The anticipation surrounding John Boyega’s potential return as Finn in the forthcoming Star Wars film, tentatively titled Star Wars: New Jedi Order, seems to be fading. In a recent interview, Boyega addressed the pervasive issue of racism within the Star Wars franchise, emphasizing the scarcity of Black characters in significant roles. His candid comments reflect the underlying resistance within parts of the Star Wars fan community towards Black representation within the universe.
This isn’t an isolated incident; numerous actors of color have voiced similar concerns regarding the franchise’s ongoing struggles with racial representation. Following the controversy surrounding the cancellation of The Acolyte, many from that show expressed their discontent over the hostility directed at them and the franchise’s lack of response to online harassment. While my hope for Boyega’s return lingered, his latest remarks indicate that such a reunion is increasingly improbable.
John Boyega Has Faced Challenges in His Role
The Expectation of Finn as a Jedi
Boyega’s frustrations run deep, particularly considering how Finn’s character arc in the sequel trilogy diverged from initial expectations. There was a widespread belief among fans—and within Boyega himself—that Finn would emerge as a Jedi. Marketing campaigns for Star Wars: The Force Awakens and numerous scenes suggested this path, prominently featuring him wielding Anakin Skywalker’s iconic blue lightsaber. Despite this buildup, Finn’s Force sensitivity was never definitively established within the films, leaving fans with lingering questions.
Even more disheartening, Finn’s character was sidelined significantly in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Although he had a more prominent role in The Last Jedi, particularly in his storyline with Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran), Finn’s presence in the final chapter felt drastically diminished. Critics may argue that this wasn’t related to race, but the sidelining of two key characters—both portrayed by actors of color—certainly raises eyebrows, especially given the backlash they faced from segments of the fanbase.
Fans Remain Hopeful for Boyega’s Return
Finn and John Boyega: A Beloved Duo
The prospect of New Jedi Order has generated considerable excitement among Star Wars enthusiasts, with many hoping that Boyega will reprise his role as Finn. Set 15 years post-The Rise of Skywalker, this film represents a potential opportunity to rectify Finn’s narrative trajectory. There is a widely discussed theory that Finn could have been trained by Rey during the intervening years and might even share leadership of the Jedi Order alongside her.
While such a development wouldn’t erase past missteps regarding his character, it would finally grant Finn the storyline he truly deserves—a narrative about an ex-stormtrooper embracing the role of a Jedi would symbolize something new and transformative within the Star Wars saga. Although this opportunity was squandered in the sequels, the revival of Finn’s character offers an exciting possibility for the future.
Boyega Expresses Hesitations About Returning
Unlikely to Return as a Supporting Character
Regrettably, Boyega’s recent interview hints at a grim outlook for fans hoping to see him on screen again in the Star Wars universe. He articulated his feelings on the subject by stating:
“They’re okay with us playing the best friend, but once we touch their heroes, once we lead, once we trailblaze, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, it’s just a bit too much! They’re pandering!'”
This statement reveals Boyega’s reluctance to return if it means playing a secondary role to primarily white characters, a scenario likely to occur in New Jedi Order. Currently, Daisy Ridley’s Rey is the only confirmed character for the upcoming film, and it’s apparent that she will retain her position as the focal point of the narrative.
Ironically, Ridley has previously indicated that Rey’s future path cannot continue without Finn and Poe, yet the reality of Boyega’s sentiments may render such continuity challenging. I fully understand and respect Boyega’s perspective. It’s crucial for Star Wars and Lucasfilm to confront the issues surrounding racism within the fandom and the franchise itself.
As the likelihood of John Boyega reprising his role as Finn diminishes, it is disappointing to recognize that the franchise may miss a valuable opportunity for inclusivity and growth.