John Boyega faced racist backlash when he joined the “Star Wars” franchise, with some fans struggling to accept a Black actor in a heroic role. In a new Apple TV+ documentary, “Number One On The Call Sheet: Black Leading Men In Hollywood,” Boyega discusses the challenges black actors face in finding acceptance as heroes in the franchise.
Boyega reflects on the lack of diversity in the “Star Wars” universe, noting that Black actors often only play supporting roles. He highlights the resistance from some fans when Black actors are cast as leads, suggesting that they view it as pandering.
Boyega’s experience is not unique, as his co-star Kelly Marie Tran also faced racist attacks that were largely ignored by Lucasfilm/Disney. This lack of support from the studio has made Boyega hesitant about returning for future “Star Wars” films.
The online attacks on actors of color in the “Star Wars” universe have been particularly egregious, with actresses like Moses Ingram, Amandla Stenberg, and Jodie Turner-Smith also facing vitriol from some fans. Despite this, Disney and Lucasfilm have not taken a strong stance against these hate-sprees, leaving many actors feeling vulnerable.
Moving forward, it is crucial for the industry to support diverse casting choices and stand up against racism and hate speech. Hopefully, this will lead to a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all actors, regardless of their background.
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