Daisy Ridley portrayed Rey, the scavenger turned Jedi, in the Star Wars sequel trilogy with complexity and emotion. Rey’s journey, filled with discovery and self-realization, was closely tied to BB-8, the spherical and resourceful astromech droid. Their bond developed into one of the most genuine connections in the trilogy, reflecting trust, companionship, and loyalty as they traversed the galaxy. From the barren deserts of Jakku to the climactic battle against Emperor Palpatine, their relationship was a symbol of hope and perseverance in a galaxy on the brink of collapse.
A Chance Encounter on Jakku
The bond between Rey and BB-8 began unexpectedly on Jakku, a desert planet teeming with scavengers and danger. BB-8, entrusted by Poe Dameron with a fragment of the map leading to Luke Skywalker, was left stranded after Poe’s capture by the First Order. BB-8’s mission to reunite with the Resistance became a critical thread in the fight against tyranny. While wandering the sands, BB-8 encountered Rey, a scavenger eking out a harsh existence by trading salvage for food rations.
The meeting was fortuitous. When BB-8 was targeted by a scavenger named Teedo, Rey stepped in, protecting the droid and refusing to sell it, despite being offered a substantial reward. This act of kindness sparked their connection, rooted in mutual trust. BB-8, with its expressive beeps and whirs, quickly became more than just a stray droid to Rey. The droid was a symbol of hope in a life filled with solitude and struggle. Choosing to protect BB-8 and help fulfill its mission marked a turning point for Rey, propelling both characters into a galaxy-spanning adventure.
The Foundation of Loyalty in The Force Awakens
The partnership solidified aboard the Millennium Falcon when Rey, Finn, and BB-8 escaped Jakku. BB-8, equipped with critical knowledge of the map fragment, became an indispensable ally to the Resistance. On the journey to meet Han Solo and later Maz Kanata, BB-8’s resourcefulness became apparent. The droid demonstrated technical expertise, quick thinking, and unyielding loyalty, endearing itself to Rey and Finn as more than just a mechanical companion.
BB-8’s ability to communicate beyond words strengthened the bond with Rey. Silent moments between the two characters conveyed mutual respect and understanding. When Rey was captured by Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base, BB-8 remained steadfast, assisting Finn and Han in a rescue mission. The unwavering determination of the droid mirrored Rey’s courage, and their reunion after her escape from Ren solidified a partnership built on loyalty and shared purpose.
Distance and Growth in The Last Jedi
In The Last Jedi, the bond between Rey and BB-8 faced new challenges as their paths diverged. Rey, drawn to Ahch-To to seek training from Luke Skywalker, left BB-8 with the Resistance. During this separation, BB-8 took on a prominent role alongside Finn and Rose Tico. The mission to Canto Bight showcased BB-8’s adaptability and bravery, as the droid played a pivotal role in aiding the Resistance operatives, even taking down armed guards single-handedly.
Rey’s time on Ahch-To was spent grappling with her identity and the deeper mysteries of the Force. Although physically apart, the bond with BB-8 remained evident in how Rey relied on the memory of her trusted companion to anchor her resolve. BB-8, on its own, continued to embody resilience, mirroring Rey’s personal growth. Both characters evolved, driven by the shared goal of defeating the First Order, even while following separate paths.
Reunited for the Battle Against the First Order
The bond was reignited in The Rise of Skywalker, as Rey and BB-8 reunited for the final stages of the war against the First Order. The dynamic between them deepened through shared missions, including the search for Sith artifacts on Pasaana. BB-8, ever the loyal companion, saved a new droid ally, D-O, and expanded their team, further exemplifying the droid’s commitment to the cause.
Their journey brought them closer as they faced Palpatine’s resurgence. On Exegol, Rey’s determination to confront her dark heritage was matched by BB-8’s unwavering support. The droid’s contributions to the Resistance were pivotal, helping to coordinate the final offensive. Rey’s reliance on BB-8 in critical moments highlighted the bond of trust and mutual dependence forged over their journey.
A Symbol of Unity and Perseverance
BB-8 was more than just a droid companion to Rey. The relationship symbolized the strength found in unity, a theme that permeated the Star Wars saga. BB-8, with its expressive personality and unyielding loyalty, became a source of hope for Rey during moments of doubt. The droid’s resilience mirrored Rey’s journey from an isolated scavenger to a Jedi capable of bringing balance to the galaxy.
Rey and BB-8’s bond evolved in parallel with the trilogy’s narrative. What began as a chance encounter blossomed into a partnership defined by trust, loyalty, and shared purpose. Together, they embodied the idea that even the smallest allies could play monumental roles in the fight against darkness. Their connection left a lasting legacy, proving that courage, loyalty, and hope could unite even the most unlikely heroes in the galaxy far, far away.
