Finn Should Have Been the Hero of the Sequel Trilogy, Not Rey

When we think about the Star Wars sequel trilogy, most of us remember the focus on Rey as the new hero.

However, many fans believe that Finn, played by John Boyega, was the character who should have taken center stage.

From his background, to his arc, to the incredible missed opportunities for storytelling, there’s a strong argument that Finn should have been the hero of the trilogy, not Rey.

Let’s break it down.

A Hero’s Journey with a Compelling Backstory

Finn’s story is one of the most compelling in The Force Awakens. He starts as a stormtrooper, brainwashed and conditioned to obey the First Order (FO) since childhood.

But Finn breaks free from that control, something no one else in the FO had done before, and makes the brave choice to fight against the very force that raised him.

He’s not just running away from the FO; he’s actively resisting it. That’s an incredibly powerful starting point for a hero.

Imagine how that arc could have evolved. Finn could have become a symbol of hope for others still trapped in the FO, showing that breaking free was possible.

His journey was already emotionally gripping, escaping lifelong brainwashing, helping the Resistance, and risking everything to stop Starkiller Base.

These actions clearly place him in the role of a hero, but for some reason, his arc was pushed to the side.

A More Personal Vendetta Against Kylo Ren and the First Order

Finn’s motivations were deeply personal. He was forced to commit atrocities by the FO and was almost killed by Kylo Ren in the battle at the end of TFA.

Not only did Kylo nearly take Finn’s life, but he also killed Han Solo, someone Finn had grown close to during their time together.

Unlike Rey, who barely knew Han, Finn’s connection to the character was stronger, making Kylo’s actions more impactful to him.

This personal vendetta could have added incredible drama to the trilogy. Imagine Finn being trained as a Jedi, getting his own lightsaber, and facing off against Kylo Ren in a rematch.

He would have had to confront his own anger and trauma, resisting the pull of the Dark Side, which would have made for a much richer and more compelling character arc.

There was so much room for growth, tension, and conflict in Finn’s story.

The Missed Stormtrooper Rebellion

One of the most exciting opportunities for Finn’s character was the possibility of leading a stormtrooper rebellion.

He was, after all, a former stormtrooper who had broken free from the FO’s control.

Instead of having him inspire others only in the third movie, Finn could have played an active role in rallying more stormtroopers to defect in The Last Jedi (TLJ).

Imagine Finn reaching out to others like him, leading them in a rebellion against their oppressors.

This could have added an entirely new layer to the Resistance’s struggle, making Finn not just another soldier, but a true leader.

The FO, already unstable, could have experienced internal chaos as more and more stormtroopers followed Finn’s example, creating a civil war within the FO itself.

This narrative would have deepened Finn’s significance in the story and added real stakes to the conflict.

Finn’s Untapped Force Sensitivity

It’s hinted multiple times in TFA that Finn might be Force-sensitive (like the one scene below where Finn senses the destruction of Starkiller Base and later senses that Rey is in danger).

If Finn had been the main hero, his Force sensitivity could have been explored and developed over the course of the trilogy.

While Rey’s journey was based on her natural abilities as a “chosen one” of sorts, Finn’s journey could have been different, one of discovery and growth.

Finn didn’t need to be destined to be a Jedi from the start; he could have earned it through training and perseverance.

This would have been a refreshing take on the Star Wars formula, where becoming a Jedi isn’t just about inherent ability, but about determination and personal growth.

Finn’s development into a Jedi would have been far more interesting than Rey’s quick mastery of the Force, giving audiences a new perspective on what it means to wield the Force.

The Wasted Potential in The Last Jedi

By the time we got to TLJ, Finn’s arc took a sharp dive. Instead of continuing the heroic momentum from TFA, he was pushed into a side plot that had little impact on the overall story.

He was reduced to comic relief, and the emotional depth of his character was completely overlooked. This was a massive disservice, not just to the character, but to the audience who had invested in his journey.

Finn’s story had set up the perfect foundation for him to grow into a key player in the Resistance.

He could have developed into a leader or a Jedi, but instead, his potential was squandered. It’s frustrating because Finn had already shown bravery and selflessness in TFA.

He had earned the right to a meaningful role in the trilogy’s larger story, but it felt like TLJ hit the reset button on his arc.

A More Relatable and Grounded Character

One of the things that made Finn stand out was how grounded and relatable he was. His struggle wasn’t just with external enemies; it was an internal conflict as well.

Finn had to reconcile his traumatic past with his desire to do the right thing. He wasn’t a destined hero or a powerful Force user from the get-go.

He was a regular person trying to find his way in a chaotic galaxy.

This made him a more accessible character for audiences. Finn’s journey could have been a story about overcoming personal trauma, fighting for freedom, and standing up against overwhelming odds.

These are universal themes that resonate deeply, and his growth could have been inspiring for fans in ways that Rey’s sudden rise to power didn’t quite manage.

Finn and Rey as Co-Protagonists

There’s also an argument to be made that Finn and Rey could have shared the role of protagonists.

Some fans believe that mirroring the Sith’s “Rule of Two” could have been an interesting dynamic, with Finn and Rey both training as Jedi, but with different motivations and journeys.

This would have allowed Finn’s story to flourish without completely sidelining Rey.

The two characters could have complemented each other’s growth, with Finn bringing a more personal and grounded perspective, while Rey’s journey delved into the larger mysteries of the Force.

This would have given both characters the opportunity to shine without one being reduced to a sidekick.

Last Words

When we look at Finn’s arc in TFA, it’s clear that he was set up to be a hero. His story was compelling, relatable, and full of untapped potential.

Had he been the main hero of the sequel trilogy, the narrative could have been more original, dramatic, and emotionally engaging.

By making Finn the central figure – whether through leading a stormtrooper rebellion, becoming a Jedi, or fighting his personal vendetta against Kylo Ren – the trilogy would have offered a fresh perspective on the Star Wars saga.

Unfortunately, the decision to sideline Finn left a lot of what made him a great character unexplored.

Looking back, it’s hard not to wonder how much richer the sequel trilogy could have been with Finn at the center of it all.