Future 'Star Wars' Films to Feature Gay Characters, Director JJ Abrams Says
J.J. Abrams, the director of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," says that future films in the series will be more inclusive, and that doesn't exclude gay characters.
"When I talk about inclusivity it's not excluding gay characters. It's about inclusivity. So of course," Abrams said at the U.S.-Ireland Alliance Oscar Wilde Awards Thursday, according People magazine.
Abrams believes such characters are already there in the "Star Wars universe."
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"To me, the fun of Star Wars is the glory of possibility. So it seems insanely narrow-minded and counterintuitive to say that there wouldn't be a homosexual character in that world," he said.
"I think we all have a hell of a lot to do, and I think it is insane to me that we still have to have a conversation about inclusivity. It's shameful," the filmmaker The Daily Beast last month.
The 49-year-old director said there's a need to have a better representation of this world. "It's something that is important to me, and is something that we're focusing on at Bad Robot," he said, referring to the production company.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens," the first in the sequel trilogy and the seventh film in the "Star Wars" series, has been nominated this year for five Academy Awards.
Actress Carrie Fisher, who plays the role of Princess/General Leia in the "Star Wars" film franchise, recently revealed that she has begun filming for "Episode VIII."
On Feb. 19, Fisher posted a snap of her pet dog, Gary, sitting on her chair at Pinewood Studios. The photo, which Fisher shared on Twitter, also gave Star Wars fans the working title for the upcoming film "Space Bear."
Some churches have sought to explore what's common between Christianity and the film.
First United Presbyterian Church in De Pere, Wisconsin, hosted "Star Wars: Faith & The Force" in November, about a month before the latest film premiered.
"Today's culture produces many challenges for children and families. Come and discover how Christianity and Star Wars share similar strategies in helping young people discover, connect, and abide in God and the Force," the church said about the event.
Using "Star Wars" as a vehicle to connect people to Christ, New Jersey-based Liquid Church featured a 60-minute "Star Wars"-themed "holiday experience," called Cosmic Christmas Eve.
The free event carried a live "Star Wars" nativity scene complete with characters Princess Leia, Han Solo and Chewbacca. Visitors were able to take a photo with "Darth Santa" and enjoy movie-related giveaways.
