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Abstract

The aim of the dissertation is to interrogate the figure of Rey and explores the discourses surrounding her character and intersections in her characterizations in the Star Wars films, intertexts and further media platforms. The first chapter offers an analysis of Rey's characterization and her role in the film texts in Disney and Lucasfilm's efforts towards better female representation in their ongoing rejuvenation. The second chapter explores how the production companies struggled in their efforts towards better female representation in their marketing and merchandising strategies, by first failing to recognise her merchandise potential as main protagonist and then attempted to course correct bt creating gendered content supposedly targeting their young female audience. The third chapter studies the critical reception and fan dialogues surrounding her character and found that Rey had a huge impact on young girls and women especially. The dissertation concluded that despite some issues, Disney and Lucasfilm are taking steps towards improving diversity and female representation in all aspects of their content, and that hopefully Rey's legacy will be a stepping stone towards creating more well-developed female protagonists in the Star Wars universe.

Course: Film Industries - BA - C2651S

Date Deposited: 2020-10-27

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13589.html