We independently assess all our recommendations. Purchases through our links may earn us a commission.
With the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, the epic Skywalker saga came to a close, leaving fans with a multitude of questions. One particular query lingered throughout the sequel trilogy: Is Finn Force-sensitive?
J.J. Abrams Says So
While many believed that Finn’s cryptic confession to Rey hinted at his Force sensitivity, it wasn’t until J.J. Abrams, the director of The Rise of Skywalker, offered a decisive answer at an Academy screening that the truth was revealed.
Finn indeed wanted to tell Rey that he possessed the gift of the Force.
This revelation sparked excitement among fans and prompted speculation about Finn’s potential role in future Star Wars stories. In this article, we’ll explore Finn’s journey through the sequel trilogy, the hints of his Force sensitivity, and the controversial opinions surrounding his newfound abilities.
Finn’s History
Finn’s journey began as a stormtrooper fighting for the First Order. Like his comrades, he was abducted as a child and indoctrinated into a life of servitude. However, a pivotal moment occurred on the desert planet Jakku, leading Finn to defect from the First Order.
He embarked on a path that involved assisting the Resistance in their fight against his former allies. His character arc was marked by growth, redemption, and the development of close friendships, culminating in his heroic act of defeating his former commander, Captain Phasma.
Finn’s narrative was particularly intriguing due to his status as a former stormtrooper who transitioned into a hero. He represented an individual caught between two worlds, torn between loyalty to the First Order and his newfound convictions. This complexity added depth to his character and endeared him to many fans.
Hints of Finn’s Force-Sensitivity
Throughout the sequel trilogy, observant viewers noticed subtle hints suggesting Finn’s connection to the Force. You can spot these instances primarily in The Rise of Skywalker, where Finn’s thoughts and actions align with the traits commonly associated with Force-sensitive individuals.
Back in an interaction with Jannah, another former stormtrooper, Finn discussed the “feeling” that led them to defect from the First Order. This unexplained sense of purpose and destiny mirrors the Force’s influence, as established in previous Star Wars lore. Finn also shared his belief that the Force played a role in bringing him and Rey together.
Furthermore, in the same film, Finn demonstrates a peculiar knowledge of the Resistance’s plan to defeat the Final Order. His uncanny awareness of critical details suggests an intimate connection with the Force, as Jedi have consistently displayed such heightened intuition and precognition.
By the way!
Did you know we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign? In the next few months, our campaign for ‘Gentle Jack: The Party Game for Bad Friends‘ goes live! Visit the official website or follow the Kickstarter page to stay in the loop.
Did It Ruin Finn’s Character?
While Finn’s newfound Force sensitivity excited some fans, it also sparked controversy (pretty standard for The Rise of Skywalker). Critics argued that introducing this element diminished the complexity of Finn’s character. Instead of making difficult choices and following his own path, now it might have been just the Force pulling the strings.
There’s also the argument that not every character in the Star Wars universe needs to be a Jedi.
Some saw the decision to make Finn Force-sensitive as catering to fan demands for more Jedi characters and expanding the roster beyond what was necessary for the story.
However, there’s always a more nuanced perspective. On the other hand, there’s the take that the Force doesn’t forcefully control individuals but rather offers guidance and insight.
This interpretation emphasizes that Finn’s character development remains true to his personal choices, and the Force’s influence doesn’t diminish his agency.
While some fans found the revelation of Finn’s Force-sensitivity divisive, it’s important to recognize that the interpretation of the Force is multifaceted and, ultimately, ambiguous. As Star Wars‘ space continues to evolve, it might be possible that Finn will be back. That’s usually a more important question compared to ‘Is Finn Force sensitive?’
Finn’s Future in Star Wars
Star Wars is no stranger to bringing back older characters. They even liberally did it with Palpatine. So there’s not much stopping the writers of the next big Star Wars trilogy from chalking up that “somehow, Finn returned.”
However, John Boyega’s input on the matter might be less optimistic.
Boyega himself stated that he was already satisfied with what he did with the sequel trilogy, that he’s less likely to return, and that he’s fine with not returning as Finn or at all.
Simply put, John Boyega was ready to move on from the role; for some fans, this might be a sad and missed opportunity since Finn showed some tenacious potential as a Jedi, especially when he picked up Anakin’s blue lightsaber back in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Still, there’s no telling what the future holds for Star Wars or whether it will even continue tapping into the Skywalkers as material for its trilogy, especially now that there’s a new member of the Skywalker family and that just about anyone can join, including Finn is he wanted.
