John Boyega walked off the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker set knowing his character arc was incomplete, but he didn’t realize until watching Star Trek: Strange New Worlds last year why Finn felt so underdeveloped compared to Trek characters.
Character Depth
John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars comparison centers on character development across multiple seasons versus three films. “Star Trek gives characters room to breathe and grow,” Boyega explained during a recent interview. “Finn barely got three character beats across three movies.”
The numbers support his perspective. Finn appeared in 87 minutes of screen time across the sequel trilogy, while Strange New Worlds gives supporting characters like Una Chin-Riley 45 minutes per season to develop complex backstories and relationships.
John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars analysis reveals his frustration with Disney’s sequel planning. “They had no long-term character map,” he admitted. “Star Trek shows plan character arcs across multiple seasons. We were making it up as we went along.”
Boyega specifically praises how Star Trek: Discovery handled Michael Burnham’s journey from disgraced officer to captain across four seasons. “That’s the character development Finn deserved but never received,” he noted.
Diversity Success
The John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars discussion inevitably touches on representation. Boyega acknowledges that both franchises struggle with diversity, but credits Trek for better integration of diverse characters into meaningful storylines.
“Star Trek has always been ahead on diversity,” Boyega said. “Uhura, Sisko, Burnham – they’re not just diverse faces, they’re fully realized characters. Sometimes I felt like Finn was there to check a box.”
Current Trek series feature more diverse casts than ever before. Strange New Worlds includes 6 non-white main characters out of 9 total, while Discovery centers on a Black woman captain. Meanwhile, Star Wars sequel trilogy sidelined Finn and Rose Tico (Kelly Marie Tran) after fan backlash.
Storytelling Approach
Boyega’s John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars analysis extends to narrative structure. “Star Trek explores ideas and relationships,” he explained. “Star Wars became focused on spectacle and fan service.”
The television format allows Trek series to develop philosophical concepts across multiple episodes. The Next Generation’s “The Measure of a Man” explored android rights through legal drama. Discovery examined PTSD and trauma through Michael Burnham’s arc.
“Star Wars could learn from Trek’s willingness to slow down and explore character psychology,” Boyega suggested. “The best Star Wars content – like Andor – takes that approach.”
Creative Freedom
What Boyega most admires about John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars comparison is creative freedom. Trek writers can create original characters and storylines without massive fan expectations constraining choices.
“Star Trek fans want good stories,” Boyega noted. “Star Wars fans want specific outcomes that confirm their theories. That’s creatively limiting.”
He points to Lower Decks as an example of Trek’s creative flexibility. The animated comedy successfully parodies Trek tropes while telling genuine stories about friendship and career growth.
Future Possibilities
Despite his criticism, Boyega hasn’t ruled out returning to John Boyega Star Trek Star Wars franchises. “I’d consider Star Trek if they offered something interesting,” he said. “And I’d return to Star Wars if they had a real plan for Finn.”
Recent reports suggest Boyega has met with Paramount about potential Trek projects, though nothing concrete has developed. His Attack the Block director Joe Cornish is reportedly developing a Trek film that could provide the perfect opportunity.
“Star Trek respects actors and characters,” Boyega concluded. “That’s why their franchises last 60 years while maintaining quality. Star Wars could learn from that approach.”
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