Star Wars director J.J. Abrams addresses racism backlash after casting John Boyega in lead role.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams did not hold back his words while addressing the controversy around casting black actor John Boyega as a Stormtrooper in the upcoming sequel.
During an interview with Howard Stern that aired on SiriusXM radio show Monday, both Abrams and Stern sounded incredulous that the issue became contentious.
“Why couldn’t there be a black Stormtrooper? I don’t understand,” Stern said.
“Neither did I,” Abrams replied. “All I know is that John Boyega is extraordinary in the movie.”
Stern continued: “Yeah, but why are so many people complaining about this?”
Abrams was straightforward in his response.
“I think the people who are complaining about that probably have bigger problems than there’s a black Stormtrooper,” he said.
The racist controversy all started when the first teaser trailer for the blockbuster sequel featuring John Boyega, as the first actor to appear on screen. Boyega attempted to address the controversy on Instagram, by writing “Get used to it. :)” and went into more detail while getting interview with V Magazine.
“It was unnecessary,” he said of the negativity. “I’m in the movie, what are you going to do about it? You either enjoy it or you don’t. I’m not saying get used to the future, but what is already happening. People of color and women are increasingly being shown on-screen. For things to be whitewashed just doesn’t make sense.”
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters Dec. 18.
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