10 Reasons Why Poe Dameron Is One Of Star Wars' Most Underrated Characters (2024)

In spite of the fact that the Star Wars sequel trilogy gave viewers a variety of instant fan-favorite characters, Poe Dameron has all but been forgotten after the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Characters such as Kylo Ren and Rey have established followings, and yet the Resistance pilot seems to have fallen by the wayside. With the promise of Rey’s return in future Star Wars projects, one is left to wonder whether Poe will make his return as well.

Introduced along with the rest of the main cast in Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, upon first glance, Poe appears to be a character with a very contained story. However, his story is just as massive and consequential as all the others. Aside from this, there are many different things to like about Poe Dameron, and they are qualities that he's not appreciated enough for.

10 Poe Dameron Is The Best Pilot In The Resistance

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Right from the outset of the trilogy, Poe Dameron is established as an incredible pilot. During his escape from the First Order alongside Finn, he shows enough capability to learn how to pilot a TIE Fighter with no time to spare. In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, he even takes on an entire dreadnought by himself, flying across the ship's surface and evading enemy ships in an effort to take out the dreadnought’s canons.

9 Poe's Wit Is On Par With Han Solo’s

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

See Also

Star Wars: 15 Shocking Things You Didn't Know About Poe DameronStar Wars Echoes: The Legacy of Wedge Antilles and Poe Dameron | StarWars.comExplore the Journey of Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Age of Resistance - Exclusive Excerpt | StarWars.com

Throughout the series, Poe is seen making quick jokes reminiscent of those told by Han Solo in the original trilogy. The best example of this is when he makes a joke at General Armitage Hux’s expense, calling him and then pretending not to hear him over the comms. Poe does this to rile him up and is successful, showing that there is also a tact to his wit.

8 Poe Doesn’t Need To Use The Force To Be Resourceful

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Most of the main characters introduced in the sequel trilogy are Force-sensitive in some way. Rey, Kylo Ren, even potentially Finn are capable of using the Force. Because of this, it is even more important that Poe is capable of carrying his own weight in a galactic conflict between the light and dark sides of the Force. He does so in many instances, such as the time when he coordinated a mutiny against Admiral Holdo in an attempt to save the remaining Resistance forces.

7 With Every Film, Poe's Character Develops Further

Star Wars: The Last Jedi

When Poe Dameron is just beginning on his path to becoming a great leader, he sees casualties as an acceptable part of war. He claims that the people who die in battle are heroes. Leia eventually challenges him on this, and Poe begins to understand that there is no such thing as acceptable losses. Though controversial, Poe’s past as a spice runner is also expanded upon in the third movie, adding more to the character as a whole.

6 Poe Dameron Is One Of The Most Selfless Characters In The Franchise

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

No matter who he is fighting alongside, Poe is always ready to step up if it’s for the greater good. Not only does he face the First Order head on and without fear in every movie he’s in, but Poe also withstands torture at the hands of Kylo Ren in the very first sequel trilogy movie. He does it all for the sake of the Resistance, working for a better tomorrow for the entire galaxy.

5 Poe Takes On Many Of Leia’s Responsibilities

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Although the final movie in the trilogy does not elaborate much on the chain of command, Poe takes over quite a few of Leia’s responsibilities following her death. Not only does he reach out to the Resistance’s allies across the galaxy, but he leads them into battle against the Final Order. This shows he has come a long way from the rashness of his initial appearances.

4 Poe's Star Wars Comic Series Is Unmatched

Star Wars: Poe Dameron

Perhaps most underrated of all is the comic book series starring Poe Dameron. The short series takes place before the events of The Force Awakens and Poe’s mission to Jakku, and it expands even further on his personality. The comics show the conflict between the Resistance and the First Order on another level and focuses on how Poe reacts to all of it.

3 Oscar Isaac’s Acting Is Incredible

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

No matter what scene Poe is in, his character is always on point. His charisma is a major part of his personality, and it is always exhibited flawlessly. This is in large part thanks to his talented actor Oscar Isaac, who has since starred in movies and television shows such as X-Men: Apocalypse, Dune, and Moon Knight. His emotions are always passionate and his decisions always seem calculated, and most of all, the sense of love felt from Poe’s character is more realistic than any other character in the trilogy.

2 Poe's Relationship With BB-8 Is Charming

Star Wars: The Force Awakens

There have been many droids throughout the Star Wars franchise that have many sweet relationships, but none as quintessentially cute as that between Poe Dameron and his droid BB-8. Poe is always trying to make sure BB-8 is okay, insisting on him staying positive with “happy beeps,” and BB-8 is constantly keeping him safe by doing things such as repairing his X-Wing. The two of them rely on each other throughout the movies, and it is clear that they miss each other like family when they are apart.

1 There Is Plenty Of Potential For Poe Dameron To Return

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

With the end of the trilogy and new Star Wars stories on the horizon, there is always a chance that Poe Dameron could make a return either to the silver screen or in his very own television series. With more of Rey’s story confirmed for the future, it stands to reason that Poe could make an appearance, either as a main character or as a cameo. Regardless, with so much to love about Poe Dameron, he is sure to bring some fun to the Star Wars franchise should he return.