Star Wars has long been a franchise filled with potential, yet it has not been without its share of missed opportunities. Among these, John Boyega’s character, Finn, stands out as one of the most significant examples. Specific missed chances in the Star Wars series include the unexpected demise of Cad Bane in The Book of Boba Fett and the failure of Din Djarin to ascend as the ruler of Mandalore in season three of The Mandalorian. When it comes to the film series, one of the most glaring oversights is the exclusion of a reunion among the original trilogy’s main heroes in Disney’s sequel trilogy.
While many of these lapses are minor and do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the Star Wars saga, excessive criticism can verge on fan entitlement. The hope is that future Star Wars films will successfully balance engaging storytelling with fan service. This concern extends to upcoming Star Wars television shows, but the films appear poised to revitalize beloved characters such as Rey Skywalker. Unfortunately, discussions surrounding Finn reveal a potential critical oversight that may hinder his character’s development moving forward.
The Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Underutilized Finn’s True Potential
His Arc Was Fragmented and Underdeveloped
To understand how the upcoming New Jedi Order film may present a missed opportunity for Finn, it is crucial to examine how the sequel trilogy has failed to fulfill the character’s potential. Many fans feel that Finn’s journey in Star Wars: The Force Awakens was compelling, transforming from a conflicted First Order stormtrooper wishing to escape the galactic wars into a courageous ally willing to confront Kylo Ren. However, the sequels divided audiences regarding the direction of Finn’s character.
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Finn’s character seemed to pivot away from a Jedi narrative, transitioning instead to a more militarized role as a Resistance leader. The Rise of Skywalker tried to maintain this trajectory by designating him as a general while also hinting at his Force sensitivity. Despite these developments, both episodes failed to fully realize Finn’s initial promise, neglecting the strengths brought forth by John Boyega’s performance and relegating him to a secondary status, much to Boyega’s chagrin.
My Doubts About Boyega’s Return for the New Jedi Order
A Continuation of the Sequels’ Missteps
As we look toward Rey’s upcoming movie, I’m increasingly pessimistic about Boyega’s involvement. Recent statements from Boyega about the New Jedi Order reinforce this sentiment; he has expressed a desire to avoid returning solely to play the role of a “best friend”character, yearning instead for a fully formed hero arc. His critique extends beyond his own experiences to broader issues of representation within major franchises.
I share Boyega’s view that if the narrative does not empower his character with a substantial arc, he should not return. However, I had hoped that New Jedi Order would provide the opportunity for Finn’s character to finally shine. It remains uncertain if Disney has reached out to Boyega, but if they have, it appears that the script may not significantly advance Finn’s narrative from the sequels.
The Missed Opportunity for Finn’s Character Development
Finn Deserved So Much More
If my assumptions regarding Boyega’s absence from New Jedi Order hold true, it presents a significant missed chance. Disney has an opportunity to craft Finn as a central figure in the narrative, allowing him and Rey to be peers and co-teachers of a new Jedi generation. This could have effectively drawn on the development throughout the sequel trilogy—his bond with Rey in The Force Awakens, his evolution into a leader in The Last Jedi, and the hints of his Force connection in The Rise of Skywalker.
The advantages of better servicing Finn’s storyline are substantial—not only for his character but also for Boyega’s ability to fully embrace the protagonist role he rightfully deserves. Unfortunately, it appears that Star Wars is charting a different course, positioning Finn to be one of the most significant missed opportunities in the franchise’s expansive history.