Origin
Rey grew up alone after being left on the desert planet Jakku near Nima Outpost. For many years, she waited for her parents to return for as she sold scavenged equipment from older technology scattered across the planet from the wars between the Rebellion and the remnants of the Galactic Empire. She would sell the cleaned and repaired equipment to Unkar Plutt for her rations.
Creation
Rey is the main protagonist of the seventh film in the Star Wars series, originally created by George Lucas. Rey’s first film appearance was in Star Wars: the Force Awakens which was directed by J. J. Abrams, written by J. J. Abrams, Lawrence Kasdan, and Michael Arndt, and Rey is played by Daisy Ridley.
Rey’s first comic appearance is in Star Wars: The Force Awakens Adaptation #1.
Character Evolution
The character of Rey was initially written under the name of “Kira” and intended to be a loner gear-head with a temper, but at some point was altered after J.J. Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan came on to write. Much of Michael Arndt’s original script was changed. The director and co-writer, J.J. Abrams, has stated that Rey’s lack of a last name was completely intentional, and he preferred the idea that the new franchise be led by a female Jedi, a first in the Star Wars film series. Kathleen Kennedy, president of Lucas Film and The Force Awakens co-producer, put a heavy emphasis on moving the Star Wars franchise ahead with a diverse cast.
Major Story Arcs
The Force Awakens
Rey’s mundane and tedious life as a scavenger on Jakku took a wild turn after meeting a droid named BB-8 and Finn, a rogue stormtrooper posing as a member of the Resistance. She was caught up in the race from the First Order who was after Finn and BB-8, who held data on the map that would lead to Luke Skywalker. After escaping the planet on the stolen Millennium Falcon, the trio was picked up by Han Solo and Chewbacca. After pleading with Han and telling him what information BB-8 contained, Rey convinced Han to help them get the information to the Resistance.
Han had intended to get them passage on Takodana at the castle of Maz Kanata. While there, Finn finally admitted the truth of his past to Rey and tried to convince her to join him on the run to the Outer Rim. She refused then heard a voice calling out from deep within the castle. What she discovered in a box was the lightsaber of Luke Skywalker. Touching it gave her a startling vision. Maz tried to get Rey to take the lightsaber with her, but she refused to ever touch it again and ran away into the forest, followed by BB-8. She was tracked down in the woods by Kylo Ren. Though BB-8 escaped, Ren could tell she had seen the map and took her to extract the information from her mind back at Star Killer Base.
While held captive, Kylo Ren attempted to draw the information from her using the Force, but she discovered she could fight back and use the same abilities on him. Once alone, she used the Force to manipulate the trooper on guard to release her. After running into Finn, Han, and Chewie in the base to rescue her, she helped them plant explosives to aid the Resistance in destroying the First Order weapon. Finn dragged her away after witnessing Kylo Ren murder Han, but Ren caught up to them and knocked Rey out.
She woke up just as Ren had defeated Finn, but called Luke’s lightsaber to herself before Ren could take it. She defeated Ren and slashed him across the face before returning to Finn and picked up by Chewbacca. After getting Finn to help with the Resistance, she traveled with Chewbacca and R2-D2, while she piloted the Millennium Falcon, to the distant planet Luke was on to deliver him his old lightsaber and be trained in the Jedi arts.
Powers & Abilities
Engineering
Rey gained years of experience working with machinery from a young age. She scavenged technology that had been scattered over Jakku, and selling what she could repair. Her talents with engineering even allowed her to build her own repulsorlift speeder and modify a downed AT-AT into a living space.
Piloting Skills
Rey used piloting simulators to teach herself to pilot various vehicles, and had practical experience with her personal speeder.
The Force
The Force is a power that binds all things in the universe. Those who are sensitive with the Force can feel it flow through the world and even manipulate it with training. Rey was largely unaware of her affinity with the Force until she heard the call of Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber deep in Maz Kanata’s castle. She discovered even more abilities after Kylo Ren attempted to interrogate her and failed.
Weapons & Equipment
Bow Staff
Rey’s staff has been her primary means of defense and offense for several years. She hardly goes anywhere without it.
Repulsorlift Speeder
Rey built her custom repulsorlift speeder from salvage she found across the desert. It includes parts from cargo freighters, Imperial vessels, and X-Wing starfighters. She uses this speeder for transportation and hauling her cargo from her scavenging.
Blaster
Rey was given a strong blaster pistol by Han to help defend herself. However, she wasn’t aware of how to work the safety initially.
Lightsaber
The lightsaber is the primary weapon of the Jedi. This sword in the hands of a trained force user can be used to block blaster fire. The first lightsaber Rey ever used was was originally owned by Anikin Skywalker (Darth Vader) then passed to his son Luke. She found it hidden in the castle of Maz Kanata as she heard it calling to her.
Other Media
Movies
Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the seventh film in the Star Wars series, but the first to be released after Disney purchased the rights from George Lucas for four billion dollars. J.J. Abrams directed, co-produced, and co-wrote this relaunching of the Star Wars franchise. More of an emphasis was put on practical effects, none of George Lucas’ story submissions were used, and Abrams has stated that midichlorians, Lucas’ retroactive explanation for the Force, wouldn’t be mentioned in his film.
Games
Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Playset (2015)
Rey’s very first game appearance is in Disney Infinity 3.0 Edition – Star Wars: The Force Awakens Playset. It was released for multiple platforms on December 18, 2015. Developed by Avalanche Software and published by Disney Interactive Studios, the game uses figures that synchronize with the game to play in either a campaign or player created sandbox. The story mode loosely follows the plot of The Force Awakens movie, and Rey is voiced by Daisy Ridley.