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Credit: LucasfilmThe Star Wars franchise has been in the news quite a bit already this week after The Mandalorian’s Gina Carano was fired following social media controversy.
Now, Lucasfilm is back in the hot seat — this time as the result of a Black History Month post featuring Star Wars sequel trilogy actor John Boyega.
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Boyega has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Star Wars franchise at large. He was heavily involved in the London Black Lives Matter protests, even giving an impassioned speech, and told British GQ last year:
“I’m the only cast member whose experience of Star Wars was based on their race”
The actor felt as though his sequel trilogy character, Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, was sidelined and did not receive the storyline he was promised. And, as the responses to today’s Star Wars Twitter post indicate, many fans agree.
It is, however, worth noting that Boyega and Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy had at least one “honest” conversation regarding his feelings and experience, so the situation was addressed at the highest level.
Related: Disney Responds to ‘Star Wars’ Actor John Boyega’s Disappointment
Star Wars‘s original three-part post in honor of Black History Month read in full:
“Storytelling is at the heart of being human and black representation in all media gives us the opportunity to feel like we are a part of the world we are living in. To be seen and heard more gives us a chance to feel like we are understood by those consuming our stories.”
“Stories can show how a character can overcome struggles and conflict and to see someone like yourself in that story is a springboard for the imagination.”
“Introduce that to an eager mind of a child and you inspire the next generation of story tellers and beyond.” —Mel Milton, artist of this Finn illustration for #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackHistoryAlways”
Almost immediately, responses from disgruntled fans began pouring in. Clark IV wrote:
Y’all should sit Black History Month out
Y’all should sit Black History Month out. pic.twitter.com/BMB1EbJx1X
— Clark IV (@VegetaIV) February 14, 2021
Related: George Lucas Confirms He Expected “More Say” in ‘Star Wars’ Sequels
Another commenter, going by Xela the Brotaku, posted:
Disney: Talks about respecting Black stories and representation.
Me, after seeing how horribly Disney shafted Finn and John Boyega: [followed by GIF of anime character laughing]
Disney: Talks about respecting Black stories and representation.
Me, after seeing how horribly Disney shafted Finn and John Boyega: pic.twitter.com/EAEE78eb67
— Xela the Brotaku ? (@XelatheBrotaku) February 14, 2021
Related: Poe Dameron Was Hiding in Season 2 of ‘The Mandalorian’
Twitter user Daisy Cutie Ridley wrote:
Put your money where your mouth is and give us the Finn/Rey Jedi duo show we deserve.
Put your money where your mouth is and give us the Finn/Rey Jedi duo show we deserve. pic.twitter.com/7LQ4w7tYSR
— Daisy Cutie Ridley (@CutieRidley) February 14, 2021
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A Star Wars fan named Jacob Thomas said:
You turned a potential Jedi and the most interesting character since Boba Fett, into a joke. Boyega is a fantastic actor who gave the role his all, even when he could see what a tragic mess your team made of the character. Now you hold him up as a beacon of Black representation.
You turned a potential Jedi and the most interesting character since Boba Fett, into a joke. Boyega is a fantastic actor who gave the role his all, even when he could see what a tragic mess your team made of the character.
Now you hold him up as a beacon of Black representation.
— Jacob Thomas (@Platt_Mallar) February 14, 2021
Related: ‘Star Wars’ Declares “Community of Hope and Inclusivity,” Stands By Krystina Arielle
The Star Wars social media team faced similar backlash following a Martin Luther King, Jr. Day post earlier this year.
Related: ‘Rise of Skywalker’ Actress Naomi Ackie Thinks Jannah Should Get a “Star Wars” Spinoff!
Many fans then, too, called Lucasfilm out for how Boyega’s character was portrayed in Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens (2015), Star Wars: Episode VIII – The Last Jedi (2017), and Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (2019). In fact, Boyega’s name trended for several days following the post.
At this time, none of the core cast — British actor Boyega, Daisy Ridley (Rey), and Oscar Isaac (Poe Dameron) — have indicated that they plan to return to the Star Wars universe. Rose Tico actress Kelly Marie Tran did, however, return to voice her character in the animated LEGO Star Wars Holiday Special (2020) on Disney+.
Boyega’s latest project is Steve McQueen’s Small Axe. Boyega portrays Leroy Logan in the mini-series.
The comments regarding the Black History Month post are continuing to climb in number. Visit the official Star Wars Twitter page if you would like to add your voice and share your opinion regarding the Star Wars actor.