'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' Cast Rumors: John Boyega Addresses Miscasting Comments
John Boyega made headlines during the weekend when he appeared on the first teaser trailer for 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' which was released in select movie theaters in the U.S. With the trailer's release, there were both criticisms and praise from the Star Wars fandom, and the biggest complaints have come from those annoyed that the series had its first black storm trooper in Boyega. Apparently, the actor was prepared for the backlash and crafted a classy response to his detractors.
Boyega took to his Instagram account to post a thank you note to his fans in which he wrote, "Thank you for all the love and support! The fan mail and fan art has added to my joy. Isn't it crazy that Star Wars is actually happening? I'm in the movie but as a star wars fan I am very excited! A year is a long time but it will be worth the wait." Then, he added, "To whom it may concern…Get used to it."
In his response, Boyega thanked the fandom for his inclusion in the Star Wars universe. Most of the fans complained about Boyega's casting because they felt that it wasn't consistent with Star Wars canon.
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According to The Atlantic, a black storm trooper could exist because the army is based on clones that were not white. Jango Fett, which served as the genetic template for the storm troopers, was played by Temuera Derek Morrison, an actor from New Zealand of partial Maori descent.
Other fans speculated that there is every possibility of having a black storm trooper because Fett's clones could have died out, forcing the empire to recruit anyone who was willing to defend it.
Another cause of complaint was that fans did not get to see Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, or Mark Hamill in the trailer. Instead, they were given glimpses of Boyega. Daisy Ridley and Oscar Issac, who are relatively unknown in the Star Wars universe. Many were also bewildered by the unfamiliar lightsaber design which was seen in the trailer.
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" premieres on Dec. 18, 2015.
