John Boyega Denounces Star Wars Fan Harassment, with an Assist from Mark Hamill

Celebrities

One week after Kelly Marie Tran deleted all posts from her personal Instagram account, sparking a dialogue about harassment in the Star Wars fandom, John Boyega has stepped in, addressing the issue with a handful of tweets. The actor, who plays Finn, a Resistance fighter in the core Star Wars saga, said that he hasnt spoken to Tran about her deleted Instagram, so hes “clueless” about why she left the service. “Just accept that you dont know as I have,” he wrote to a fan.

He did, however, formally address the fandoms toxic wing in another tweet: “If you dont like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/ actresses will do nothing. Youre not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket!”

Boyega also thanked the “majority” of fans, who have been supportive rather than vicious.

Tran reportedly left Instagram after being harassed by racist and misogynistic fans, many of whom dislike her Star Wars: The Last Jedi character, Rose Tico. Tran has not publicly stated her reason for deleting her posts.

Mark Hamill, elder statesman of the Star Wars universe and the many Twitter arguments it spawns, quickly weighed in with a little joke.

When Tran initially left Instagram, Hamill—as well as Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson—was quick to tweet his support of her, sharing a photo of himself and the actress with the following caption: “Whats not to love? #GetALifeNerds.”

He also re-tweeted an article about the growing #FanArtforRose hashtag, created by fans who have been sharing art inspired by Trans character.

“I really hope she somehow gets the chance to see the outpouring of love & affection for her in the #FanArtforRose- Adoring Fans! Amazing Artwork!” Hamill wrote.

Elsewhere in the Star Wars universe, a recent revelation from creator George Lucas reveals how the franchises latest trilogy—Last Jedi included—could have inspired even more fan ire, or at least a different kind of anger. In the illustrated book counterpart to James Camerons Story of Science Fiction AMC series, Lucas shared that his initial plan for the new trilogy was to focus on the microbiotic world of creatures called Whills, who “control the universe” and “feed off the Force.”

“Of course, a lot of fans would have hated it, just like they did Phantom Menace and everything, but at least the whole story from beginning to end would be told,” Lucas continued.

Given how The Last Jedi has already divided the fandom, its probably for the best that viewers didnt get a Phantom Menace–esque series to groan about. Right?

Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Full ScreenPhotos:See Kathleen Kennedys Behind-the-Scenes The Last Jedi PhotosYohana DestaYohana Desta is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.

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John Boyega Denounces Star Wars Fan Harassment, with an Assist from Mark Hamill

Celebrities

One week after Kelly Marie Tran deleted all posts from her personal Instagram account, sparking a dialogue about harassment in the Star Wars fandom, John Boyega has stepped in, addressing the issue with a handful of tweets. The actor, who plays Finn, a Resistance fighter in the core Star Wars saga, said that he hasnt spoken to Tran about her deleted Instagram, so hes “clueless” about why she left the service. “Just accept that you dont know as I have,” he wrote to a fan.

He did, however, formally address the fandoms toxic wing in another tweet: “If you dont like Star Wars or the characters understand that there are decisions makers and harassing the actors/ actresses will do nothing. Youre not entitled to politeness when your approach is rude. Even if you paid for a ticket!”

Boyega also thanked the “majority” of fans, who have been supportive rather than vicious.

Tran reportedly left Instagram after being harassed by racist and misogynistic fans, many of whom dislike her Star Wars: The Last Jedi character, Rose Tico. Tran has not publicly stated her reason for deleting her posts.

Mark Hamill, elder statesman of the Star Wars universe and the many Twitter arguments it spawns, quickly weighed in with a little joke.

When Tran initially left Instagram, Hamill—as well as Star Wars: The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson—was quick to tweet his support of her, sharing a photo of himself and the actress with the following caption: “Whats not to love? #GetALifeNerds.”

He also re-tweeted an article about the growing #FanArtforRose hashtag, created by fans who have been sharing art inspired by Trans character.

“I really hope she somehow gets the chance to see the outpouring of love & affection for her in the #FanArtforRose- Adoring Fans! Amazing Artwork!” Hamill wrote.

Elsewhere in the Star Wars universe, a recent revelation from creator George Lucas reveals how the franchises latest trilogy—Last Jedi included—could have inspired even more fan ire, or at least a different kind of anger. In the illustrated book counterpart to James Camerons Story of Science Fiction AMC series, Lucas shared that his initial plan for the new trilogy was to focus on the microbiotic world of creatures called Whills, who “control the universe” and “feed off the Force.”

“Of course, a lot of fans would have hated it, just like they did Phantom Menace and everything, but at least the whole story from beginning to end would be told,” Lucas continued. Continue reading “John Boyega Denounces Star Wars Fan Harassment, with an Assist from Mark Hamill”

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