John Boyega, the actor who brought Finn to life in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, has reignited discussions among fans with his candid thoughts on the controversial "Reylo" ship—the romantic pairing of Rey and Kylo Ren. In a recent interview with Happy Sad Confused host Josh Horowitz at Chicago’s C2E2 2025, Boyega expressed his disapproval of the Reylo dynamic while suggesting that Rey and his character, Finn, could have been a better romantic match.
Boyega’s comments come as the Star Wars fandom continues to debate the sequel trilogy’s narrative choices, particularly the romantic arc between Rey (played by Daisy Ridley) and Kylo Ren/Ben Solo (Adam Driver). The Reylo ship, which culminated in a kiss between the two characters in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019), has been a polarizing topic since the release of The Force Awakens in 2015. While some fans celebrated the enemies-to-lovers storyline, others criticized it as unhealthy and inconsistent with the characters’ development.
In the interview, Boyega didn’t hold back his reservations about Reylo. “Kylo Ren trying to kill you is not a part of the romance,” he stated pointedly. “Chasing him and saying, ‘We can become something powerful!’ I’m there like, ‘I wouldn’t tell my sisters to do that.’” His remarks highlight his belief that the dynamic between Rey and Kylo Ren, marked by violence and manipulation, doesn’t align with a healthy romantic narrative. Instead, Boyega advocated for a Finn-Rey pairing, suggesting that their shared journey and mutual support in The Force Awakens laid the groundwork for a more meaningful connection.
“That kind of reflects off of the spiritual element to Star Wars, the fact that she recognized the good and was fighting for it,” he said. However, he humorously added that Finn should have had a chance to intervene: “But if I was Finn there, Finn should have had a line where he said, ‘Girl, leave him be. Come home with me.’” The playful yet pointed comment underscores Boyega’s preference for a Finn-Rey romance and his protective stance toward his character’s bond with Rey.
The chemistry between Finn and Rey was a highlight for many fans in the first film of the sequel trilogy. Their partnership, built on trust and camaraderie, stood out as they navigated the dangers of the First Order together. However, the subsequent films—The Last Jedi (2017) and The Rise of Skywalker—shifted focus away from their relationship, with Rey’s arc becoming intertwined with Kylo Ren’s redemption. This narrative pivot left many Finn-Rey supporters, often referred to as “ReyFinn” shippers, disappointed, and Boyega’s recent comments have reignited their hopes for a reimagined storyline.
Boyega’s critique of Reylo isn’t new—he has been vocal about his reservations in the past. In 2020, he famously responded to toxic Reylo shippers with a humorous Instagram video, where he playfully addressed the backlash he received for his stance. However, his latest remarks provide a more direct commentary on the storytelling choices, reflecting his perspective not just as an actor but as a fan of the franchise.
The Star Wars sequel trilogy has long been a lightning rod for debate, with fans and critics alike dissecting its handling of legacy characters, new heroes, and overarching themes. Finn’s arc, in particular, has been a point of contention. Introduced as a defected stormtrooper with Force sensitivity, many expected Finn to become a Jedi or play a more central role in the fight against the First Order. Instead, his character was often sidelined, a decision that Boyega has previously criticized.
In the same interview, Boyega shared his vision for Finn’s potential return to the Star Wars universe, expressing hope that his character could fully embrace his Force sensitivity and become a Jedi. “In my imagination, he could go anywhere. Give me a blaster-saber, though. I want the combo. Ezra had the combo, right? Give me that guy’s thing,” Boyega said. His comments reflect a desire to see Finn’s potential fully realized, offering a glimpse into what could have been—and what might still be possible in future Star Wars projects.
