Star Wars: The Force Awakens begins with an impactful and nostalgic sequence, wherein Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) is captured trying to find the location of the legendary Jedi Luke Skywalker. However, that scene introduces another character who later takes center stage in the alliance’s struggle against the First Order. A stormtrooper shockingly witnesses Kylo Ren’s massacre while seemingly suffocating under his mask. When he eventually removes his helmet, it marks John Boyega’s first appearance in the franchise as Trooper FN-2187, later known as Finn.
Wasn’t it the most exciting introduction to a potentially significant character? A stormtrooper who watches his fellow trooper die and defects to the rebellion after witnessing the crimes of the First Order. He joins the fight from the other side, rising in the alliance’s ranks, possibly trying to bring other troopers to the right side after helping them see through the truth.
Now that truly makes for a great story. A dive into how troopers are no longer clones but brainwashed individuals taken off families and a further dig into their mind conflict sounds way better than Finn taking a step back in the final leg of the trilogy. And the fans are all up for the idea of Finn being lead.
The viral Reddit thread above, posted by the user u/GusPlaysMSM, has extensively carried out this debate, with many fans supporting the vision. Many began by blaming Disney and Lucasfilms for shunting Finn.
Many pointed out how the whole shift in Finn’s character arc could have been a better plot.
Furthermore, many blamed the execution of the character. They agreed that Finn was left out of significant possibilities in the franchise.
Looking at these last comments, you must admit that Finn started as a great character. The moment in The Force Awakens where he lifts the lightsaber against Kylo Ren was a fantastic sequence. And when he leads the convoy in The Last Jedi, it marks the final leg in his coming-of-age saga. While he was promoted to General ranks in The Rise of Skywalker and led another major attack against the Order. However, he could have been more effective as the film focused primarily on Rey and Kylo’s intense rivalry and Ren’s conflict with the two sides of the force.
John Boyega came into an unwanted clash with Disney officials over his criticism of the Star Wars sequels. While he assured that he had met with Disney after his statements generated controversy in the media, he also revealed that he probably wouldn’t return to the franchise. Most recently, he commented that he was satisfied with Finn’s arc throughout the sequels.
There have been few updates on the future of the Star Wars franchise. Two films are in active development; however, Rian Johnson’s trilogy of follow-ups has been shelved indefinitely. Meanwhile, the Disney Plus productions set before the sequels are in active production at various stages.
We can’t be sure how Disney and Lucasfilm will head forward with the next chapter of Star Wars. Still, bringing back John Boyega’s Finn and other essential characters for another intergalactic showdown would be a good, and evidently quite popular, idea.