Disney’s latest Star Wars series, “Tales of the Empire,” has stirred up some controversy by using “they/them” pronouns to refer to a gender-ambiguous character in the show’s fifth episode. The character in question is involved in a light-saber duel with another Jedi, whose gender is unclear. Following the duel, when the Jedi is defeated by a third warrior, the remaining characters start using “they” and “them” to refer to the fallen Jedi.
A breakdown of the scene by a Star Wars YouTuber known as the Knights of Melvin reveals that “they/them” pronouns are used five times in total. The reason behind this choice remains unclear, as there was no mention of gender identity before the fight.
The series is created by Dave Filoni, who was appointed as the chief creative officer of Lucasfilm by Disney last year. Under Filoni and Lucasfilm head Kathleen Kennedy’s leadership, Disney’s Star Wars brand has been embracing woke identity politics, which has alienated some fans.
In addition, Disney has faced criticism for pushing transgender representation and gender non-conformity in its children’s entertainment. The cancellation of the series “Willow” and the inclusion of a transgender actor and gay romance in the show were cited as examples of Disney’s wokeness in its productions aimed at younger audiences.
Disney’s commitment to LGBTQ representation has extended beyond its content, with the company launching an LGBTQ-themed apparel line and featuring gay characters in big-budget movies. This push for diversity and inclusivity has sparked both praise and backlash from various groups.
Overall, Disney’s approach to representation and gender identity in its entertainment continues to spark discussions and debate among viewers and fans.
