Alt-Right #DumpStarWars Boycott Spectacularly Fails
Jyn Erso can truly save us all.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story shocked absolutely no one by rocketing to the top of the box office this weekend. But Gizmodo reports that a group of conservatives, angered by the film's "political" messages against, well, racism and sexism, tried to stop its dominance with a #DumpStarWars campaign.
The controversy started after Star Wars' Twitter account tweeted, "Are you with her?" and posted a picture of Felicity Jones' character, Jyn Erso. The tweet was posted a few days before Election Day, so it's easy to make the connection to Hillary Clinton's campaign slogan "I'm with her."
Are you with her? #RogueOne pic.twitter.com/isWQPhq1hzNovember 4, 2016
Some conservatives also took issue with the team behind the movie and the political comments surrounding Star Wars. According to Wired, Rogue One writer Chris Weitz tweeted, "Please note that the Empire is a white supremacist (human) organization." Another writer, Gary Whitta, added, "Opposed by a multi-cultural group led by brave women."
Both of them deleted their tweets because of all the backlash. But Weitz, who openly supported Hillary Clinton, kept this tweet up instead, featuring the safety pin used after the U.K. "Brexit" vote to signal that you're an ally to marginalized groups:
Star Wars against hate. Spread it. pic.twitter.com/Dtf5uqpxbaNovember 11, 2016
This created outrage among the "alt-right," a white supremacist U.S. fringe movement that has been empowered by Donald Trump's election victory. They called both Rogue One and The Force Awakens "feminist propaganda." They even circulated the untrue rumor that the movie went through reshoots to include anti-Trump messages.
And even though Rogue One made $155 million in the U.S. and $290.5 million worldwide in its first weekend, people who boycotted it are still saying they won, because the movie made less than The Force Awakens did in its opening weekend. But $290 million is awfully tough to spin as a failure.
@JackPosobiec #RogueOne's opening weekend was roughly 40%, or $100 million less than TFA. #DumpStarWars Per @CNN https://t.co/vEkP4DsXlb pic.twitter.com/gY4J2yLc3GDecember 18, 2016
It would take a whole lot more people to effectively boycott a Star Wars movie, which at this point is guaranteed box office gold no matter what. But it's great to know that kickass women can save the day, even a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, and no "alt-right" movement (or stormtrooper) can stop them.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
This Dated Denim Trend Is on Its Way Back—Here's How French Women Are Already Wearing It
By Michelle Scanga Published
-
Princess Kate Takes on Her Most Personal Engagement Yet After Becoming Patron of Cancer Hospital
The royal and co-patron Prince William follow in Princess Diana's footsteps with the role.
By Kristin Contino Published
-
Chrishell Stause Will Play the Villain If She Needs To
The 'Selling Sunset' star has achieved what few (maybe no one) in the reality TV genre has: being a longtime fan favorite. But with her appearance on season 3 of 'Traitors,' she's ready to make enemies and get a little scrappy.
By Brian Moylan Published
-
The Scariest Paranormal Movies of All Time
Bring on the jump scares.
By Katherine J. Igoe Published
-
Jessie Andrews Finds Her Power in Constantly Rebranding Herself
The 'Love Bomb' star and fashion entrepreneur speaks to editor-in-chief Nikki Ogunnaike for the 'Marie Claire' podcast "Nice Talk."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Best Romance Movies You Need to See in 2025
From a new 'Bridget Jones' film to several heartwarming queer rom-coms.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Drama Movies to Look Forward to in 2025
We're already marking our calendars for these highly-anticipated dramas coming soon.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Is 'The Brutalist' Streaming? Here's How to Watch the Award-Winning A24 Film
If its Golden Globe wins are any indication, we'll be hearing more about the A24 drama throughout awards season.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Demi Moore Celebrates First-Ever Major Award Win at the 2025 Golden Globes as a "Marker of My Wholeness"
After 45 years in the industry and a producer told her 30 years ago she was only "a popcorn actress," the star took home a trophy.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
The Best Horror Movies You Need to See in 2025
Here are the buzzy A24 projects and sequels, including 'M3GAN 2.0,' that you need to see.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Golden Globes, From How to Watch the Awards Show to the Nominees
Awards season has officially begun!
By Quinci LeGardye Published