Rey, Finn, Poe, and Kylo Ren have been the main topics of conversation when it comes to Star Wars: The Force Awakens . The newest generation of Star Wars heroes and villains inspired new fandoms, ships (FinnPoe FTW), fan art, fanfiction, and, quite simply, has helped convert a whole new wave of Star Wars fans. With Rey becoming the series' first major female protagonist (no offense to Princess Leia, who was and will always be amazing), Finn being the first non-white lead in a Star Wars film, and Poe Dameron inspiring many fans to hope that his character could be the first LGBT Star Wars hero, it's not surprising that the majority of Star Wars love has been bestowed upon the lead characters in The Force Awakens . However, there are other, smaller characters who are quickly becoming more beloved as the movie continues to soar at the box office. Maz Kanata, Lupita Nyong'o's motion-capture, CGI Yoda-like figure, is emerging as a fan favorite, as is TR-8R — a stormtrooper named by Internet fans after finding some much deserved appreciation online. As with any movie, you never know what character will grab an audience's attention. With that in mind, here are the top nine breakout characters from The Force Awakens , not including Rey, Kylo Ren, Finn and Poe.
1. Maz Kanata
Maz Kanata had a small, but memorable role in The Force Awakens , as the old, space pirate who attempts to give Rey Luke Skywalker's old lightsaber and encourages Han Solo to rejoin the Resistance. She's wise and peculiar in a way that reminds Star Wars fans of Yoda, but she's also humorous in a way that Yoda never was. She calls Chewbacca her "boyfriend" and isn't afraid to call out Finn and Han for their reluctance to fight against the First Order. In short: she's a mysterious badass who fans can't stop talking about.
2. TR-8R
TR-8R is not an official character name. In fact, it's a completely fan-inspired moniker given to a fierce stormtrooper who confronts Finn and calls him a traitor — hence the name. For some reason (I'm guessing his awesome gun spin) TR-8R has become one of The Force Awakens' most beloved characters, and inspired countless memes in the process.
3. Captain Phasma
Captain Phasma is fierce AF. Her chrome stormtrooper uniform and intimidating presence made fans take notice in a big way. Though her screen time was limited, fans are hopeful that Captain Phasma will have a bigger presence in Episode VIII.
4. BB-8
Sorry R2-D2, but you've been replaced as the galaxy's cutest droid. BB-8 rolled his way into our hearts from the very first glimpse of TFA footage released to fans, and his adorable stature and immediate connections with Poe, Rey and Finn in The Force Awakens only made him even more irresistible.
5. Lor San Tekka
Lor San Tekka (Max von Sydow) opened The Force Awakens alongside Poe Dameron, and, though he only appeared in one scene, the character has inspired a lot of talk from fans. Who exactly is this Lor San Tekka, and why did he possess the map to Luke Skywalker? It's clear he has/had some connection to the Force and Luke, but that connection was left unexplained, causing many to believe that he is crucial to the developing Star Wars mythology.
6. Stormtrooper JB-007
Stormtrooper JB-007, aka the stormtrooper Rey tricks into setting her free when she discovers that she has the Force, is a breakout TFA character for a few reasons. First, because his nonchalant interactions with Rey helped create a fun, lighthearted tone to the monumental sequence (Rey has the Force, you guys). Second, because he was played by Daniel Craig. That's right, James Bond played the stormtrooper bested by Rey. What a world.
7. Teedo
Teedo was teased as a fun new character in The Force Awakens, but didn't end up doing much. A scavenger living on Jakku, Teedo's claim to fame in TFA is as the scavenger who almost kidnapped BB-8 before the droid was rescued by Rey.
8. General Hux
General Hux was presented in The Force Awakens as your traditional baddie. A power-hungry man loyal to Supreme Leader Snoke and completely blind in his allegiance to the First Order, General Hux has no remorse and is completely secure in his evilness. He also appeared to have a small rivalry with Kylo Ren when it comes to the affections of Snoke, which could make him a greater threat as the new Star Wars trilogy moves forward.
9. Supreme Leader Snoke
Played entirely through motion capture by Andy Serkis and seen only in hologram form in The Force Awakens, Supreme Leader Snoke is probably the most mysterious character put forth in TFA. He appears to be the evil puppet master behind the First Order, seen only barking orders to General Hux and Kylo Ren. Fan theories about his origins abound, but the most popular theory suggests that Snoke is really Darth Plagueis, aka Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious' master.
It's true that some of these characters made a greater impact than others on The Force Awakens fans. But all Star Wars audiences can agree that these breakout characters from TFA should to have a presence in the Star Wars universe in the upcoming Episode VIII and Episode IX.
Images: Walt Disney Studios (5)
