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Disney boss: Rogue One is not making a political statement

Not political... Bob Iger denies Rogue One is making a statement - Credit: Disney
Not political… Bob Iger denies Rogue One is making a statement – Credit: Disney

Disney boss Bob Iger has said that ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’ is not making a political statement with its diverse cast.

In fact, the movie mogul has called the whole #DumpStarWars chatter, engaged in by right wing, and so-called ‘alt-right’ groups ‘overblown and silly’.

A vocal minority online are angry that the movie features a group of actors from various ethnic backgrounds and a female star in British actress Felicity Jones.

It came after one of the movie’s writers, Chris Weitz, tweeted following Donald Trump’s US election win: “Please note that the Empire is a white supremacist (human) organization.”

Fellow writer Gary Whitta added: “Opposed by a multicultural group led by brave women.”

(Credit: Disney)
(Credit: Disney)

Speaking at the Hollywood premiere of ‘Rogue One’, Iger was asked about the so-called controversy, and said: “I think the whole story has been overblown and, quite frankly, it’s silly.

“[Rogue One] has one of the greatest and most diverse casts of any film we have ever made and we are very proud of that, and that is not a political statement, at all.”

Bob Iger at the Rogue One premiere in Hollywood. (Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Bob Iger at the Rogue One premiere in Hollywood. (Photo: Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

Weitz has since apologised for bringing politics into the Star Wars conversation.

“People. My sincere apologies to Star Wars fans whom I hurt with comments connecting an innocent escape to ugly politics,” he tweeted.

It’s likely that those who find ‘Rogue One’s casting choices offensive will have any bearing on the movie’s success.

Analysts reckon it could debut with a global haul of £280 million in its opening few days.

It’s out across the UK on December 15.

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