The finale of the current Star Wars trilogy has a lot to accomplish. Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker will have to bring an entire saga to an end while fleshing out its newer characters, like the stormtrooper-turned-Resistance fighter, Finn. Director J.J Abrams has guaranteed that the upcoming film will be able to do all of that.
In an interview with Vanity Fair, Abrams assured fans that Finn's story does indeed receive more attention in Episode IX-- enough to give audiences a better idea of who he is as a character.
The director stated, "It is part of the story of this one... And it was alluded to in Episode VII, but there's a bit more light shed on that in this one." He went on to explain that Rey and Poe would be explored as well, though he clarified, "I'm not saying we get full, exhaustive downloads on all of their childhoods... But there are a lot of questions about Finn's past, about Poe's past, obviously Rey and Kylo, and then some of the new characters we meet."
Thus far, Finn's only descriptor has been "former stormtrooper," which is how he was introduced in The Force Awakens. Up until he encountered Poe Dameron, he was presumably only ever referred to as FN-2187, a stormtrooper that served the First Order loyally until he became disillusioned during his first combat mission on Jakku.
There have been a few hints here and there about his history and his attitude toward it -- his animosity toward Captain Phasma, for example -- but nothing concrete. It seems with the final instalment of the sequel trilogy, audiences will finally have their questions about about Finn answered.
It certainly seems to match what actor John Boyega evidently wanted for Finn after The Last Jedi. It was recently reported that Boyega sought to have his character developed beyond the "comedic goofy dude who never gets stuff done." Exploring what is likely to be a dark backstory, seems like a good way to do just that.
Directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Matt Smith, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. The film arrives on Dec. 20.