Star Wars’ leading actor John Boyega confronts recent racist criticism by taking the high road in latest instagram comments.
The breakout star John Boyega appearance on the new Star Wars trailer has started an outbreak in racist comments against the leading actor.
Star Wars 7, Star Wars: The Force Awakens star John Boyega has posted a message directed to both his fans and racist commentators.
John Boyega, 22, whose scene in the Star Wars teaser trailer led to harsh racist criticism of a black stormtrooper.
The whole mess started in the comments section for the new teaser, where several folks complained this new iteration of “Star Wars” was pandering to the politically correct-obsessed social justice warrior types — otherwise known as people who, you know, think showcasing the inherent diversity of the human race is a good thing. This bled over into Twitter, where people tweeted angrily about J.J. Abrams’ inclusion of people of color and women in major roles in the film. [via]
I have a feeling the new Star Wars is going to be filled with PC, SJW trash.
— Reactionary Radec (@T_S_Blackwell) November 28, 2014
Wtf there can’t be a black stormtrooper since they are all cloned after Jango Fett….
— peersy (@JaredPeers) November 28, 2014
John Boyega appeared to address those comments on his Instagram page yesterday.”To whom it may concern … Get used to it,” he wrote. After that sentence, he included a smiley-face emoticon.
Boyega, who starred in the 2011 film, Attack the Block, also thanked tans for their positive criticism. “Thank you for all the love and support,” Boyega’s message read. “I’m in the movie, but as a Star Wars fan, I’m very excited.”
This is not the first time a movie’s casting has led to racially charged remarks from fans. When the first Hunger Games hit theaters, fans were upset to find the character Rue being played by a black actress. In addition, Rupert Murdoch and Ridley Scott defended the “whitewashed” cast of Exodus: Gods and Kings, which features Egyption characters.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens hits theaters on December 15, 2015 and features John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver.
What do you think of John Boyega? Discuss this story with fellow Project Casting fans on Facebook. On Twitter, follow us at @projectcasting.