‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens': Lucasfilms reveals details about Stormtrooper 'TR-8R'
The Stormtrooper who fought John Boyega’s character Finn in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has gained his own fan base. So much so that people have asked for details about the character, whom fans have now dubbed with the name “TR-8R.”
Lucasfilms has released details about the First Order Stormtrooper who yelled “Traitor” (thus his nickname) at Finn prior to their duel in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” According to Star Wars.com, the character in the film is actually named FN-2199.
FN-2199 is mentioned in the tie-in young novel “Star Wars: Before the Awakening” by Greg Rucka, where he is given the name “Nines” by his friends. He trained with Finn in the First Order. According to the site, this is probably the reason for his anger at Finn, because he took their training together personally.
A concept art of the character revealed FN-2199 or “TR-8R” has red hair. He is the Stormtrooper seated in the background as revealed in the photo shared by Star Wars.com.
“Star Wars: Before the Awakening” described him as belonging to an elite group of First Order Stormtroopers known as the “riot control.” The weapon he uses in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is called the Z6 baton. His weapon is very handy when he’s among those tasked with breaking uprisings or enforcing order, much like his fight with Finn. The Z6 is said to be non-lethal but it can still cause serious harm to an adversary when used with brute force.
David Acord, a “Skywalker Sound” sound editor, is behind the voice of FN-2199 or “TR-8R.” His works include “Revenge of the Sith,” “Star Wars Rebels,” “Attack of the Clones,” Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and recently “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
The actor behind the Stormtrooper suit is veteran stunt performer Liang Yang. He’s had several movie credentials under his name according to Collider. They are mostly action films including “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Edge of Tomorrow” and “Game of Thrones."
FN-2199 or “TR-8R” seemed to have suffered a grim fate during his fight with Finn in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” It’s believed he may already be dead. But Lucasfilms on its Star Wars page hinted there could be more of the character in future Star Wars films.
