Disney’s decision to hire Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a female and person of color, as the director of an upcoming Star Wars film has sparked controversy and criticism from conservative voices. The Outnumbered panel on Fox News quickly expressed their disapproval, accusing Disney of prioritizing an “agenda” over the quality of the movies.
One Fox News contributor, Nicole Saphier, argued that the Star Wars franchise has been immensely successful, grossing over $10.3 billion worldwide, and should not be tampered with. Saphier asserted that any film made with Obaid-Chinoy’s perspective would fail, suggesting that men would feel uncomfortable and disinterested in watching it. She even drew parallels to the movie Captain Marvel, which she claimed underperformed due to its focus on women.
The criticism intensified when an old clip resurfaced, showing Obaid-Chinoy admitting she enjoyed making men uncomfortable with her art. Commentator Ben Ferguson seized on this, asserting that her comments showed why people are turning away from Hollywood. He suggested that she should stick to making documentaries about making men uncomfortable, insinuating that her involvement in a Star Wars film would lead to its failure.
The segment concluded with Emily Compagno, another panelist, declaring her allegiance to the Star Trek franchise instead of Star Wars, punctuating her statement with the Vulcan salute.
The controversy surrounding Disney’s decision to hire Obaid-Chinoy as the director of a Star Wars film highlights the ongoing debate about diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. While some argue that it is time for fresh voices and perspectives to shape stories in popular franchises, others contend that such moves are driven by an “agenda” and will result in diminished success.
As the Star Wars franchise continues to evolve, how audiences will respond to this new chapter led by a female and person of color director remains to be seen. Ultimately, the quality of storytelling and filmmaking, not the gender or ethnicity of its director, will determine the success of any Star Wars film.
