In a new interview with the New York Times (via Variety) for the upcoming Star Wars series The AcolytePresident of Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy said she was aware that women in the space franchise are often attacked online more than men “due to the fact that the fan base is so male-dominated.”
Female stars Margaret Ridley AND Kelly Marie Tran she definitely suffered online harassment from toxic fans when that was last the case Star Wars the film trilogy has been released, and now The Acolyte has already been attacked in some corners of the fandom.
The Acolyte is an original story created by Leslye Promontory is set long before the events of The Phantom Menace. Headland, known for directing films such as Sleeping with other people and co-created the hit Netflix comedy series Russian dollshe is the first woman to serve as showrunner of a Star Wars series. Her show includes notable new women Star Wars characters played by Amanda Stenberg, Carrie Ann-Moss, Jodie Turner-Smith and more.
As reported by The Times: “A strong and primal part of the Star Wars the fandom predictably pushed back [against the show]. “Why are there so many women, girls, and minority characters increasingly dominating the ranks of the Jedi?” reads a comment on The Acolyte trailer, with others expressing a similar worldview… Some trolls have dubbed Headland’s series “The Wokelyte.”
Kennedy spoke to the publication about his support for Headland’s Acolyte vision:
“My belief is that storytelling should be representative of all people. It’s an easy decision for me. Operating within these giant franchises now, with social media and the level of expectation, is terrifying. I think Leslye struggled with this a little bit. I think a lot of the women who come into ‘Star Wars’ struggle with that a little more. Because fans are so male-dominated, they sometimes get attacked in ways that can be quite personal.
Headland has already started limiting his exposure to online chatter about the show to block out any toxic fans, and the show hasn’t yet debuted on Disney+. She explained:
“As a fan, I know how frustrating the telling of some ‘Star Wars’ stories has been in the past. I felt it myself. I maintain my empathy for “Star Wars” fans. But I want to be clear. Anyone who engages in bigotry, racism or hate speech… I don’t consider them a fan.”
The Acolyte will debut June 4 on Disney+.
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
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