When last we left Stormtrooper turned Resistance fighter Finn – played by John Boyega in Star Wars: The Force Awakens – he was experiencing a distinct lack of consciousness following a vicious showdown with Kylo Ren (Adam Driver). As such, one of the overriding concerns being felt by Star Wars fans the world over right now is that Finn might be, in some way, sidelined in the next chapter – The Last Jedi.
Thankfully, writer-director Rian Johnson is here to reassure us that that’s not the case and has been reflecting upon his experience working with Boyega. In a new interview with Variety, he expresses the sense of alignment that he found with the young star when they first met to discuss the progression of Finn.
“We were on the same page. We wanted this to be the movie where his character strengthens — not just by becoming a better-drawn character — but by literally finding his strength and discovering what he believes in.”
This suggests that Finn is once more front and centre for the action of the film – which will be welcomed by those eagerly anticipating the ways in which The Last Jedi will move the franchise forward. These comments also indicate something fascinating, and very meaningful for the film – John Boyega is in the driver’s seat of his career and characters.
The actor working closely with Rian Johnson to ensure the character of Finn is depicted as he should be – doing what he should be doing – confirms what’s already beginning to become apparent. John Boyega is here for the long haul, and intends to work hard to get his characters right. This, coupled with his recent move into the role of producer of his own projects, is our greatest indication yet of an actor with vast ambition.
Such a drive to dream big and strive to achieve it might well be borne of exactly the same quality that Rian Johnson has highlighted as the thing that makes Boyega perfect for the role of Finn – his inner child, who’s understandably very excited about starring in the Star Wars franchise.
“There’s this inner kid to John on the set that’s just so excited about playing a Star Wars character and thinks it’s really, really cool. That shines through on-screen like a laser.”
Star Wars: The Last Jedi blasts into theatres on December 15th.