The Star Wars sequel trilogy has a catalog of recognizable characters, most of whom are a significant part of the divisiveness of the trilogy. Whether it be original trilogy characters who some fans feel have been mistreated or original characters that will introduce new generations to Star Wars with their arcs and their iconic scenes, there are a wide variety of opinions on them.
Many characters have great endings, though. Even if their overall arc was bumpy, some have endings that completely fit. Others were not so lucky, getting stuck with endings that many fans cannot get on board with.
10 Reject: Maz Kanata
When Maz Kanata debuted in The Force Awakens, she immediately inspired a ton of speculation from fans, with mystery surrounding the wise character who had a load of potential. All that potential went to waste, though.
In The Last Jedi, the character was disappointingly used as a plot device in a solitary scene. Her ending saw her as a part of the Resistance in The Rise Of Skywalker with no real role in the story. All questions fans had regarding her went unanswered, and her final act is giving Chewbacca a medal that he already owned.
9 In Character: C-3PO
C-3PO never had anything to do in The Force Awakens nor The Last Jedi; he more just stood around, made a couple of quips, and acted like his typical Threepio self.
In The Rise Of Skywalker, though, Threepio got a surprisingly good amount of screentime, a bunch of comedy, and even a heartwarming moment where he calls Artoo his best friend. The actual ending for the character is merely being there with Artoo and the other droids on Ajan Kloss during the celebrations. However, his outing in the movie was a great way to cap off his time in the Skywalker saga.
8 Reject: R2-D2
C-3PO's partner in crime, R2-D2, did not fare as well in the final movie. The beloved astromech was completely wasted in The Force Awakens and had one highlight in reuniting with Luke in The Last Jedi.
The Rise Of Skywalker failed to buck that trend. Artoo did not have a role in the movie and had no arc in the trilogy. His ending was existing, no different from before the trilogy, simply having less family around him. Most fans agree that as amazing as BB-8 was, Artoo deserved more.
7 In Character: Luke Skywalker
Undoubtedly the most divisive of the already established characters to join the sequel trilogy is Luke Skywalker. His whole arc divided the fandom who still argue about it today.
Luke's ending, though, is about as good as it could have gotten for him. Not only does he sacrifice himself to save the Resistance and therefore the Galaxy, but he also becomes one with the Force, at peace looking out at the binary sunset. No matter any fan's opinion on Luke's arc or his redemption in the movie or even if he should have died there and then, that ending was great for him.
6 Reject: Rose Tico
Another divisive character of the trilogy is Rose Tico, whose debut in The Last Jedi disappointed a load of fans due to the quality of the arc. Even if the character herself is solid, Rose in The Last Jedi is one of Star Wars' most hated heroes.
In The Rise Of Skywalker, fans expected Rose to play another big role; perhaps her relationships with the other major characters would be expanded. Instead, she is left out of most of the story, pushed to the side, and given nothing to do. There was no arc for the character in her final outing and no real ending.
5 In Character: Poe Dameron
Poe Dameron's overall arc in the trilogy was up and down at times. It altered direction, dipped in quality, and was the victim of mistakes throughout the three movies.
However, his character story ended perfectly in The Rise Of Skywalker. Obviously, there are questions surrounding his relationship with Zorri. However, that moment where he asks Finn to be co-General in the Resistance was the perfect ending to his journey of discovering how to be a leader.
4 Reject: Finn
Finn was not so lucky. His arc had the same bumps in the road as Poe's quality and direction wise, but he was not granted as good or as fitting an ending as Poe.
Finn did find his place in the Resistance, that aspect of his character was great in theory. In execution, though, Finn spent much of the three movies, including the last, chasing down Rey, having questions surrounding him be unanswered, and not making anywhere near as big or as good of an impact as he should have.
3 In Character: Han Solo
Han Solo appeared twice in the sequel trilogy and was pretty fantastic in both. Of all the original characters who appeared in the sequel trilogy, he very well may have been the best.
His appearance in The Rise Of Skywalker was poetic and wonderful. In The Force Awakens, the character had his ending, and it was a long time coming. Dying at the hands of his son was perfect for the Han Solo character. He chose to go back to try and save his son for Leia, once again showing his heart, bravery, loyalty, and love for his friends and family despite any issues they have.
2 Reject: Darth Sidious
When it was announced Darth Sidious would appear in The Rise Of Skywalker, it made fans hopeful and excited about the prospect of the sequel trilogy actually having a plan in place. Maybe this was the endgame, the goal for the trilogy all along, having Star Wars' most powerful villain be the villain once more.
The film quickly made clear Sidious' return was not always on the cards; it was a scramble, and it was poorly done. As great as Sidious' final battle with Rey is, as typically menacing as Ian McDiarmid is, Sidious' character probably should not have returned. Fans get zero explanation of his return, no promise he cannot return in the future, and overall it just did not make sense for those who solely watch the movies. Having Sidious in the trilogy makes sense, he is the Skywalker saga villain, but it was not done well.
1 In Character: Rey Skywalker
Perhaps the most controversial character ending in the sequel trilogy is that of Rey's. In reality, her arc was better when she was not related to anyone; that was a better story for her and the trilogy overall.
That does not mean, though, that the message and story of Rey dealing with her identity as a Palpatine and choosing to be a Skywalker is not a fitting ending. Rey is amazing in The Rise Of Skywalker, and becoming the next Skywalker, inheriting the name from Luke and Leia, was a great ending for her - even though she is likely to return in canon.
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July 31, 2021 at 12:00AM
