WithStar Warspreparing for its next era — includingDaisy Ridley’sconfirmed return as Rey, and Star Wars Celebration to come this week — fans are naturally wondering who else from the sequel trilogy might be coming back. And forKelly Marie Tran, the answer is simple: she’d return as Rose Tico in a heartbeat. While promoting her new filmThe Wedding Banquet(out April 18), Tran spoke with CBR about her love for theStar Warsuniverse and the character that launched her into pop culture stardom. Tran, who debuted as Rose in 2017’sStar Wars: The Last Jedi, made it crystal clear she’s game for more:
“I have so much love and gratitude for that universe and that world,” Tran said. “[Wedding Banquet co-star]Lily[Gladstone]’s a bigStar Warsfan as well. We’ve talked about it. I remain such [a Star Wars fan]. It has such a warm place in my heart, just that whole universe, and that entire experience. And I don’t know the context to which things would have to fall into place for Rose to return, but I will say that I just love that world."
Who Was Rose Tico in ‘Star Wars’?
Rose Tico was introduced inThe Last Jedias a maintenance worker turned Resistance fighter, and quickly became a divisive yet deeply impactful character. WhileThe Last Jedisaw her get a major arc alongsideJohn Boyega’sFinn, her role was significantly reduced in2019’sThe Rise of Skywalkerfollowing said divisive. The sidelining sparked backlash from fans who had embraced Rose’s underdog spirit but more importantly they spotlighted the online harassment Tran endured after her debut. As with the prequel trilogy, and the renewed reaction toHayden Christensen’s Anakin Skywalker,Star Warsfans are revisiting the sequel trilogy with renewed appreciation. Rose, in particular, is finally getting her flowers.
BeyondStar Wars, Tran has been steadily building a vibrant and diverse resumé. She voiced the lead in Disney’sRaya and the Last Dragon, starred inHulu’s body-horror indieControl Freak, and appeared in the SXSW dramedyForge. Up next is the horror filmRock SpringsalongsideBenedict Wong, and of course,The Wedding Banquet, which is generating early buzz ahead of its release on April 18.
With Star Wars Celebration emanating from Japan this week, who knows what projects may come, and what doors may open? And if those doors do open, maybe Rose Tico will get to walk through one again.
