John Boyega, known for his role as Finn in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has openly discussed significant changes he would have implemented in the films during recent appearances at fan events. At Florida Supercon 2025, Boyega outlined three major adjustments that reflect his vision for the saga, emphasizing how these modifications could have reshaped the overall narrative and characters in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens, Episode VIII – The Last Jedi, and Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.
The actor, firmly attached to the development of the series, suggested he would have kept iconic characters such as Han Solo and Luke Skywalker alive, instead focusing on the challenges faced by the new heroes. Additionally, Boyega expressed a desire to draw inspiration from Star Wars stories outside the films, including The Old Republic and Force Unleashed, to expand the universe while respecting its established lore.
Avoiding the Deaths of Legendary Characters
One of Boyega’s clearest points was his opposition to the deaths of major legacy characters. He criticized the decision to kill off Han Solo and Luke Skywalker, asserting that these characters’ journeys deserved full respect and closure rather than abrupt endings. Boyega stated:
“First of all, we’re not getting rid of Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, all these people. We’re not doing that. The first thing we’re going to do is fulfill their story, fulfill their legacy. We’re going to make a good moment of handing on the baton.”
This perspective highlights the actor’s view that honoring the established characters with meaningful arcs helps maintain the emotional weight of the saga and provides a proper passage of the narrative torch to newer characters. The fate of these long-celebrated heroes has been a subject of controversy among fans and even the original actors, such as Mark Hamill, who portrayed Luke Skywalker.
Introducing Realistic Obstacles for New Characters
Boyega also called for the new main characters, including his own Finn and Daisy Ridley’s Rey, to face greater struggles rather than appearing immediately skilled and powerful. He insisted that characters should experience hardship and growth through genuine challenges, avoiding the impression of being overpowered or too quickly adept. According to Boyega:
“Our new characters will not be OP’d [overpowered] in these movies. They won’t just grab stuff and know what to do with it. No. You’ve got to struggle like every other character in the franchise. I’d do that.”
This critique responds to some fan commentary that Finn and Rey seemed unnaturally proficient, especially in combat and Force abilities, from the start. Boyega’s stance underscores the importance of character development that mirrors the difficulty and perseverance shown by prior Star Wars heroes, ensuring their journeys feel earned and compelling.
Expanding the Story Through Established Star Wars Lore
The third change Boyega mentioned involves enriching the Star Wars narrative by integrating elements from popular side stories, specifically The Old Republic and The Force Unleashed. These video game franchises have a dedicated following and offer rich lore that could deepen the cinematic universe.
“I’d look to the Old Republic stories and see what we can add to the continuation of that. I would definitely want to see Force Unleashed stories in there. I would try to expand the Star Wars universe as much as possible while respecting the lore. If we’re expanding the lore, we have to do it in within the respective boundaries that stay true.”
This approach suggests a desire to build on existing Star Wars myths while carefully maintaining consistency with the core saga. Utilizing these narratives would potentially provide fresh perspectives and plotlines, offering fans new content that complements the films without contradicting established canon.
Implications for Future Star Wars Installments
John Boyega’s reflections on the Star Wars sequels bring attention to the challenges of balancing legacy characters with new additions and the importance of thoughtful story progression. His advocacy for preserving iconic figures, adding realistic difficulties for protagonists, and drawing upon extended lore could influence how forthcoming Star Wars projects are crafted to satisfy longtime fans and new audiences alike.
As the franchise continues to evolve, these insights highlight the potential for deeper storytelling that respects the rich history while also exploring uncharted territory. Boyega’s comments at Florida Supercon 2025 underscore an ongoing conversation about the directions Star Wars might take in the future, shaped by the contributions and visions of those who have been part of its legacy.
