Why Did Disney Abandon Finn’s Potential to Become a Jedi in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy?

The Star Wars sequel trilogy, led by J.J. Abrams and focusing on Rey's journey, has often left fans questioning why Finn, the former stormtrooper, did not become a Jedi. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, exploring the creative direction, potential for character development, and narrative choices that led to Finn’s storyline being sidelined.

1. Creative Direction Changes

The Star Wars sequel trilogy involved a series of changes in creative direction. While the original trilogy was under the vision of George Lucas, the sequel series saw changes with different directors taking the helm. J.J. Abrams, who directed the first two films of the trilogy, had a distinct vision that focused on Rey as the protagonist and the promotion of unicorns and other fantastical elements.

2. Focus on Rey

Rey was positioned as the central protagonist of the trilogy, with her journey to becoming a Jedi taking precedence over other characters. This shift in narrative focus meant that Finn's role became more secondary. The films emphasized Rey's development and ultimate showdown with the dark side, which left minimal room for Finn's own character journey to become a Jedi.

3. Underdeveloped Potential

When Finn was introduced, he was portrayed as a former stormtrooper with a strong connection to the Force. However, the films did not explore this potential to the fullest extent. The sequels had a fast-paced structure, which limited the opportunity to delve deeper into Finn’s connection to the Force and his potential as a Jedi. Additionally, the limited screen time devoted to character development meant that Finn was not given the substantial opportunities needed to fulfill his destiny.

4. Narrative Choices

Narrative choices further contributed to Finn's underutilization. The sequels included significant plot elements from the prequel trilogy, such as the lightsaber, which diverted attention away from Finn’s personal journey. The decision to focus on Rey’s story lines meant that other characters, like Finn, were side-lined. This narrative choice reinforced the idea that Finn's potential as a Jedi was secondary to Rey's pivotal role.

5. Fan Expectations vs. Character Development

Fans of the prequel trilogy had high expectations for characters like Finn, especially after the emphasis on Anakin Skywalker’s journey from a humble slave to a powerful Jedi. However, the sequels failed to meet these expectations, turning Finn into a character with comic relief elements rather than a serious potential Jedi. The portrayal of Finn as a bumbling side character undermined his potential for development and redemption.

6. Criticism of the Sequel Trilogists

Some viewers have criticized J.J. Abrams and his team for a lack of vision and character development. These critics argue that the sequels prioritize spectacle over substance, leading to a misjudgment of character potential. Finn, with his potential for nuance and internal struggle, was severely underutilized. Instead of being a nuanced, complex character, Finn was often used for comedic relief, failing to reach his full potential as a central character in the story.

7. Backstory and Development

The lack of a compelling backstory for Finn further contributed to his underutilization. Finn’s character in the preceding films was poorly developed, with minimal background provided to explain his transformation from a stormtrooper to a protagonist. The introduction of Finn with no significant back story, other than throw-away exposition, left his character development severely hampered.

8. Legacy and Redemption

These critiques reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the Star Wars sequel trilogy. While the prequels are often celebrated as a masterpiece, the sequel trilogy has been criticized for its lack of depth and vision. Finn’s untapped potential as a Jedi serves as a poignant reminder of how the series could have been more compelling had more effort been placed on character development and narrative coherence.

Conclusion

In summary, the combination of creative direction changes, narrative focus, and missed opportunities for character development led to Finn's potential to become a Jedi being abandoned in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. While the franchise has since recovered with the success of The Mandalorian, the untapped potential of Finn and other characters remains a subject of contention and disappointment among loyal fans.