to criticize “The Force Awakens” by Abrams, especially concerning its storyline’s similarity to George Lucas’ 1977 movie. However, when it first came out, both critics and viewers were captivated by the new characters. Daisy Ridley as Rey, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren, and John Boyega as Finn all stood out for fans. Boyega’s portrayal of the defected First Order Stormtrooper was particularly well-received due to his strong stage presence and charm, earning him acclaim from both critics and audiences.

In addition, it’s important to mention that while Rey, portrayed by Ridley, was the main character in The Force Awakens (and the entire trilogy), Finn was a significant joint lead in the first movie. Finn had less screen time than Rey overall but played a more substantial role in the story compared to Kylo Ren. Despite the marketing of Finn holding Anakin Skywalker’s Lightsaber, which may have led some to expect more focus on his character, the film still left open some intriguing narrative possibilities for Finn.

Regrettably, after J.J. Abrams handed over control to Rian Johnson, Finn’s character in Star Wars shifted from a co-lead to a more supporting role. This was worsened by the fact that he became involved in the most criticized plotline of The Last Jedi. While some fans may justify Johnson’s unconventional storytelling decisions, many feel that John Boyega received less screen time compared to his fellow returning cast members.

Johnston handed the ball back to Abrams, whose response came rather hastily because original director of “The Rise of Skywalker,” Colin Trevorrow, had departed. Many viewers felt that the movie concluded the trilogy in a disappointing manner. Despite Finn’s storyline being returned to one of its originators, the plot could only do so much to mend the fragments left behind by Johnson.

It seems clear that Abrams held grander plans for Boyega’s character in the Star Wars series compared to Johnson. Despite the complex and confusing script of The Rise of Skywalker, Abrams and co-writer Chris Terrio tried to inject some thrilling advancements into Finn’s storyline. They particularly made it known that Finn has Force sensitivity, which was demonstrated throughout various scenes. Unfortunately, the ending didn’t fully capitalize on these developments, and one of the film’s most criticized aspects was never revealing what Finn intended to tell Rey.

The Most Wasted Character In The Star Wars Franchise

Back in 2020, I (John Boyega) had an open conversation with British GQ about my experience on the Star Wars set. I voiced my disappointment, criticizing Disney for how they handled Finn’s character. In my opinion, introducing a black protagonist, only to give him more significance for the franchise initially, then sidelining him, did more damage than good. I drew a parallel between my treatment and that of two of my fellow cast members.

In a straightforward manner, it can be rephrased as: “Adam Driver and Daisy Ridley were both given intricate character details. This is something they’re well aware of. It’s common knowledge among everyone. I’m not revealing any secrets here.

As a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, I must confess that the Sequel Trilogy continues to be a divisive period in the galaxy far, far away. However, even those who are critical of these movies would likely concur with me when I say that Finn truly deserved more from his storyline.

According to recent reports, Lucasfilm plans to feature Daisy Ridley’s character Rey Skywalker in future Star Wars movies. Although a standalone film directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy seems to have been canceled, a trilogy led by Simon Kinberg is said to include Rey. Bringing the Sequel Trilogy’s main character back makes sense from a narrative perspective, especially in terms of rebuilding the Jedi Order. However, if she is the only returning character, it could further escalate fan criticism. This could change if Lucasfilm decides to bring John Boyega’s character Finn back to stand alongside her.

A New Hope?

Despite some fans finding The Rise of Skywalker disappointing as the culmination of the Skywalker Saga, it nevertheless lays a strong foundation for Finn’s future adventures. In fact, the upcoming LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special even delves into the possibility of him becoming Rey’s first Padawan. Contrary to his earlier sentiments, John Boyega, who played Finn, has recently indicated a change of heart about rejoining the franchise. He has stated to TechRadar that he is open to returning.

…”Welcoming to any stories, characters, and writing systems that offer delightful narratives, boast talented actors, and are under the guidance of an outstanding director.

It’s important to mention that Boyega recently attended New York Comic Con and expressed great joy about meeting Star Wars fans again after a long gap, suggesting a rekindled enthusiasm. Notably, his love for Star Wars wasn’t born just when he joined the franchise; it was there even before.

Lucasfilm has quite the challenge ahead to regain fan confidence regarding upcoming Star Wars films. One significant step toward restoring favor within the franchise could be inviting John Boyega back as Finn. The anticipation at next year’s Star Wars Celebration Japan would soar if they revealed not only Daisy Ridley’s return to the new trilogy, but also a mysterious hooded figure armed with a Lightsaber stepping onto the stage. As the lights flickered back on, Boyega himself would confirm his return, sparking an outburst of applause that could potentially revitalize enthusiasm for Star Wars once more.

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2024-12-25 20:06