Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy says there is a gender disparity in the “Star Wars” universe.
In an interview with the New York Times on Wednesday about the franchise's latest installment, showrunner Leslye Headland's Disney+ series “The Acolyte,” Kennedy said women tend to “fight” because of the film's male-dominated fandom. space saga.
“Operating within these giant franchises now, with social media and the level of expectations, is terrifying,” he told the publication. “I think Leslye has struggled with that a little bit. I think a lot of the women who come into 'Star Wars' struggle with this a little bit more. Because the fanbase is so male-dominated, they are sometimes attacked in ways that can be quite personal.”
Women play central roles both behind and in front of the camera in “The Acolyte.” It is the first series in the franchise created by a woman and stars Amandla Stenberg, Dafne Keen, Carrie-Anne Moss and Jodie Turner-Smith. Lee Jung-jae of “Squid Game,” in his first English-speaking role, and Manny Jacinto of “The Good Place” round out the cast.
The series, which premieres June 4, has already been criticized from certain corners of the internet for its increased focus on the inclusion of women and people of color.
At the time of this publication, the initial trailer from March 19 had received around 194,000 likes and 717,000 dislikes. One notable comment concerns a 2023 “South Park” special that accused Disney and “Star Wars” of “pandering” to diverse viewers. The show specifically parodies Kennedy, with his cartoon counterpart offering comments to the creators of “Star Wars” such as: “Give him a girl! Make her lame and gay!
Kennedy said he wholeheartedly supports “The Acolyte.” “I think storytelling should be representative of all people,” he said. “That's an easy decision for me.”
Headland told the New York Times that he tries to avoid reactions on social media, both positive and negative. She unequivocally rejects the anti-screen parts of the fandom. diversity.
“As a fan, I know how frustrating some 'Star Wars' stories have been in the past,” Headland said. “I've felt it myself.”
“I maintain my empathy for 'Star Wars' fans,” he later added. “But I want to be clear. “Anyone who engages in bigotry, racism or hate speech… I don’t consider them a fan.”
The pushback against more inclusive storytelling in “Star Wars” didn’t start with “The Acolyte.” The last trilogy of films released between 2015 and 2019 starred women and people of color. A part of the fandom did not welcome them with open arms. “Star Wars” actress Kelly Marie Tran quit social media after experiencing online harassment. Tran was the first woman of color to play a leading role in “Star Wars.” “I'm the only cast member who had her own unique experience of that franchise based on her race,” John Boyega, who played opposite Tran, told GQ in 2020. Meanwhile, Daisy Ridley also came under scrutiny for her role in the franchise and avoided the online conversation.
