This Star Wars Line Is Still the Greatest Quote in Franchise History

Few film franchises have left as large a mark on cinema history as Star Wars. From the introduction of legendary characters like Darth Vader to thrilling moments like the explosion of the Death Star, Star Wars has produced some of cinema’s most unforgettable moments. George Lucas‘s Galaxy Far, Far Away pairs these moments with iconic quotes that build the story, flesh out the narrative, and inspire us to be better, or leave us speechless. However, one of the franchise’s most important quotes didn’t arrive on screens until nearly 40 years after A New Hope premiered.

2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story serves as a prequel to A New Hope, and sees a group of rebels, some more reluctant than others, embark on a mission to steal the construction plans for the Death Star, in hopes of discovering how to destroy it. Jyn Erso, portrayed by Felicity Jones, is the daughter of Galen Erso, who is one of the lead designers of the planet-destroying battle station. The rebels rescue Jyn from an Imperial prison camp while searching for her father, and she is forced to join them. As this ragtag crew, including Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) and K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk), travels from planet to planet, Jyn’s belief in the righteousness of the Rebels’ cause grows. In one of the film’s most important scenes, when it seems as if the Rebels’ mission hangs on a knife’s edge, Jyn delivers a simple declaration that perfectly captures everything Star Wars has always stood for: “Rebellions are built on hope.”

It’s a deceptively straightforward moment, but one that defines the franchise’s central message almost better than any discussion of the Jedi, Sith, or the Force ever has. With the arrival of Rogue One‘s prequel series, Andor, the quote has become even more significant, demonstrating how something as simple as hope can inspire ordinary people to confront impossible odds.

‘Rogue One’ Understands That Hope Is the Most Powerful Force in Star Wars

From the beginning, Star Wars has always been about hope. The original film wasn’t called A New Hope when it first premiered, but the subtitle was added years later, matching the narrative of the rebellion defeating the evil Empire (temporarily) and giving the galaxy optimism for the future. The franchise repeatedly returns to the idea of hope overcoming everything. In Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker refuses to abandon his belief that his father can be redeemed, and in The Last Jedi, he helps inspire the galaxy to resist oppression once again through his legend. However, Rogue One approaches the idea of hope from a different perspective.

Unlike Luke Skywalker, Jyn and Cassian aren’t trying to learn about the Force, and they don’t wield a lightsaber. They are not destined to become legendary Jedi Knights; they are regular people fighting against a regime with nearly unlimited resources and power. They know their chances of survival are almost nonexistent, but they also know that their mission is right. When Jyn urges the Rebel Alliance to stop resting on their laurels and steal the Death Star plans, she isn’t promising victory. She isn’t even promising survival, but she is arguing that doing nothing allows the Empire to win. Her declaration about rebellion becomes the defining philosophy of not just the film but the franchise as a whole, and one that inspires an unlikely group of heroes to undertake a mission at the cost of their lives.

‘Andor’ Makes ‘Rogue One’s Most Important Quote Even More Powerful

Image via Disney+

Andor, the prequel series to Rogue One–which was created by Tony Gilroy, who served as co-writer of Rogue One and directed some of the movie’s reshoots—takes the central message of the film and builds an entire show around it. Centered on Cassian Andor before the events of Rogue One, it is as much a story about the beginnings of the Alliance as it is about the rebel fighter himself. The series doesn’t focus on the Force or feature any lightsabers, but centers on those willing to step up when they know something is wrong, and, if necessary, sacrifice themselves for a future they may never see.

One of the show’s most effective decisions was showing where Jyn’s quote originates from. While Jyn’s moment in front of the council has become iconic, it is not native to her. In fact, she hears the saying from Cassian at first, but it is said earlier by an innocent civilian who inspires Cassian to keep going as one of the franchise’s darkest moments begins to unfold. On the planet Ghorman, Cassian encounters a hotel employee who helps keep his identity hidden in an effort to help Andor on his mission. When Andor says he hopes the man lives, he says, “Rebellions are built on hope.” It’s a brilliant decision as it shows that the rebellion wasn’t built on the backs of only its legendary heroes, but those willing to do what is right, no matter how small. Their stories demonstrate that hope isn’t misguided optimism, but a deliberate choice when surrender would be a much easier path.

Perhaps the greatest achievement of both Rogue One and Andor is how they reframe the original trilogy. By the time Princess Leia receives the Death Star plans, we understand fully the sacrifice and human cost that went into securing them. It’s what ultimately makes Star Wars so enduring. Beneath the lightsaber and space battles, its remarkably simple message of collective action in the face of evil is one that any audience can identify with.

Rogue One arrived decades after George Lucas first introduced us to Star Wars, but its most memorable line articulates the franchise’s philosophy that has existed since its beginning. Rebellions are built on hope, but hope itself is built by those willing to fight for it.

Release Date

December 16, 2016

Runtime

133 Minutes

Director

Gareth Edwards