For Kelly Marie Tran, the rise to fame hasn't always been easy. The actor was targeted by trolls and bullies online for her role as Rose Tico in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, leading to her departure from social media. However, at Star Wars Celebration in Chicago, fans gave her a standing ovation.Variety posted a clip of the interaction on Twitter. As the crowd chants her name, a very flustered and excited Tran exclaims, "This is so overwhelming!" The 30-year-old actress was soon driven to tears as a result of the massive support she received.
Following her departure from social media, her fellow cast mates and crew stood by her, with actor John Boyega and director Rian Johnson most notably speaking out against the harassment. At this year's SWCC, director Force Awakens and The Rise of Skywalker director J.J. Abrams praised the actor and character, citing Rose Tico as Johnson's best addition to the franchise.
After The Last Jedi, Tran provided voice work for the audiobook, Cobalt Squadron, chronicling the adventures of Rose and her sister, Paige before the events of the film. In December, Kelly Marie Tran will reprise her role as Rose Tico on the big screen as part of The Rise of Skywalker.
Directed and co-written by J.J. Abrams, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Keri Russell, Anthony Daniels, Mark Hamill, Billy Dee Williams and Carrie Fisher, with Naomi Ackie and Richard E. Grant. The film arrives December 20.