Let’s get one thing straight: most Star Wars fans have absolutely no issue with strong female characters. The problem is not with Rey’s gender—it’s with her character development. The writers set her up with potential, but the execution fell flat. She doesn’t have a complex arc, and her backstory often feels like an afterthought. Many of us just wanted more substance, complexity, and growth that felt earned and realistic, especially given the intense world she’s part of.

Take Ahsoka Tano, for example, she’s widely adored in the Star Wars community. She went from being a somewhat brash apprentice in The Clone Wars to a deeply complex, wise, and powerful figure in the Rebels series and beyond. Her character has had a journey, growth, setbacks, and triumphs. We saw her evolve in a way that felt authentic.

Or Padmé Amidala, who’s another favorite. She’s powerful, driven, and has her own storylines that don’t rely on her being connected to male characters. She’s beloved not just for her strength but for the way she balances that with compassion and vulnerability. We get to see her ideals, her struggles, and her complexity.

Rey could’ve been a great character too, but her story feels rushed and, honestly, kind of shallow. She seems to get powerful almost effortlessly, and her motivations don’t always feel fully developed. It’s like the writers thought “strong female lead” was enough without really giving her a multi-dimensional personality. So no, it’s not that we have an issue with women in Star Wars. We just want better writing and real depth, especially for characters who are supposed to carry the weight of the saga.

TL;DR: Star Wars fans don’t dislike Rey because she’s a woman. We’re frustrated because her character lacks depth and development. Ahsoka and Padmé prove that well-written, complex female characters are loved in the fandom.