Why The "Poemance" Is So Important To 'Star Wars'
Throughout the Star Wars sequel trilogy, one of the most interesting pairs to appear onscreen together was always Finn and Poe. The chemistry between a Resistance pilot and an ex-stormtrooper is very intriguing when you take all of Star Wars into account. After Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens finished, there were many rumors within the Star Wars community that Finn and Poe were going to have a romantic relationship.
Had this been the case, this would have been huge, as it would have meant that, for the first time in Star Wars history, we would have had an LGBTQ+ couple in the films. There were fans who were excited about these rumors since they pertained to Finn and Poe, who remain two of the most beloved characters from the sequel trilogy.
Interestingly, both Oscar Isaac (Poe) and John Boyega (Finn) have expressed that they would have been interested in the characters having a romantic relationship. Isaac spoke to Variety during an interview back in December 2019 and said that he would have been interested in that happening:
"Personally, I kind of hoped and wished that maybe that would’ve been taken further in the other films, but I don't have control. It seemed like a natural progression, but sadly enough it’s a time when people are too afraid, I think, of … I don't know what."
Many fans speculate that it was the Disney executives who did not feel ready for something like this. In the same article, Boyega added:
“They’ve always had a quite loving and open relationship in which it wouldn’t be too weird if it went beyond it. But at the same time, they are just platonic at the moment.”
When The Last Jedi was released in theaters, fans were very disappointed that Finn and Poe’s relationship rumor was nothing more than that: a rumor. The fans who were left feeling disappointed by Episode VIII - The Last Jedi saw Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker as their only hope. In Episode IX, Poe and Finn’s relationship can arguably be seen more as your typical couple, by the way they treat each other. But they were nothing but good friends at the end. Instead of the Poemance between Poe and Finn, fans were given a kiss between two women from the Resistance in the background. Characters who are not central to the plot, thus making it feel tacked on in the eyes of many. A lot of fans believe that this was Disney’s way of saying, “There you go,” and they expected everything to be okay. The kiss felt very out of place to many fans, just like the kiss between Ben Solo and Rey.
The Rise of Skywalker was the biggest let down to many Star Wars fans around the world. Not just because of the many unnecessary plot stories, or the unnecessary return of the Emperor, but also because it failed to show us the amazing relationship of Finn and Poe. Disney and Lucasfilm did not fully realize the potential of the Poemance. This romantic story arc would not only shown representation for the LGBTQ+ community front and center in a Star Wars film, but also for the Latino and African American community as well. As it is, Star Wars is very diverse when it comes to characters. Disney and Lucasfilm should consider including more LGBTQ+ on the screen in the Star Wars universe. This inclusion would show to the millions of fans around the world that they belong, and it would also show that love comes from various places.
Even if the Skywalker saga failed to introduce the first onscreen prominent gay couple in Star Wars, there are many more opportunities coming ahead for Lucasfilm to introduce the first LGBTQ+ character into the new canon timeline. The Star Wars galaxy is so large, so there are bound to be lots of LGBTQ+ characters, such as the ones who have appeared in books and comics. Some of us thought that Ahsoka Tano would be part of that group, but that has not been confirmed, as it feels like the higher-ups are too afraid to go there.
The universe of Star Wars will never stop surprising us. No matter who you are, where you are, or where you came from, there is a Star Wars story for everyone.