Some “Star Wars” fans are less than thrilled with Disney’s choice to tap director Jon Favreau to write and executive produce a new series for their upcoming streaming platform.
Several fans are pointed out on Twitter that choosing “another straight white dude” — especially on International Women’s Day — doesn’t feel quite right.
“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,” one user said.
“On the one hand, Jon Favreau is a proven blockbuster filmmaker with a strong command of fantasy storytelling,” another said. “On the other hand, announcing that another straight white dude is helming a Star Wars project ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY is … not great.”
Others mentioned that this moment in time — in the midst of the Time’s Up initiative era and just days after Frances McDormand’s call at the Oscars — needs more women filmmakers. “Kathleen Kennedy. It’s time. Right? @DisneyLucasfilm, #starwars and female directors? How about an inclusion rider? Let’s get on the right side of history please. Times up on exclusionary hiring practices,” another on Twitter said.
Disney did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
See more reactions below.
https://twitter.com/swankmotron/status/971768813426425857
https://twitter.com/adambvary/status/971766272110206977
https://twitter.com/ehucklesby/status/971768692613767168
Kathleen Kennedy. It's time. Right? @DisneyLucasfilm, #starwars and female directors? How about an inclusion rider? Let's get on the right side of history please. Times up on exclusionary hiring practices. https://t.co/Jk0Fd4D8Y0
— Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (@Inclusionists) March 8, 2018
I like Jon Favreau. He’s made good films like #Elf and #IronMan. That being said, it’s time for a @StarWars movie or TV series overseen by someone who isn’t a White man. I mean, Ryan Coogler just gave us an amazing #StarWars film in the guise of @MarvelStudios’ #BlackPanther. https://t.co/93P9zDjXU0
— DemiMF99 (@DemiMF99) March 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/sithobserver/status/971769071896317953