Finn, played by John Boyega, is one of the most compelling characters introduced in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Once a stormtrooper of the First Order, FN-2187’s story is one of defiance, bravery, and finding his true purpose. His journey from a frightened soldier seeking freedom to a courageous hero who helps spark a rebellion is full of emotional moments and powerful words. Finn’s quotes not only highlight his growth but also embody the themes of hope, resistance, and redemption that lie at the heart of Star Wars.
Here are Finn’s most iconic quotes that defined his journey.
“I’m not going to kill for them.”
This is one of the first defining lines Finn delivers in The Force Awakens. After witnessing the horrors of the First Order during the assault on the village at Jakku, FN-2187 realizes he can no longer follow orders blindly. When Captain Phasma instructs him to open fire on the villagers, he refuses, marking the beginning of his rebellion against the First Order.
This quote captures the moment Finn breaks free from the programming that conditioned him to obey without question. It’s not just about refusing to kill—it’s about choosing his own path, a theme that resonates throughout the trilogy.
“I made a choice. I wasn’t going to let them win.”
In The Last Jedi, Finn explains to Rose Tico why he defected from the First Order. This line encapsulates Finn’s transformation from someone running away to someone willing to stand and fight for what’s right. It signifies his shift from survival to resistance.
It also highlights a key part of Finn’s character arc: the idea of agency. Finn’s journey is not about destiny or the Force guiding him, but about making deliberate choices to fight for justice and freedom.
“Why does everyone want to go back to Jakku?!”
This humorous line from The Force Awakens is quintessential Finn. After escaping the First Order and crash-landing on Jakku with Poe Dameron, Finn meets Rey and BB-8. When Rey insists on returning to Jakku to complete BB-8’s mission, Finn’s frustration leads to this sarcastic outburst.
While the line is played for laughs, it also reveals Finn’s desperation to escape his past. Jakku, a barren desert world, symbolizes stagnation to him—something he’s trying to leave behind. Yet, as the story progresses, Finn learns that running away isn’t the answer.
“You don’t know me, but I’m in charge now.”
This line is another standout moment from The Force Awakens. Finn delivers it to Captain Phasma as he confronts her during their infiltration of Starkiller Base. It’s a bold statement of defiance from a former stormtrooper to his superior officer.
What makes this quote iconic is the confidence Finn displays here. It’s a far cry from the nervous, conflicted soldier viewers met at the beginning of the film. By this point, Finn is taking charge, both of the situation and of his destiny.
“Rebel scum.”
One of Finn’s most memorable quotes from The Last Jedi occurs during his fight with Captain Phasma. After defeating her, Finn proudly declares himself “Rebel scum.”
This moment is significant because it represents Finn fully embracing his role in the Resistance. The term “Rebel scum,” used derogatorily by the Empire and the First Order, becomes a badge of honor for Finn. It’s his way of declaring that he’s no longer FN-2187—he’s a hero fighting for freedom.
“I never knew there were so many.”
In The Rise of Skywalker, Finn delivers this line when he and the Resistance discover the vast fleet of ships assembled by Lando Calrissian to fight the Final Order. This moment encapsulates the spirit of hope and unity that drives the Resistance.
Finn’s awe reflects his realization that the galaxy isn’t as hopeless as it seemed. There are countless people willing to stand against tyranny, and Finn himself has inspired many of them. It’s a powerful reminder that the fight for freedom requires solidarity.
“You were always scum.”
This brief but impactful line occurs during Finn’s final confrontation with Captain Phasma in The Last Jedi. Phasma sneers at Finn, calling him “scum” for betraying the First Order. Without missing a beat, Finn responds, “You were always scum.”
The line not only highlights Finn’s defiance but also reinforces the idea that his actions come from a place of morality and justice. Phasma represents blind loyalty to an oppressive regime, while Finn embodies rebellion against it.
“I need to do this. I need to help my friends.”
During The Rise of Skywalker, Finn’s selflessness shines in moments like this. When he insists on staying behind to help destroy the Sith fleet’s signal tower, Finn is no longer running away from danger. This line captures the heart of Finn’s character—a willingness to sacrifice for others.
It’s also a moment that emphasizes the bonds of friendship in Star Wars. For Finn, his connection to Rey, Poe, and the Resistance motivates his bravery.
“Droid, please!”
A fan-favorite quote from The Force Awakens, Finn says this line to BB-8 during a comedic moment. Finn is trying to convince the droid to show him the location of the Resistance base, even though he’s lying about being part of their cause.
The humor in this line humanizes Finn, making him one of the most relatable characters in the sequel trilogy. It also demonstrates how Finn’s personality brings levity to intense situations, a hallmark of Star Wars storytelling.
“Come on, we’ve gotta go. We’ve gotta move!”
While this line seems simple, it’s repeated by Finn several times across the trilogy, often when he’s trying to protect someone. It reflects his instinct to help others, especially Rey, Poe, and the rest of the Resistance.
Whether it’s pulling Rey out of danger on Jakku or urging the Resistance to keep fighting, Finn’s determination to keep moving forward is a recurring theme in his dialogue.
Legacy of Finn’s Quotes
Finn’s quotes reflect his journey from an individual searching for freedom to a leader fighting for the greater good. They showcase his humor, courage, and humanity, traits that make him stand out among Star Wars characters. Finn’s story is one of growth and defiance, a reminder that anyone can rise above their past to fight for what’s right.
The legacy of Finn’s words lives on, inspiring fans to stand up for what they believe in, no matter the odds. Whether delivering a heartfelt line or a humorous quip, Finn’s voice resonates as a symbol of hope and resilience in the Star Wars galaxy.
