Star Wars: The Last Jedi continued the sequels era of the popular space opera franchise. However, the film directed by Rian Johnson proved to be extremely divisive among the franchise’s fanbase. One of the major plot developments in the movie was the individual storylines for John Boyega’s Finn and Daisy Ridley’s Rey.
During an interview, Johnson explained his decision to take the characters on separate journeys. In the process, Johnson revealed why he felt Finn and Rey’s chemistry needed to be replaced for the second installment. Here is why Johnson had to add a new character into the mix and what the filmmaker said about the same.
Rian Johnson Explained Creating a New Companion For John Boyega’s Finn in The Last Jedi
Directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi was released in 2017 and introduced the character of Rose Tico, who served as a love interest for Finn played by John Boyega. While the romance proved to be divisive, Johnson felt it was necessary for the film.
During an interview with IndieWire, Johnson opened up about the sequel lacking the chemistry between Rey and Finn, which drove much of the first installment of the sequels. As a result, the filmmaker felt the need to introduce a new companion for Finn.
I realized that Finn and Rey were separated from the start.
Johnson made the above statement explaining the decision to introduce the character of Rose.
Unlike the relationship between Finn and Rey in the first film, the relationship between Finn and Rose was cemented to be romantic with a kiss. Johnson added:
It was something that felt right to me that I stuck to.
From Johnson’s words, it is evident that the geographical difference between Finn and Rey prompted the introduction of Rose. His words implied that Finn and Rey’s relationship might have taken a romantic turn in the sequel, but it could not work out because the characters are on separate paths in the film.
Rian Johnson Discussed the Force Connection Between Rey and Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi
In the same interview, Johnson also touched upon bringing Rey and the sequels’ primary antagonist Kylo Ren into the same room. The filmmaker admitted that he initially struggled over how to bring the two characters together.
Johnson added that because the characters hated each other so much, they would immediately start fighting when they came together. As a result, the director had to use the Force to build up a connection between Rey and Kylo Ren. He said:
That’s where the concept of these very simple Force connections came from.
Johnson added that he did not want the sequence where the two characters meet to be a sweeping visual effects spectacle. At the same time, Johnson wanted the scene to be as intimate as two people having a conversation face-to-face.
Therefore, the sequence relied on the Force to develop their connection organically. Johnson even sought the approval of the Lucasfilm story group for the scene, which laid the foundation of the Force dyad concept which would be fleshed out in the final installment.
Star Wars: The Last Jedi is streaming on Disney+.
