Finn

From FN-2187 to Finn: The stormtrooper who chose freedom.

Finn, originally designated FN-2187, is a fictional character in the Star Wars franchise who first appeared in the 2015 film The Force Awakens. Portrayed by John Boyega, he began as a First Order stormtrooper whose conscience was disturbed by the regime's cruelty during his first combat mission. This moral conflict drove him to flee and join forces with Resistance pilot Poe Dameron and scavenger Rey. His journey spans three films: The Force Awakens (2015), The Last Jedi (2017), and The Rise of Skywalker (2019). For his debut performance, Boyega won the BAFTA Rising Star Award and received a Saturn Award nomination.

Quick Facts

Series

Star Wars

First

The Force Awakens (2015)

Creator

Lawrence Kasdan
J. J. Abrams
Michael Arndt

Portrayed by

John Boyega

Also known as

FN-2187 (designation)

Occupation

First Order stormtrooper
Resistance fighter
General in the Resistance

Affiliation

First Order; Resistance

Lore & Background

The concept for Finn originated with screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan, who rejected standard archetypes like pirates in favor of a renegade stormtrooper. Director J.J. Abrams sought unknown actors to avoid preconceptions, selecting John Boyega after his debut in Attack the Block (2011). His designation, FN-2187, references Princess Leia's cell number and the 1963 film 21-87. In The Force Awakens, Finn frees Poe on Jakku; during their TIE fighter escape, Poe names him "Finn" using the first two letters of his serial number. After their ship crashes, he meets Rey and BB-8, eventually joining Han Solo and Chewbacca aboard the Millennium Falcon. He later aids in disabling Starkiller Base's shield, battles Kylo Ren with a lightsaber, and is left comatose before being rescued by Rey.

Reader's Guide

Finn starts as FN-2187, conditioned to obey but unable to harm innocents. His arc involves defying the First Order on Jakku and adopting the name "Finn." He evolves from a fearful fugitive to a Resistance leader. In The Last Jedi, he partners with Rose Tico instead of Poe Dameron after director Rian Johnson felt their dialogue was interchangeable; this shift challenged Finn's worldview regarding sacrifice. By The Rise of Skywalker, he embraces his intuition and connection to the Force. The 2020 Lego Star Wars Holiday Special depicts him training as a Jedi under Rey, using a wooden lightsaber. Throughout his journey, Boyega describes Finn as a character following a "bigger calling" who is often "in over his head," making decisions based on adrenaline before finding true resolve.

Did You Know?

Director Rian Johnson created the character Rose Tico to replace Poe Dameron on the Canto Bight mission because he felt Finn and Poe had interchangeable dialogue.
J.J. Abrams confirmed that in The Rise of Skywalker, Finn wanted to tell Rey he is Force-sensitive but stopped when Poe was listening.