Kelly Marie Tran Hints at Possible Return as Rose Tico in Future ‘Star Wars’ Projects

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Kelly Marie Tran welcomes the possibility of reappearing as her character Rose Tico in future Star Wars projects. Tran initially debuted as Rose Tico, a Resistance pilot, in 2017’s The Last Jedi. Her performance was highly acclaimed, resonating with the film’s broader themes and earning her numerous admirers. Regrettably, the positive reception for Rose and Tran’s acting was overshadowed by a wave of disrespectful, racist, and sexist comments from some Star Wars fans. Despite moving forward in her career, starring in Raya and the Last Dragon and The Wedding Banquet, Tran remains open to revisiting a distant galaxy.

As a passionate movie critic discussing my recent encounter with Kelly Marie Tran during the promotion of “The Wedding Banquet,” I inquired about her potential return to the Star Wars universe as Rose Tico. To my delight, Tran and her “Wedding Banquet” co-star Lily Gladstone, both ardent Star Wars enthusiasts, have pondered over this intriguing possibility. Despite the harsh criticism she faced earlier, Tran’s love for Star Wars remains unwavering. She admits that she is uncertain about how Rose might reappear and in which upcoming Star Wars project, but she maintains an open mind, eagerly awaiting future developments. In her own words, “I am still a dedicated fan of Star Wars and would be honored to reprise my role as Rose Tico.

I hold immense affection and appreciation towards the universe and world of Star Wars, much like Lily [Gladstone]. We’ve shared conversations about it. By the way, I’m still a big fan of Star Wars. The entire concept holds a special place in my heart, from the universe to the overall experience. As for Rose returning, I can’t say how events would need to unfold, but I must admit that I adore this world deeply.

Does ‘Star Wars’ Deserve Kelly Marie Tran?

It’s quite likely that Tran’s Rose Tico could make an appearance in the upcoming “Star Wars” film featuring Daisy Ridley reprising her role as Rey and set 15 years after “The Rise of Skywalker”. Rose, being a significant character from the sequel trilogy, could seamlessly integrate into the narrative. This would provide an opportunity to expand upon her story, particularly in the wake of the First Order’s collapse. Moreover, the film could introduce an intriguing dynamic between Rey and Rose, which was lacking in “The Rise of Skywalker”. Furthermore, the success of “Andor”, a critically acclaimed “Star Wars” series based on a supporting film character, suggests that a Rose Tico spin-off show might be worth considering as well.

Despite the excitement of starring in a Disney+ show or another Star Wars film, Tran may encounter yet another wave of racist abuse, causing her to remove her social media presence years ago. Regrettably, the bigotry and hostility faced by actors of color in the Star Wars universe has escalated over time. Actors like Mose Ingram in Obi-Wan Kenobi, cast members of The Acolyte, and numerous others have been subjected to sexist and racist comments from fans, with Disney offering little support. This trend is not exclusive to Star Wars; it also affects actors such as Tatiana Maslany (She-Hulk) and Rachel Zegler (Snow White). Tran herself addressed this issue in an interview with Variety, stating:

It’s intriguing to notice that actors of color often encounter similar issues when they enter certain environments. These instances may reflect the broader societal conditions we’re experiencing, and it’s truly regrettable.

The potential project for Rose Tico on Disney+ might not make a significant difference, as a vocal segment of viewers could initiate a year-long protest against the series even before its announcement. Regardless of the show’s quality, some fans may refuse to watch it due to their existing prejudices, as seen with The Acolyte. Despite many not having watched the show, targeted abuse and negative reviews were prevalent. Even if the series equaled the quality of Andor, some would still overlook it because of their biases. Rose Tico is a well-developed character, and Kelly Marie Tran is exceptionally skilled; unfortunately, she has been subjected to unfair treatment. It’s unfortunate that such a talented actress may not receive the recognition she deserves within the Star Wars universe, as one might wonder if the franchise isn’t deserving of her talents instead.

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2025-04-17 00:03