John Boyega on Finn’s relationship with Rose & wanting out of the Resistance

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

After escaping from his life in the First Order with Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) in STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, Finn (John Boyega) presented himself as a "big deal" within the Resistance, but now that he's actually a part of it, he isn't in any hurry to get involved further with the Resistance's fight against the First Order. Feeling as though he's done his part with helping to destroy Starkiller Base, Finn wants out, especially after being critically wounded by Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and witnessing the death of Han Solo (Harrison Ford). While speaking with Entertainment Weekly, John Boyega opened up about Finn's state of mind when we catch up with him in STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI.

It got really real for him. And he just wants to get away and not be involved. His intention in the first place was to go to the Outer Rim. He was always brought back [in The Force Awakens,], but this is his chance to get away and perhaps find Rey and go off together. He’s trying to do that at first.

However, before Finn can get away from the galactic conflict, he may just enjoy his now legitimate status as a "big deal" in the Resistance. "Everyone in the space, throughout the galaxy, would have heard about the young Jedi who discovered her powers and defeated Kylo Ren and the young former Stormtrooper who helped save the day," Boyega says. "He’s a hero to people like Rose, who fight for the Resistance because their homes have been destroyed by the First Order." Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) is a mechanic who certainly isn't a big deal, but she finds herself starstruck by Finn. Although Rose is good at what she does, Tran describes her character as a "nobody" and a "background player," which she believes makes her interesting. "She’s not the best. She’s not royalty. She’s someone who is just like everyone else," Tran said.

Finn appreciates the adoration Rose has for him, even if it isn't necessarily true, but it does give Finn something to live up to. "It’s now an opportunity for him to be the best he can be. He has to make a decision, and Rose is there to help him make that choice," Boyega says. Of course it's probably not a spoiler to say that Finn does remain with the Resistance, but apparently, the "urge to get out is still burning inside him." While speaking with THR, John Boyega teased that THE FORCE AWAKENS was "a great foundation" and that THE LAST JEDI will represent the building of a "big house." The actor added that Finn will be "much more active and involved in the fight, which is something that I really wanted."

STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI will hit theaters on December 15, 2017.