One of the most controversial issues surrounding 2017’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” is the introduction of the character of Rose Tico, played by Kelly Marie Tran. Even before the character was introduced in the film, there were trolls upset by the addition of the character, and then upon seeing her fairly major role in the film, they became irate. This led to sexist and racist insults being lobbed at Tran in the months after the film’s release. Needless to say, the issue of Rose’s inclusion in “Star Wars” is fairly tumultuous among fandom.
And as we approach the release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker,” there are a lot of questions about how Rose fits into the new film, especially in regards to her relationship with Finn, played by John Boyega. Well, it appears that one of those questions is going to be answered, although not in the film, itself.
In the new novel “Star Wars: Resistance Reborn,” author Rebecca Roanhorse writes a scene between Finn and Poe that sheds light on the current standing of the relationship between Finn and Rose Tico.
You may remember, in ‘Last Jedi,’ the relationship between the two characters, which had been building over the course of the film, came to a head during the battle on Crait, where Rose seemingly saved Finn from sacrificing himself. The scene ended with the two kissing. But apparently, the romance didn’t last long.
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In the novel, Finn tells Poe (via Reddit), “We talked about it, and Crait was…a moment. But that’s it. Friends there, too.”
The idea that Finn and Rose didn’t work out as romantic partners means a couple of things for the upcoming film. Perhaps this is a way for director JJ Abrams to reunite Finn and Rey, which seemed to be the direction they were going in during ‘The Force Awakens.’ Or, just maybe, the door is now open for Finn to profess his love for Poe and allow for all those fans that write pages and pages of fanfiction with the two characters being lovers to get their wish.
We’ll find out when ‘Rise of Skywalker’ arrives in theaters on December 20.