The Force Awakens: Why Leia Hugs Rey After Han’s Death Instead of Chewbacca?

In “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” we all felt the heartbreak when Han Solo was tragically killed by his own son, Kylo Ren. 

After this devastating event, while the Resistance is celebrating their victory in destroying Starkiller Base, there’s a scene that might have left you puzzled. 

Leia Organa hugs Rey, a character she has never met before, instead of Chewbacca.

This moment sparked a lot of discussion and confusion among us fans. 

Why did Leia choose to embrace Rey over Chewbacca, who had also just lost his closest friend?

J.J. Abrams Admits He Totally Messed Up Leia and Chewie’s Reunion

The director of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, J.J. Abrams has openly admitted that he made a mistake regarding the connection between Leia and Chewbacca. Abrams stated, “That was probably one of the mistakes I made in that.” 

He explained why Leia didn’t embrace Chewbacca, saying, “My thinking at the time was that Chewbacca, despite the pain he was feeling, was focused on trying to save Finn and getting him taken care of. So I tried to have Chewbacca go off with his and focus on Rey, and then have Rey find Leia and Leia find Rey.”

So from J.J. Abrams’ explanation, we can see that in the scene where Finn got injured in a battle with Kylo Ren when they reached the Resistance base, Chewbacca was the one who carried Finn to receive medical treatment. 

Meanwhile, Leia, as the Rebels’ general, found Rey standing alone, feeling terrible.

From the Star Wars novel, Skywalker: A Family at War

After successfully destroying Starkiller Base with Finn and Han’s plan, Rey, Finn, and the Rebel fleet return to the Resistance base.

When Rey stepped off the Millennium Falcon, she stood there feeling sad, and was greeted with a hug from General Leia.

Why did Leia hug Rey, even though they hadn’t met before? To understand this, you need to dive into the Star Wars novel, Skywalker: A Family at War.

This book provides more context from Leia’s point of view.

In Chapter 30, titled “And Light to Meet It,” we get a glimpse into Leia’s feelings when she saw Rey return to the Resistance base. The novel states:

“For Leia, unlike her husband, Rey was more than a chosen daughter figure. Rather, she saw the distraught orphan as she viewed the children of Alderaan after its destruction, like so many other refugees she had encountered through her long years on the frontlines. True to form, Leia found the strength to comfort the young woman, even as she grieved the loss of her own husband. A chasm had opened in the Force the moment Han Solo had died; even before Rey could deliver the news, Leia knew she had been widowed. The daughter of Vader and the granddaughter of Palpatine were united in empathy and grief.”

Leia’s hug for Rey likely stemmed from her deep understanding of Rey’s emotions through the Force. By embracing her, Leia shared in their mutual grief and offered comfort.