Finn

Verified Timeline

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.

In Their Own Story

In The Last Jedi (2017), Finn awakens from his coma seeking Rey. Following an attack on the Resistance fleet, he attempts to flee in an escape pod but is stopped by Rose Tico, who reveals the First Order tracks them through hyperspace. They travel to Canto Bight to find a code breaker, meeting DJ who eventually betrays them. On Crait, he attempts to sacrifice himself against a First Order cannon, but Rose pushes him out of the blast zone, stating that wars are about preserving what is precious. In The Rise of Skywalker (2019), Finn discovers Emperor Palpatine's return on Exegol. He travels to Pasaana for clues and joins General Hux in rescuing Chewbacca. On Kef Bir, he meets Jannah, a fellow former stormtrooper. Appointed co-general by Poe after Leia's death, Finn leads a surface attack against the Sith Eternal. Director J.J. Abrams confirmed that during a scene where they sink into quicksand, Finn intended to tell Rey he is Force-sensitive.

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?

• Finn's designation FN-2187 references both Princess Leia's cell number in the original Star Wars film and the 1963 short film 21-87.
• John Boyega won the BAFTA Rising Star Award for his performance as Finn in The Force Awakens.
• Finn was named by Poe Dameron, who took the first two letters of FN-2187 during their escape from Jakku.
• 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.