By now, a very large number a people have seen the new "Star Wars" movie. It was a fun movie that new and old fans could enjoy together. In the past, "Star Wars" has been known for their lack of racial and gender diversity. Each trilogy had one large white female role and one large black male role. This new trilogy sets out to tell a new story, but also provide a new narrative featuring diversity among main characters as well as background characters. The greatest thing to come from this mission was the creation of the character Rey. “The Force Awakens” breaks many of the common stereotypes seen with women in film and provides opportunities for a great future with the role.
First, viewers should consider how much of a badass Rey is. In the scene where she and Finn first meet, he sees her struggling while protecting BB8. Finn assumes she’ll need help and starts to run to her rescue. But Rey is no damsel in distress and handles the situation herself. Not long after, they have to escape together. As they run, Finn keeps trying to hold her hand to guide her but she very clearly states that she is in no need of help to efficiently run. When they begin to make a break for a getaway ship, Finn assumes they need a pilot because how could a young woman ever possess that skill? After Rey amazingly flies them to an expert escape, she and Finn are confronted by the previous owner of the ship and she again is doubted as being a pilot. This movie presented some common female stereotypes and immediately had Rey discredit them.
One cannot talk about Rey without acknowledging the big question: who is her father? There are hundreds of fan theories floating around the internet about the lineage of the new Star Wars characters, but Rey’s is definitely the hottest topic of discussion. Some believe she must be Luke’s daughter because his lightsaber called to her. Others believe she is Han’s daughter because of their instant connection and their shared flying abilities. However, a more interesting lineage story presents itself in the smaller details. Perhaps she is a descendant of Obi Wan Kenobi, as suggested by the accent. It might be foolish to ignore that these two characters speak with British accents while the actor who played Finn had to use an American accent for the film. But here is an even more beautiful theory; Rey is her own person and doesn’t need a powerful father or grandfather to be one of the greatest jedis of all time.
The future of Rey is very important to make a large statement about women in Hollywood. Finn and Rey develop an undeniable bond throughout the film, and at the end, she says goodbye and calls him “friend.” Many viewers have speculated on them being the next “power couple” but it would be a much more positive step for women if they become a “power duo” in which they share a bond as friends, not lovers. A woman does not need a man to be successful and Hollywood consistently pairs them off suggesting such. Logically, if Rey is going to train to be a jedi, she should not be in a romantic relationship regardless. There is no doubt Rey is an interesting character and her possibilities are endless.
