Finn ’s stormtrooper codename , FN-2187 , was a special reference to Princess Leia in the originalStar Warstrilogy . John Boyega ’s part first appeared inStar Wars : The Force Awakens , directed by J.J. Abrams . Finn was never given a last name in the sequel trilogy , but he did carry the FN-2187 designation when he get in contact with member of the First Order . Here ’s how the codename was an Easter egg to Leia Organa ’s past and how it goes deeper forGeorge Lucas .

Before Finn became a hero of the Resistance , he serve as a First Order stormtrooper under the leadership of Captain Phasma . Finn   was take from his family at a young age and never felt a good sense of loyalty to the First Order or believe in their political theory . After his first combat mission onJakku , Finn decided to flee with the Resistance . During his dodging , the ex - stormtrooper met Poe Dameron who gave him the name Finn from the " FN " in his former appellation .

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Din Djarin and Ahsoka-1

The numeric share of Finn ’s stormtrooper codename was anything but a coincidence . In fact , it was a verbatim callback to Princess Leia ’s jail cell number for George Lucas ' first installing in the galaxy far , far away . In 1977’sStar Wars , Princess Leia Organawas being prevail in a cell within the Death Star . Luke Skywalker , Han Solo , and Chewbacca infiltrated the foundation to deliver Leia . Her cell figure was 2187 , which was the inspiration behind Finn ’s codename - another tribute by Abrams in his film that come four decade after the master copy . The number held an even deeper import in the eye of Lucas prior to the firstStar Warsfilm , though .

The Number 2187 Goes Back Further Than Leia’s Cell In A New Hope

BeforeStar Warswas release and went on to realize the subtitle ofA New Hope , Lucas was inspired to make the infinite opera house after influence from several filmmakers . One of which was   Arthur Lipsett and his short film,21 - 87 , which debuted in 1963 . He viewed the film while attend the University of Southern California , and it made an insistent opinion . The title not only inspired Lucas to make the sci - fi movieTHX 1138 , in 1971 , but it also stuck with him so much that he used the number for Leia ’s cell as a testimonial .

Abrams has shared that object and experiences from his everyday life story assisted in the creation of characters forThe Force Awakens . It ’s also understandable that the film director would desire to include an array of Easter bollock and references to Lucas , the man who start it all , and the preceding work he devise throughStar Wars . Even little details could have a major meaning . The fact that a role like Finn , who had newfound exemption , shared an chemical element with a type that would go on to become an influential figure in his life was sincerely special .

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George Lucas with A New Hope imagery v3

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Princess Leia Organa in her cell before getting rescued by uke Skywalker in A New Hope

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