The Star Wars universe expanded today with the introduction of Rose, a member of the Resistance who will make her debut in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Actress Kelly Marie Tran joined the rest of the eighth Star Wars episode’s cast on stage during a discussion of the film at Star Wars Celebration, and it took approximately .0001 seconds for fans to fall in love.
With an intro from director Rian Johnson highlighting the actress’ diminutive stature, Tran teetered onto stage with a huge grin. She’s an unknown by most measures; her biggest credits prior to Star Wars are with CollegeHumor and on the canceled NBC comedy About a Boy. But fans proved they’re nothing if not welcoming, sounding off on Twitter about how excited they are to see more of the character.
ROSE IS ALREADY MY FAVORITE STAR WARS CHARACTER
— Klaudia Amenábar (@kaludiasays) April 14, 2017
Me: *living a Star Wars Neutral existence*
— Sam King (@SamanthaCKing) April 14, 2017
Star Wars: Cute lady named Rose
Me:....
*living a Star Wars Neutral/ Rose Positive existence *
hi, anyway, i would die for kelly marie tran and her character rose the resistance maintenance worker in star wars: the last jedi (2017)
— the resistance ✨ (@jynorgana) April 14, 2017
who is rose from the resistance who is she in the star wars universe why do i feel like i already love her
— anakin (@anikasuncion) April 14, 2017
I LOVE ROSE THE NEW STAR WARS GIRL ALREADY #swco
— Charlotte @ SWCO (@crerrity) April 14, 2017
All we’ve seen thus far of Rose is the one picture shown during the panel. She’s a “Resistance worker,” but that’s about all we know. What we really want to know more than anything else is this: What’s her full name? Rey is one of the only other characters going by a mononym in the series these days, so forgive us for thinking that leaving Rose’s last name out of there is a tease. (We’re wondering if it will be more Star Wars-style outlandish, considering her very common first name.)
Is Rose the first normal name in the Star Wars franchise since Luke? #SWCO #TheLastJedi
— Diana (@laughforkicks) April 14, 2017
She’s also of Asian descent — at least, her actress is, making her the first highly visible Asian woman in the Star Wars films, which have done a wonderful job with diversifying their casts. Last year’s Rogue One improved upon The Force Awakens’ impressive strides. It’s nice to see that wider representation remains on Lucasfilm’s mind with the upcoming eighth installment.
Viewers are responding positively to that part as well:
Also, ROSE!!!!! In my wildest dreams as a young Star Wars fan I never would have imagined someone who looked like me in a starring role.
— Alice @ Kadara (@pearwaldorf) April 14, 2017
ALL I CARE ABOUT NOW IS STAR WARS, ROSE, REPRESENTATION AND THAT IT'S LIKELY THE END OF THE JEDI. DON'T DO THIS TO ME
— Vee (@writer4misfits) April 14, 2017
I just realized that I could cosplay as Rose this year. There's someone who looks like me in Star Wars, who gets to go on space adventures.
— Celestial Mess (@angelcwrites) April 14, 2017
The Last Jedi is in theaters Dec. 15, 2017. We’re hoping learn at least a bit more about the adorable Rose before then.