You’d think, given the critical acclaim and incredible popularity of the newest installments of the “Star Wars” saga, that aspiring Jedi Rey would be among the most popular characters in the country.
But according to online pop culture polling site Ranker Insights, she’s not even in the top 10 nationwide. Obi-Wan Kenobi — played in the first trilogy by Sir Alec Guinness and the second by Ewan McGregor — is the most popular “Star Wars” character in America, followed by patriarchal Sith lord Darth Vader, smuggler-turned-hero Han Solo and little green Jedi Yoda.
Even mercenary Boba Fett and one-movie-wonder Darth Maul make the top 10 list, but not 21st century heroine Rey.
In a more recent Morning Consult poll, Rey was only barely more popular than Jar Jar Binks. Jar Jar Binks!
Well, Daisy Ridley, up here in Maine, we’ve got your back. We really respect how you handled that lightsaber in the snow back in “The Force Awakens,” and we think you’d be dynamite at shoveling the walk this time of year.
Yes, according to Ranker Insights online polling data, Maine is the only state where Rey is our favorite “Star Wars” character.
As you can see, most of the western states are into Han Solo, while Luke Skywalker’s got little pockets of support here and there. Princess — now General — Leia is particularly popular in New England, where New Hampshire and Massachusetts residents picked her as their top character.
So what do Mainers see in Rey that nobody else seems to?
Maybe we like her independent spirit and resolve. She seems to take a little time to warm up to people, although she’s a big-hearted person underneath, and maybe we can relate to that.
What do you like — or don’t like — about Rey? Is she your favorite “Star Wars” character? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook.