Why fans are frustrated with ‘Star Wars’ news
Will the galaxy ever diversify behind the camera?
That’s what some fans are wondering after Lucasfilm announced Thursday that the Jungle Book and Iron Man director Jon Favreau would write and executive produce a new, live-action Star Wars TV show, set to debut on Disney’s forthcoming streaming service.
And while the announcement was greeted with excitement by some, others pointed out that the storied franchise has yet to announce a major writer or director for an upcoming film or TV series that is not a white man.
J. Abrams and Rian Johnson directed the main franchise installments The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi respectively, and Abrams will helm the forthcoming Episode IX. Gareth Edwards directed 2015 spin-off Rogue One and Ron Howard directed the forthcoming Solo: A Star Wars Story (replacing Phil Lord and Chris Miller). Lucasfilm recently announced that Rian Johnson would write and direct a stand-alone trilogy and that Game of Thrones creators David Benioff and D. B. Weiss would write and produce their own series of Star Wars films.
Perhaps in anticipation of a backlash, Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy said in a news release, «This series will allow Jon the chance to work with a diverse group of writers and directors and give Lucasfilm the opportunity to build a robust talent base.”
However, many fans called out the homogeny behind the camera of Star Wars projects after the Favreau announcement, noting that no women or people of color were in the top position on any Star Wars project yet.
«I’m excited by this news, but Lucasfilm really needs to announce someone working on their shows at this level that isn’t a white dude fast,» wrote one fan.
I’m excited by this news, but Lucasfilm really needs to announce someone working on their shows at this level that isn’t a white dude fast. https://t.co/rCHkXQX9mK
«Favreau’s not the worst choice to head the Star Wars series but like, hire any women for the love of God,» wrote another.
jon favreau’s not the worst choice to head the star wars series but like hire any women for the love of god
» Star Wars’ commitment to white dude directors is truly impressive. They’re wifed up,» wrote a fan.
Star Wars’ commitment to white dude directors is truly impressive. They’re wifed up.
Another fan sent a plea to Disney to diversify. «Disney/Lucasfilm, I love Favreau, but please hire a woman or person of color to write, direct or create any of the multiple series and sagas of “Star Wars” you have planned. Thanks.»
Disney/Lucasfilm, I love Favreau, but please hire a woman or person of color to write, direct or create any of the multiple series and sagas of “Star Wars” you have planned. Thanks.
Many fans pointed out that the announcement came on International Women’s Day. «Another male led Star Wars project, announced today of all days. Favreau’s great but come on #internationalwomensday,» one wrote.
Another male led Star Wars project, announced today of all days. Favreau’s great but come on #internationalwomensday https://t.co/9cmfZdj4L2
Favreau, who also acts, is already a part of the Star Wars universe, having voiced a character on the animated Star Wars: The Clone Wars series. He also plays a part in the upcoming Han Solo spin-off, Solo: A Star Wars Story. He is currently in the middle of directing the live-action remake of Disney’s The Lion King.
A release date and title for his series has yet to be announced.
