On Wednesday, Star Wars actor John Boyega delivered an impassioned speech at a London protest, calling for justice for George Floyd—a man who was killed by Minnesota police. In his emotional speech, Boyega noted that his stance might have a negative impact on his career. “Look, I don’t know if I’m going to have a career after this, but fuck that,” he declared. But just a few hours later, Lucasfilm released a statement acknowledging that it stands in full support of Boyega, posting a message on every Star Wars social media page.
“Lucasfilm stands with John Boyega and his message that, ‘Now is the time. Black lives have always mattered. Black lives have always been important. Black lives have always meant something,’” the statement reads, quoting Boyega’s own words. “The evil that is racism must stop. We will commit to being part of the change that is long overdue in the world. John Boyega, you are our hero.”
Lucasfilm, which is owned by Disney and produces all Star Wars content, released its message after numerous black film figures tweeted their support of Boyega, taking part in a campaign created by Oscar-winning director Matthew Cherry. “We got you, John,” Jordan Peele tweeted, joining the movement. Lucasfilm’s statement sealed the deal, signaling to Star Wars fans that the company fully has Boyega’s back.
But as some fans were quick to point out on social media, the Disney-owned company hasn’t always taken a similar stance. Many, for example, recalled that Boyega’s character, Resistance fighter Finn, was removed or reduced from international posters for the Star Wars trilogy films. The poster for the first installment, The Force Awakens, shrunk Finn down in the Chinese poster, downplaying his appearance in the film.
Some also pointed out that Lucasfilm didn’t speak out this strongly when Boyega was initially cast and was harassed on social media by racist trolls who got hashtags like #BoycottStarWarsVII trending on Twitter, though the hashtag was quickly co-opted and drowned out by high-profile Boyega supporters like Ava DuVernay. In addition, it’s also been pointed out that Finn’s arc, though it began with promise, wasn’t given the same care or development as other characters—such as Rey, played by white actress Daisy Ridley—nor was his race ever taken into account and explored in a thoughtful way in the world of the films. In other words, they’re saying, a statement in support of Boyega’s emotional, empowering speech is just a start.
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Lucasfilm Stands Behind John Boyega: “You Are Our Hero” - Vanity Fair
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