Despite the fact that Daisy Ridley’s Rey is the closest The Force Awakens gets to a central protagonist, several toy companies have managed to leave the character out of their toy sets. Luckily for anyone who has used the hashtag “#wheresrey†or has a basic understanding of the importance of representation, J.J. Abrams wants Rey toys, too. After a Television Critics Association panel today, Abrams took the time to address fan complaints. “It seems preposterous and wrong that the main character of the movie is not well represented in what is clearly a huge piece of the Star Wars world,†Abrams said, in reference to slew of merchandise that has become an integral part of the franchise.
The director made specific reference to Hasbro’s Star Wars Monopoly game, which did not include a playable version of Rey (according to Hasbro, it was so to not reveal the plot of the film). After an outcry from fans, Hasbro later decided to include a Rey figurine. Abrams participated in that anger, as it turns out, and said that he “quickly made phone calls†after hearing the news and is glad that Hasbro has changed its mind. “It doesn’t quite make sense why she wouldn’t be there,†he said. “She’s somewhat important in the story.â€
Abrams also revealed that he doesn’t plan for an extended cut of The Force Awakens, though DVD extras will include a few deleted scenes from the film. He praised the writing and directing abilities of Rian Johnson, who will take the helm for Episode VIII, and thanked everyone for supporting The Force Awakens’s massive box-office success. “When I hear anecdotally that people have gone seven or eight times,†Abrams joked. “I just want to apologize, I guess, to their parents.â€
Additional reporting by Maria Elena Fernandez.