John Boyega’s Insight on Star Wars Fans’ Reactions

Certain factions of the Star Wars fandom exhibit alarming levels of racism and sexism. This assertion is not merely subjective; it reflects a troubling reality that John Boyega is courageously confronting.

Boyega, who portrayed Finn in the sequel trilogy beginning with *The Force Awakens* and concluding with *The Rise of Skywalker*, played a pivotal role alongside Rey (Daisy Ridley) and Poe Dameron (Oscar Isaac) in the Resistance. Regrettably, the backlash directed at Finn largely stemmed from the fact that he is a Black character in a universe predominantly viewed as white.

In a recent interview promoting the Apple TV+ documentary *Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood*, Boyega opened up about his experiences with these toxic elements within the fan community. His grievances highlight the painful reactions he faced from some fans.

“Let me tell you, Star Wars has always felt like the whitest, most elite space. It’s a franchise so dominated by whiteness that a Black character’s mere existence is significant, ” Boyega expressed. He further elaborated, “When some fans argue, ‘Well, what about Lando Calrissian or Samuel L. Jackson?’ it’s akin to remarking on how many chocolate chips are in cookie dough; they are mere tokens scattered within a sea of whiteness.”

Reflecting on the overall experience, Boyega noted, “They are accepting of us as sidekicks, but when it comes to taking on leadership roles or breaking new ground, the reaction shifts to outrage and claims of ‘pandering.’” Nevertheless, he recognized that his role in Star Wars represented a “fundamental moment”in his career as an actor.

Boyega’s Message Resonates

Many Star Wars enthusiasts can relate to Boyega’s sentiments. We have witnessed the unjust harassment faced not only by him but also by Kelly Marie Tran and Moses Ingram. It is disheartening to observe how these so-called “fans” have managed to drive talented actors away from social media platforms through their vitriolic comments. Despite the vocal opposition from many who reject such prejudiced attitudes, it often feels insufficient to curb the aggressive behavior of these individuals.

These toxic fans appear to believe they possess an authority over the Star Wars franchise that they do not. Their misguided sense of ownership over the saga persists, and it is crucial for supportive voices like Boyega’s to continue speaking out against this hostility, even as it serves as a reminder of the unacceptable treatment that actors have endured.

Star Wars is a fictional universe designed to inspire imaginative storytelling for people of all ages. Yet, the loudest voices among certain fans betray this vision, misusing their passion for the franchise as a vessel for discrimination.

I personally miss Finn and would love to see him continue to be part of Rey’s journey in any future films. However, I would completely understand if John Boyega chose to distance himself from the franchise altogether.

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