General Star Wars Discussion

[irlandaise]

From NY Times article published yesterday:

Kathleen Kennedy says “I think a lot of the women who step into Star Wars struggle with [toxic fandom attacks] a bit more.”

“Because of the fan base being so male dominated, they sometimes get attacked in ways that can be quite personal… Operating within these giant franchises now, with social media and the level of expectation — it’s terrifying”

That was my first thought when someone who's been railing about the show without having seen it posted a photo of the female head writer without any explanation. It seemed like the message was, "See, it must be a bad show, because look, a woman wrote it!!"

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

Yeah, but Hayden was not bullied due to his race or gender, nor his looks. It is fine to criticize a performance, but don't pretend that all of the criticism directed at these ladies was legimite. And while criticism is one thing, you are advocating "ridicule" - that is never constructive. Why become part of that problem?

You can have issues with the way Rey is written, but Daisy performed it well. All of the actresses have. If the issue is with the writing, that has nothring to do with them. Of course, most of the reason people don't like the way Rey's character was written is because she is a female - when they write a male character that way - Luke, Anakin - nobody says anything.

First of all I am not advocating anyone ridicule anyone on their social media. I have never done anything like that and never will. I am simply saying it’s a no win situation for anyone that doesn’t like these characters. Any legitimate issues I have with any marginalized actor’s performance you immediately dismiss by saying “it’s because she’s female”. So the built in dismissal of all that don’t love the amazing wonder Rey is very tiresome. It’s a bad character that failed to live up to the standards created in the OT……it’s that simple.

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

That was my first thought when someone who's been railing about the show without having seen it posted a photo of the female head writer without any explanation. It seemed like the message was, "See, it must be a bad show, because look, a woman wrote it!!"

A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein……so yeah I assume you feel there is nothing to see there?

 

[BrianL]

First of all I am not advocating anyone ridicule anyone on their social media. I have never done anything like that and never will. I am simply saying it’s a no win situation for anyone that doesn’t like these characters. Any legitimate issues I have with any marginalized actor’s performance you immediately dismiss by saying “it’s because she’s female”. So the built in dismissal of all that don’t love the amazing wonder Rey is very tiresome. It’s a bad character that failed to live up to the standards created in the OT……it’s that simple.

You used the word "Ridicule." Ridicule is never appropriate. And I am sure you are aware that much of the criticism directed at the actresses was not legitimate. Nobody is taking issue with actual critique, but there absolutely were attackes based on race and gender. I am not saying that you did that, but you do dismiss the fact that it happened.

Certainly, some criticism of Rey's character is valid. The idea that it doesn't live up to the OT though is a bit of a stretch. The OT is guilty of many of the same things that the ST does. Now, it's fair to call out those flaws, but do so for the OT too. The OT is not some bastion of perfection or anything.

 

[Suger Mag]

A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein……so yeah I assume you feel there is nothing to see there?

She worked for him for one year. A personal assistant, likely one of many answering emails and getting coffee. What are you insinuating, that she was his pimp? If you are going to discredit everyone who simply worked with or was connected to Weinstein that is going to be a big list... BTW it includes George Lucas...


"Some of the most concerning attacks on Leslye Headland have come from her past connection to Harvey Weinstein. Headland began her career by working for six years at Miramax, serving as Weinstein's personal assistant for a year.

Headland recalled. "That guy always wins... I just thought men like that never go down. I was so shocked and so emboldened by the chorus of voices that brought him down. It makes me so happy - even saying that has been hard for me, because I'm still scared of him, to be honest."

Two years later, evidence surfaced that gave a disturbing context to Headland's fears. Unsealed court documents revealed Weinstein had put together a "Red Flag List" of roughly 70 people who he feared could be speaking to journalists under cover of anonymity back in 2017. Headland's name was on Weinstein's Red Flag List, and Weinstein attempted to hire private investigators to pressure these people. There is, thankfully, no evidence he succeeded, but this alone suggests Headland's fears were justified.

https://screenrant.com/star-wars-the-acolyte-leslye-headland-controversial/

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

You used the word "Ridicule." Ridicule is never appropriate. And I am sure you are aware that much of the criticism directed at the actresses was not legitimate. Nobody is taking issue with actual critique, but there absolutely were attackes based on race and gender. I am not saying that you did that, but you do dismiss the fact that it happened.

Certainly, some criticism of Rey's character is valid. The idea that it doesn't live up to the OT though is a bit of a stretch. The OT is guilty of many of the same things that the ST does. Now, it's fair to call out those flaws, but do so for the OT too. The OT is not some bastion of perfection or anything.

Except the OT created one of the biggest IPs on planet earth, so yeah it’s pretty much regarded as a bastion of perfection and an absolute merchandizing juggernaut.

Make 100,000 black series Rey and Reva action figures and then do 100,000 Vader and Luke’s. Which one would you invest $50K of your money on if forced to?

 

[irlandaise]

That was my first thought when someone who's been railing about the show without having seen it posted a photo of the female head writer without any explanation. It seemed like the message was, "See, it must be a bad show, because look, a woman wrote it!!"

A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein……so yeah I assume you feel there is nothing to see there?

Not sure what your point is. A woman who used to work for a slimeball is automatically not suitable to write Star Wars series?

 

[BrianL]

Except the OT created one of the biggest IPs on planet earth, so yeah it’s pretty much regarded as a bastion of perfection and a merchandizing juggernaut.

I'm not saying that the OT isn't great - it absolutely is! It's awseoms. It also has flaws, and it is okay to recognize it. Heck, if it were indeed perfect, it might not be so endearing and beloved. It is what it is after all.

 

[leiaorgana]

From NY Times article published yesterday:

Kathleen Kennedy says “I think a lot of the women who step into Star Wars struggle with [toxic fandom attacks] a bit more.”

“Because of the fan base being so male dominated, they sometimes get attacked in ways that can be quite personal… Operating within these giant franchises now, with social media and the level of expectation — it’s terrifying”

Case in point:



Just one of many….many…many comments like this.

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

And once again, make great Star Wars that appeals to the largest possible audience and no one will give a rip. People want real Star Wars and not the dollar general version we have gotten as of late.

 

[leiaorgana]

All Star Wars is real Star Wars

And in regards to your earlier comment - The majority of the hate directed at Hayden, Jake and Ahmed was in large part due to George’s terrible dialogue and them trying to make the best of it. Even the OT cast used to make fun of him for it.

People absolutely adored Hayden and Ahmed in OWK, Ahsoka and Mando.

And just to add on - I had the pleasure of meeting Jake at the very first SWW at MGM when I was 11 and he was very sweet, if not a little shy from all of the attention from adults. I think me being around the same age as him was actually a comfort because he was lovely with me.

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

All Star Wars is real Star Wars

Agree to disagree, George was the creator and most in recent years under Disney has strayed from George’s vision. George has pretty much said as much.

And in regards to your earlier comment - The majority of the hate directed at Hayden, Jake and Ahmed was in large part due to George’s terrible dialogue and them trying to make the best of it. Even the OT cast used to make fun of him for it.

Agree on George struggling with dialogue at times, but what he never struggled with is how Star Wars or the force worked! That’s where the new stuff falls down and doesn’t feel authentic to me.

People absolutely adored Hayden and Ahmed in OWK, Ahsoka and Mando.

Agreed, or at least I did.

And just to add on - I had the pleasure of meeting Jake at the very first SWW at MGM when I was 11 and he was very sweet, if not a little shy from all of the attention from adults. I think me being around the same age as him was actually a comfort because he was lovely with me.

Cool story, and lots of child Stars struggle mightily later in life. Michael Jackson anyone?

 

[fatmanatee]

A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein……so yeah I assume you feel there is nothing to see there?

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

View attachment 864442

So being in the same place with him once is now the same as organizing the man’s life and “meetings”, hotel stays, and travel arrangements?

How about all of the other people currently running Disney and Lucasfilm and their smiling faces alongside Weinstein?

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

Oops!

Iger with the arm around the monster……string Iger up by his toenails right? I think I could get behind that based on how poorly Disney is performing under his leadership.

 

[irlandaise]

Iger with the arm around the monster……string Iger up by his toenails right? I think I could get behind that based on how poorly Disney is performing under his leadership.

You still haven't explained why you posted "A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein" in a discussion of a new Star Wars series that was written by that woman. What were you trying to say?

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

You still haven't explained why you posted "A photo of a woman who happened to be the personal assistant to one Harvey Weinstein" in a discussion of a new Star Wars series that was written by that woman. What were you trying to say?

That she was the director and also a monster’s personal assistant. If you ever have seen a very powerful person with a personal assistant, you would know they basically run their life. I find it incredibly hard to believe she had no knowledge of the monster she served under and helped every single day. Why on earth would Disney take a chance on someone with this past?

 

[Moliphino]

That she was the director and also a monster’s personal assistant. If you ever have seen a very powerful person with a personal assistant, you would know they basically run their life. I find it incredibly hard to believe she had no knowledge of the monster she served under and helped every single day. Why on earth would Disney take a chance on someone with this past?

Did you miss this info?

She worked for him for one year. A personal assistant, likely one of many answering emails and getting coffee. What are you insinuating, that she was his pimp? If you are going to discredit everyone who simply worked with or was connected to Weinstein that is going to be a big list... BTW it includes George Lucas...


"Some of the most concerning attacks on Leslye Headland have come from her past connection to Harvey Weinstein. Headland began her career by working for six years at Miramax, serving as Weinstein's personal assistant for a year.

Headland recalled. "That guy always wins... I just thought men like that never go down. I was so shocked and so emboldened by the chorus of voices that brought him down. It makes me so happy - even saying that has been hard for me, because I'm still scared of him, to be honest."

Two years later, evidence surfaced that gave a disturbing context to Headland's fears. Unsealed court documents revealed Weinstein had put together a "Red Flag List" of roughly 70 people who he feared could be speaking to journalists under cover of anonymity back in 2017. Headland's name was on Weinstein's Red Flag List, and Weinstein attempted to hire private investigators to pressure these people. There is, thankfully, no evidence he succeeded, but this alone suggests Headland's fears were justified.

https://screenrant.com/star-wars-the-acolyte-leslye-headland-controversial/

 

[Suger Mag]

Did you miss this info?

Yes, was actually trying to get outside and plant some flowers and focus on something positive instead of nonsense rage farming spew. I have been on the boards long enough to recognize that some people are just about provoking outrage and there is no point. I dont understand folks that have so little going on that they need to be a constant Debbie Downer but maybe they get paid to womp womp.

Enjoy the discussion. I have some more petunias to find a pot for and then maybe finish Dead Boy Detectives.

 

[PolymerSkywalker]

Yes I read your comments downplaying her relationship with Weinstein, and believe you comments are quite intellectually dishonest. Personal assistants work very closely with the people they are the personal assistants of.