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J.J. Abrams Defends “Black Stormtrooper” Against Racist Star Wars Critics

J.J. Abrams
J.J. Abrams

Fighting for Finn. J.J. Abrams is tired of Star Wars fans slamming the decision to cast John Boyega as a stormtrooper in the highly anticipated flick Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The director addressed critics during SiriusXM’s The Howard Stern Show on Monday, Nov. 30.

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“All I know is John Boyega does an extraordinary job in the movie,” Abrams, 49, told Howard Stern. “I think the people who are complaining about that probably have bigger problems than ‘there’s a black stormtrooper.'” (Last month, Abrams also joked about being shocked about a black stormtrooper during a Saturday Night Live skit.)

Boyega, 23 — who plays Finn in the adventure fantasy — has previously addressed the matter. Last November, he posted a message to supporters via Instagram.

“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,” he wrote at the time. He added with a wink emoji: “To whom it may concern. . .Get used to it.”

John Boyega
John Boyega as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens

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But he didn’t stop there. Last month, he also spoke out about the “prejudiced” comments during an interview with V magazine.

“I’m in the movie, what are you going to do about it? You either enjoy it or you don’t,” the Hollywood newcomer said. “I’m not saying get used to the future, but what is already happening. People of color and women are increasingly being shown on-screen. For things to be whitewashed just doesn’t make sense.”

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