In an unexpected and contentious move, Disney has appointed Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a filmmaker known for her feminist activism, as the director of the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ movie. This decision has sparked intense debate among the franchise’s fanbase, with many expressing concerns over the potential for the beloved series to become a platform for social engineering rather than a source of entertainment.
Obaid-Chinoy’s previous statements have added fuel to the fire, particularly her remark about making men uncomfortable. Such comments have led to speculation that her vision for ‘Star Wars’ may prioritize a political agenda over storytelling, causing unease among a significant portion of the audience who simply seek escapism in the cinema.
Woke feminist Star Wars director seeks to grow the franchise by alienating the segment of the population that has basically supported it since 1977. It's a bold business plan. Let's see how it works. #StarWarspic.twitter.com/7er0d4Yjam
— Tokyo Rosie (@RosieRocks29) January 4, 2024
The ‘Star Wars’ franchise, valued at billions of dollars, has historically been a unifying force, captivating fans across gender and age demographics. The introduction of a director whose past work and public statements suggest a divisive approach raises questions about the future of the series and its ability to continue drawing diverse crowds.
Critics argue that Disney’s pattern of controversial decisions could be detrimental to its financial success. In 2023, the company lost its box office crown for the first time in years, and the selection of Obaid-Chinoy is seen by some as another misstep that could lead to further losses, with the new ‘Star Wars’ film being predicted as Disney’s “biggest flop yet.”
Star Wars will now be directed by a Pakistani feminist activist…..
As if it wasn’t woke enough under Disney…. https://t.co/0KHdkgOxy6— J Hans (@blackhawkce457) January 4, 2024
The backlash has been amplified by conservative voices in the media, who claim that the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ film is destined to fail if it alienates fans by pushing a perceived anti-male narrative. They argue that the essence of ‘Star Wars’ lies in its ability to transport audiences to a galaxy far, far away, not in serving as a vehicle for ideological messages.
Disney’s choice also overlooks the fact that women have already been shaping the ‘Star Wars’ narrative for years, most notably with Kathleen Kennedy at the helm of Lucasfilm. This undercuts the groundbreaking nature of Obaid-Chinoy’s hiring and suggests that the decision may be more about signaling virtue than breaking new ground.
As the release date approaches, there is a growing sense of trepidation among fans who fear that the core elements of ‘Star Wars’—adventure, heroism, and the timeless battle between good and evil—may be overshadowed by a polarizing social agenda. The anticipation for the next chapter in the saga is now tinged with apprehension about the direction the franchise is taking.
In conclusion, while Disney has the right to choose any director for its projects, the decision to hire Obaid-Chinoy has stirred controversy and concern. It remains to be seen whether the upcoming ‘Star Wars’ movie will be able to reconcile the expectations of its broad fanbase with the vision of its new director, or if it will indeed become the biggest flop in the company’s storied history.
