Do you feel that? There’s been a great disturbance in the Force. And we’re not referring to Solo‘s lowly box office return.
Instead, we kindly point you in the direction of the global Star Wars fanbase, which was recently rocked by Kelly Marie Tran’s decision to leave social media following months of vile and despicable harassment that followed her debut as Rose Tico in The Last Jedi.
Those comments have been roundly condemned by just about everyone in the industry – from Rian Johnson to Mark Hamill, it wasn’t long before the Star Wars community rallied around Kelly Marie Tran. Among her defenders was co-star John Boyega, who took to Twitter to call out those bigoted fans who claimed responsibility for Tran’s social media exodus. And frankly, the British actor has had enough of the complaints and online animosity.
Comments ranged from calling Tran’s character “unnecessary” to insults too nasty for even this article. Leave it to John Boyega, then, to call out those ‘fans’ responsible for the online harassment. This is by no means the actor’s first dalliance with Internet trolls, either, after he was forced to defend his role as a black Stormtrooper on the eve of Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Via Twitter:
If you don’t like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/ actresses will do nothing. You’re not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket! 🤷🏾♂️
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 12, 2018
To the majority of Star Wars fans thank you for supporting and putting yourselves in our shoes. You understand that there is a process so much appreciated !
— John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 12, 2018
This outrage, coupled with the box office failure of Solo: A Star Wars Story, has fueled rumors that Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy is about to walk away from the franchise. And while everyone is fully entitled to their own opinions about her record behind the wheel, hurling abuse at an actor is never okay.
Next up for John Boyega and the team is Star Wars: Episode IX, and based on a recent tweet, it would seem the actor will reprise the role of Finn sooner rather than later.
