8 things that nobody wants to admit about Star Wars

5. Giving in to toxic fans

Rose Tico, played by Kelly Marie Tran, made her debut in The Last Jedi, becoming not just a rebel in the Star Wars universe but apparently a rebel in real life.

As the first Asian-American woman in a lead role in the franchise, she symbolized change, diversity, and inclusion. However, instead of fans appreciating her character, Rose’s appearance triggered a divisive and the most toxic fan backlash I have ever seen in my long years. The online harassment Tran received was so severe that it compelled her to leave all social media.

When it came to taking a stance, you’d expect Disney to stand by Tran and stand by their belief in a diverse and inclusive universe for the franchise. But, no. Disney, the same Disney that brings us stories of bravery, courage, and fighting for what’s right, decided to appease their toxic fans instead.

In Rise of Skywalker, Rose’s screen time was cut dramatically. Rather than fortifying her character’s arc or even using the situation as an educational moment about inclusion and tolerance, the House of Mouse chose to side with toxicity and “cave in”. Whether or not it was a direct response to the toxic fan demands, it really didn’t look that good.

By reducing Rose’s role, Disney missed a golden opportunity to make a real-world impact instead of showing us that they don’t really mean what they teach us through their animated and now live-action movies. Not to mention that in a universe teeming with rebels, Jedis, and heroes of all races and from all different corners of the galaxy, this was definitely the wrong kind of move.