Finn, portrayed by John Boyega, began as FN-2187, a Stormtrooper serving the First Order. Jannah, played by Naomi Ackie, also started as a Stormtrooper, though part of a later battalion. Both characters broke free from the First Order’s control. Their shared journey highlighted resilience, courage, and the power of choice. This bond became central to their roles in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Finn’s Break from the First Order
Finn’s story started on Jakku during a mission to recover the map leading to Luke Skywalker. Refusing to fire on innocent villagers, FN-2187 deserted the First Order. The escape with Poe Dameron, the Resistance pilot, marked the first step toward freedom. Rey later became a significant ally, but Finn’s journey to self-discovery wasn’t complete yet.
Carrying a stormtrooper’s past, Finn sought redemption by aiding the Resistance. The betrayal of the First Order wasn’t just about leaving the organization. It was about fighting for something greater. By wielding a blue lightsaber during his battle against Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base, Finn symbolized his transformation. While not a Jedi, his courage and connection to the Force hinted at deeper possibilities.
Jannah’s Path to Freedom
Jannah was introduced later in the timeline, during the search for the Sith Wayfinder on the ocean moon Kef Bir. Once a trooper of the First Order, Jannah led a company that defected together. These stormtroopers, inspired by an unshakable sense of morality, refused to participate in the slaughter of innocent lives. Jannah became their leader, creating a small but resilient community of former soldiers.
The defection mirrored Finn’s story but carried its own unique strength. Jannah’s group thrived on self-reliance. They became skilled riders of orbaks, a native species on Kef Bir. These warriors adapted to the moon’s environment, turning their isolation into survival. Jannah’s past as a stormtrooper remained a driving force, shaping her decision to help the Resistance.
The Meeting on Kef Bir
When Finn and Jannah met, the connection was immediate. Both shared a deep understanding of the pain and struggle of breaking free from the First Order. Finn saw himself in Jannah’s defiance. Jannah found hope in Finn’s dedication to the Resistance.
This bond strengthened when Finn revealed his belief that the Force played a role in their decisions to leave the First Order. Jannah, too, seemed to recognize something greater at work. Together, they uncovered the idea that freedom wasn’t just an accident. It was destiny.
During the mission on Kef Bir, Jannah joined Finn in the battle against the Sith Eternal forces. The two former stormtroopers led an assault on the First Order’s command ship during the Battle of Exegol. Their teamwork, determination, and shared past fueled their bravery. Both understood the enemy’s tactics, using their knowledge to disrupt the fleet’s systems.
The Role of the Force
Finn and Jannah’s connection extended beyond shared experiences. Finn began to sense the Force guiding him. This ability, while subtle, played a vital role in his actions. The Force wasn’t limited to the Jedi or the Sith. Finn and Jannah’s courage and choices demonstrated that the Force could work through anyone.
Jannah’s story hinted at her own connection to the Force. While not explicitly stated, her instincts and leadership suggested something more. These hints left room for speculation about what her future might hold.
Legacy of the Former Stormtroopers
Finn and Jannah’s journey symbolized hope for those oppressed by the First Order. Their stories showed that no one was beyond redemption. The transformation from soldiers of a cruel regime to warriors of freedom was a powerful message.
The resistance against the First Order didn’t just come from outside forces. It came from within its ranks. Finn and Jannah proved that even the most indoctrinated individuals could break free. Their bond was forged through shared struggle, but it grew into a partnership that helped shape the galaxy’s future.
Finn continued to serve the Resistance, discovering his deeper connection to the Force. Jannah, after the fall of the Sith Eternal, hinted at a possible journey to learn more about her origins. The revelation that Lando Calrissian might be connected to her past suggested a new chapter in her story.
Their legacy remains a beacon for those seeking freedom. Finn and Jannah reminded the galaxy that choice and courage could overcome any control, even that of the First Order.
