Posted in: Movies, Star Wars | Tagged: film, HRL

Kelly Marie Tran Explains Why Representation Matters in Star Wars

There has been a lot of talk in recent years about proper representation when it comes to movies. While a lot of series are still very male and white, the Star Wars movies do feel like they are moving in a more diverse direction. Of the new trio, none of them are white men (two men of color and a woman) and the third new character that was just added in Star Wars: The Last Jedi is a woman of color. Kelly Marie Tran recently spoke to Variety about people reaching out to her about the emotional impact.

Yes, absolutely. It's been both an honor and a responsibility. I feel so overwhelmed. I remember what it felt like to not see anyone like myself in books or on film or TV. When you're really young, you tend to fall in love with characters. If you start seeing the same type of character everywhere and realize that they don't look like you, or they don't speak like you, you start wanting to change who you are. That's something that I did when I was a young kid. I'm excited to be a part of this positive change.

While Tran isn't the first Asian person to appear in a Star Wars movie, she is the first Asian woman, which is a big deal. The series hasn't given a lot of roles to women, let alone women of color — meaning female fans were often just portraying "Asian fill-in-the-blank" version of established characters. Which is fine, if that's what someone wants to do, but variety is important.

A lot of "Star Wars" fans who are specifically Asian never had a character they could dress up like, or they would and people would always call them "Asian Rey" or "Asian fill-in-the-blank." I get very emotional when I see people who are able to identify with this character. That means a lot to me and I don't think it will ever get old.

Tran also acknowledges that this is a big deal, but that she wishes it wasn't.

It feels like a big deal because it's so rare, I wish it wasn't. I wish that you and I could be having a different conversation. I wish that all different types of people of all races and all upbringings were all equally represented in this industry that influences so many people. But the fact is that's just not true, so it is important to talk about it. I'm always thinking about that little girl that never saw herself in things.

Seeing Tran on screen is a big deal to young Asian women and helps show how important it is for marginalized people to see their faces on screen. Now, if we could get some out and proud representation in sexuality and among their directors, that would be a nice next step.

Summary: Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares to do battle with the First Order.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi, directed by Rian Johnson, stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Mark Hamill, Oscar Isaac, Carrie Fisher, and Adam Driver. It's out now.

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