Rey is one of the main characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy films The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and The Rise of Skywalker. She is a powerful Jedi warrior who becomes part of the Resistance in their fight against the First Order. Though Rey faces many challenges and dangers throughout her journey, one question that has captivated fans is – who is Rey’s romantic partner?
Rey’s Background
Before analyzing Rey’s relationships, it’s important to understand where she came from. Rey was born on the desert planet Jakku around 15 ABY (years After the Battle of Yavin). When she was a young child, her parents left her on Jakku for unknown reasons, leaving her in the care of Unkar Plutt, a cruel junkyard dealer. Rey became a lonely scavenger, spending her days searching through wreckage to find valuable parts to trade for food. This upbringing made Rey fiercely independent and defensive around others. She spent years waiting on Jakku for her family to return for her, not wanting to leave and miss their arrival.
At the beginning of The Force Awakens, set in 34 ABY, Rey has become resigned to her solitary life on Jakku until she gets caught up with the Resistance and their fight against the First Order. Her force-sensitivity leads her to cross paths with others strong in the Force, changing the trajectory of her life. But after so many years alone, Rey struggles to open up and form connections with those around her.
Romantic Options in the Sequel Trilogy
Throughout the Star Wars sequel trilogy, there are a few different characters who could potentially become Rey’s romantic partner:
- Finn – A former First Order stormtrooper who becomes an ally and friend to Rey on her adventures.
- Kylo Ren/Ben Solo – The dark, conflicted leader of the First Order who connects with Rey through the Force.
- Poe Dameron – A Resistance pilot who joins Rey and Finn’s fight against the First Order.
- Zorii Bliss – An old friend of Poe’s who aids the Resistance and takes an interest in Rey.
Let’s analyze Rey’s interactions and relationships with each of these characters across the three films to determine if romance blooms.
Finn
Finn and Rey meet early in The Force Awakens when he helps her escape from the First Order on Jakku. Finn lies to Rey, telling her he is with the Resistance so she will let him flee with her on the Millennium Falcon. Despite this rocky start, they quickly form a true friendship and work together to return BB-8 to the Resistance. Rey and Finn have an easy camaraderie and clear affection for each other. When Rey is kidnapped by Kylo Ren at the end of The Force Awakens, Finn is desperate to rescue her from the First Order.
In The Last Jedi, Finn’s devotion to Rey is unchanged. His first actions upon waking from a coma are to ask “Where’s Rey?” He willingly joins the mission to Craig to find a way to get to Rey. However, their time together is brief, as Rey leaves Craig to try to bring Kylo Ren back to the light. The connection between Rey and Finn remains strong but platonic.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Finn and Rey share several tense emotional moments, suggesting their bond has deepened. When Rey seemingly dies towards the end, Finn is distraught and heartbroken over the thought of losing her. In the end though, their relationship still feels more akin to a brother-sister closeness than romantic love.
Kylo Ren/Ben Solo
Though mortal enemies, Rey and Kylo Ren are linked through the Force, allowing them to communicate across the galaxy. In The Force Awakens, Kylo initially captures and interrogates Rey, probing her mind for the map to Luke Skywalker. But Rey surprisingly is able to resist his powers and even turn them back on him, viewing some of his fears and doubts.
Their Force bond deepens in The Last Jedi through a series of tense conversations, sometimes with hands touching across the stars. Rey believes she can save Kylo and bring him back to the light; she stays on Craig trying to convince him to abandon the dark side, while Luke warns her it is futile. Though Kylo killed his father Han Solo, Rey sees conflict within Kylo and grows to understand his pain and weaknesses. In a pivotal moment, Kylo kills Snoke and fights alongside Rey, before ultimately proposing that she join him in ruling the galaxy. He confesses that he cares for her, but Rey rejects his offer, leaving Kylo angry and hurt.
In The Rise of Skywalker, their connection through the Force persists but has weakened without Snoke actively manipulating it. Rey continues to believe that Kylo can be saved, but after several tense battles, she finally abandons hope and rejects him, declaring herself a Jedi. At the film’s end, Kylo Ren dies and a redeemed Ben Solo emerges to help Rey defeat Emperor Palpatine, before giving his own life Force to save Rey. Rey and Ben share a kiss as he fades, but any chance of romance ends there.
Poe Dameron
Hotshot pilot Poe Dameron meets Rey at the Resistance base on D’Qar in The Force Awakens, but they share very limited interactions in this first film. Poe spends much of the film separated from Finn and Rey on a mission to find Luke Skywalker.
Poe and Rey have a bit more screen time together in The Last Jedi, but their relationship remains focused on the Resistance cause rather than potential romance. They work together on the escape from the First Order fleet and briefly embrace after the Battle of Craig, both relieved to have survived.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey and Poe establish more of a rapport and friendship as they fight side-by-side against the Final Order, but there are no clear romantic signals. Their relationship maintains a professional, military focus within the chain of command.
Zorii Bliss
Former smuggler Zorii Bliss enters the story in The Rise of Skywalker as an old friend of Poe Dameron’s. Though she initially brushes off Poe, Rey convinces Zorii to help the Resistance. After this encounter, Zorii tells Rey to keep Poe on track and asks about her necklace, which leads to a lingering touch between the women. Zorii later reconnects with the group and provides vital aid in the final battle.
Zorii’s brief interactions with Rey have sparked many to see romantic tension or chemistry between them. However, this potential relationship is never explored or confirmed within the film. Any further development would require additional content beyond the sequel trilogy.
The Answer
After closely examining the relationships and connections Rey forms throughout the Star Wars sequel trilogy, the definitive answer is that Rey does not end the series with a committed romantic partner or boyfriend.
Her most significant connection is with Kylo Ren/Ben Solo, but that relationship is fraught with conflict and ends tragically with his death. The films leave the door open for her to potentially pursue romance with Finn or others in the future, but leave any such developments to fan imagination rather than confirming a canonical pairing.
Rey’s lack of definite romance aligns with her independence as a character and journey of self-discovery. Her story has always put the focus on her development as a hero and Jedi warrior over her love life. While future expanded material could certainly explore Rey’s romantic future, as of the end of The Rise of Skywalker her heart remains unpledged.
Potential Future Romances
Though Rey may not have a boyfriend within the bounds of the films, many fans enjoy speculating about who she might end up with someday after the events of the sequel trilogy.
Finn seems like an obvious possibility given their close connection and deep understanding of each other. Though Finn may have moved on romantically with Rose Tico based on hints in The Rise of Skywalker, he and Rey have undeniable chemistry that could be rekindled in the future.
Poe Dameron is also a potential candidate, as he and Rey have good rapport and Poe’s feelings could deepen with time. Alternately, Rey may explore something with Zorii Bliss, if the sparks between them are further developed.
Of course, Rey could also meet a new character outside the bounds of the films and find romance there. After spending so many years isolated on Jakku, Rey may still be discovering what she wants in a partner. In time, she may find someone she truly connects with on a deeper level.
Ultimately Rey’s romantic fate remains undecided, allowing fans to endlessly imagine who might capture this powerful Jedi’s heart long after the credits roll on the Skywalker saga.
Conclusion
The Star Wars sequel trilogy intentionally leaves Rey’s romantic status ambiguous by trilogy’s end. Her connection with Kylo Ren is intense but doomed to tragedy, while her relationships with Finn and Poe remain platonic bonds. Rey’s independence and hero’s journey take center stage over romantic entanglements. While future expanded material could explore Rey’s romantic future, the sequel trilogy purposefully avoids cementing her with a definite love interest or boyfriend. This openness allows fans to speculate over who might capture Rey’s heart down the road. But the definitive answer within canon is that, despite a few intriguing prospects, Rey does not confirm a committed romantic relationship during the timeline of the films.
| Character | Nature of Relationship with Rey |
|---|---|
| Finn | Close friend and ally |
| Kylo Ren/Ben Solo | Force connection, conflicted emotions |
| Poe Dameron | Fellow Resistance fighter |
| Zorii Bliss | Potential chemistry hinted at |