Star Wars’ John Boyega Reveals What Rian Johnson Could Have ‘Done Better’ In The Last Jedi

Rose and Finn's kiss

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After years of patiently waiting, the time has finally come. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters tonight, wrapping up the current trilogy and overarching Skywalker Saga in the process. The pressure is on for director J.J. Abrams to deliver, especially after the divisive work of his predecessor Rian Johnson. Johnson took risk and subverted expectations with The Last Jedi, and Finn actor John Boyega recently revealed a part of the movie that the director could have "done better" with. Namely, the romance between Finn and Rose.

Finn had a clear crush on Rey in The Force Awakens, but Rian Johnson kept the trio of new heroes separate throughout the course of The Last Jedi. Instead, John Boyega was paired with Kelly Marie Tran's Rose Tico, and the pair took an ill-fated adventure through Canto Bight. Ahead of The Rise of Skywalker's release, Boyega has been open about his problems with the last sequel, recently saying:

But I will be honest in saying and I think that they could have done better with it, especially with Finn and Rose. You know, as a black person, you're going to feel a big type of weight. You had nothing to do with Rey and Kylo... the story just wasn't here for me with Finn and Rose. I definitely enjoyed- I didn't notice that on set, it was only when I watched it. But I enjoyed the experience of making it.

Well, that was certainly frank. It looks like John Boyega wasn't a big fan of Finn's possible romantic connection with Rose Tico. He doesn't think that plot line was handled well. And furthermore, he wishes that Finn had a more integral part of the main plot. Although considering how the Canto Bight mission was basically useless, you can't blame the actor.

John Boyega's comments to THR's Hollywood Remixed is refreshingly candid take on Star Wars: The Last Jedi. That blockbuster is the most divisive installment of the franchise yet, and has split fans in the years since it hit theaters. But the call is also coming from inside the house, as Boyega has some issues with how his character's story was handled in Episode VII. In fact, he even confided in Mark Hamill about his concerns during filming.

Fans can currently re-watch the Skywalker Saga (most of it) on Disney+. You can use this link for a free 7-day trial of the streaming service.

Rose and Finn's journey took them to Canto Bight in search of a master codebreaker that could help The Resistance escape the First Order. It was a distraction from the main plot, and while Rose was solid addition to the cast, their romance felt forced. I mean, wasn't Finn still head over heels for Rey? Rose and Finn ultimately shared a kiss on Crait, although it was without passion and she passed out shortly after.

Related: Everything You Need To Remember About Star Wars Before Seeing The Rise Of Skywalker

It should be interesting to see how Finn as a character is serviced in The Rise of Skywalker, especially because it'll likely be the last we see of him. John Boyega pushed for his character to have a more meaty role in Episode IX, and it looks like the trio of new heroes will finally be together. Smart money says we also get an answer regarding who Finn ends up with, as he's pretty much the galaxy's most eligible bachelor.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is in theaters now. In the meantime, check out our 2020 release list to plan your next trip to the movies.

Corey Chichizola
Movies Editor

Corey was born and raised in New Jersey. Graduated with degrees theater and literature from Ramapo College of New Jersey. After working in administrative theater for a year in New York, he started as the Weekend Editor at CinemaBlend. He's since been able to work himself up to reviews, phoners, and press junkets-- and is now able to appear on camera with some of his favorite actors... just not as he would have predicted as a kid. He's particularly proud of covering horror franchises like Scream and Halloween, as well as movie musicals like West Side Story. Favorite interviews include Steven Spielberg, Spike Lee, Jamie Lee Curtis, and more.