J.J. Abrams, the director behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens, confirmed that there would be openly gay characters in future franchise installments, according to The Daily Beast.
During a pre-Oscars event at his Bad Robot HQ in Los Angeles, Abrams said said that he wants Star Wars to be a more inclusive universe, then referenced LGBTQ community.
“To me, the fun of Star Wars is the glory of possibility,” Abrams said. “So it seems insanely narrow-minded and counterintuitive to say there wouldn’t be a homosexual character in that world.”
The Star Wars universe has recently introduced openly gay characters. Author Chuck Wendig found himself having to defend his decision to make the lead character in his Star Wars novel, Aftermath, a gay man.
Wendig’s Aftermath, the first canonical novel in the Star Wars universe since the launch of the new franchise, followed Sinjir Rath Velus, an Imperial officer who turns his back on the Empire and joins the Rebellion after witnessing a particularly vicious battle.
Although Sinjir Rath Velus’ sexuality isn’t a big component of his character’s story, Wendig thought it was important to include stories for people who may not have been able to see their own selves reflected in fiction.
Wendig received flack from some of the Star Wars community over the decision, to which he replied that they “weren’t the Rebel Alliance” but in fact, the Empire.
Fans have also considered the possibility of other gay characters in the franchise. When The Force Awakens was released, one of the most popular fan-paired couples to come out of it was between Finn and Poe.
Fans have made it clear that they’re more than open to the idea of having an openly gay character in the films. Now according to Abrams, it’s just a matter of time until one officially appears.
Abrams’ The Force Awakens is currently the second highest grossing movie of all time worldwide. The eighth installment, being directed by Rian Johnson, is due Dec. 15, 2017.
Source: polygon.com
Image source: filmclub.es
