EW has finished up their news today with Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Writer Anthony Breznican has dipped his toe into the hot question of the new saga – who are Rey’s parents? Director Rian Johnson, Daisy Ridley and John Boyega give clues into Rey’s story as well as exploring Finn’s past.
One of the questions coming from the debate is – does Rey’s past matter? Sure, having Force sensitivity is interesting, but how much does her lineage play a part in it? According to Johnson, since Rey finds it important, it’s important to him.
To me, it’s important insofar as it’s important to her. And I think it’s important to her in terms of what is her place in all of this? What’s going to define her in this story? She was told in the last movie that the answer’s not in the past; it’s looking forward. But she’s showing up on this island to talk to this hero from the past. …You can be told [‘the answer’s not in the past’], but I think she still has a lingering hope that she’s going to find the thing that’s going to say: This is where you belong. This is where you are. I think she still holds onto the thought that where she comes from will help define where she’s going.
And, honestly, having some answers from her family would be nice. They did leave her on her own on a desert planet left to scavenge for parts. I mean, if I’m going to abandon my child, it would be somewhere nicer, I would think. (Please note, I would never abandon my future children and neither should you). Daisy Ridley went further, saying she doesn’t think her parentage is important to her as it is Rey.
You can always look for answers and that doesn’t mean that the rest of your life is so easy. It’s not like, oh, I know who my parents are so now everything falls into shape, especially in the Star Wars world. …it would potentially change her mind, or at least give her a little bit more peace in moving forward. But ultimately what’s coming is coming, and whatever abilities she has are there. So, personally, I think it’s less important than even she may think.
RELATED: Abandonment Issues at Play Between Rey and Luke in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI
Who she became and will help her become was forged on the desert in Jakku. No one can change that, not even learning about her family. But since she spent a decade on the planet, afraid to leave because her parents may come back to get her – that’s not something that can be easily forgotten. Sure, she’s swept up in an adventure, but her past made her. Just as Luke’s past made him. And with her abilities being so powerful with so little training, it’s a wonder to know where she came from. Seeing as the last time we had that powerful of a Jedi, he was a virgin birth. We’ll see what’s in store.
As for Finn, fans haven’t been interested in his family as much. Not being a crazy, special Jedi puts you on the back burner in family interest, unfortunately. But we get to explore a little of Finn’s past. Maybe not as far back as we’d like though. Though, it will be interesting to learn what made Finn want to flee. John Boyega sets up expectations for learning about his family.
It’s not explored in depth in Episode VIII. But he definitely has a past that is troubled. … I don’t know how all that’s going to play out. …We will learn more about his past and where he came from, and potentially why he made the decision [to escape] that he made. I’m also very curious. The question that needs to be answered is why he decided to leave as a stormtrooper in the first place. We will find out just a little bit more about him.
I adore Finn and can easily attest that I haven’t been as interested in his history as Rey. In the book, Before the Awakening by Greg Rucka, we saw Finn in training and going on a mission that didn’t sit right for him before traveling to Jakku. So we may learn that information in movie format. Or even further stories of his training. Either way, I’m looking forward to more Finn.
What do you think? Star Wars is always about family, so it’s important! Let us know what you think. Be sure to come back to Geek Girl Authority for more Star Wars news. The Last Jedi is in theaters December 15th.
- 41 STAR WARS Characters That Made an Impression - May 4, 2025
- THE ACOLYTE Is What the Star Wars Universe Needs - May 29, 2024
- 7 Things We Can’t Wait to See in FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA - May 1, 2024