‘Rogue One’ Star Riz Ahmed Stunned by #DumpStarWars Boycott, Believes Film Will Unite People
Over the past days the hashtag #DumpStarWars appeared on social media as a way to get people to boycott “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.” The campaign was created by a group of conservatives who think that the standalone film criticizes Donald Trump and has other political messages.
Actor Riz Ahmed, who portrays Bodhi Rook in the upcoming movie, was recently asked his thoughts on the movement, though he was unaware of the campaign.
“What? That’s weird. I have no idea what they’re talking about,” he told The Wrap, adding that the “Star Wars” film isn’t responding to anything in particular.
“It is absolutely to be expected that people will project their anxieties and concerns … onto art,” Ahmed explained. “It’s also the role of art to reflect the times we live in. But this film wasn’t made to speak to this particular moment. This is a film that was written years ago, that was filmed over a year-and-a-half ago.”
“Our hope is that this film isn’t just resonant now, but in 10 years from now,” he continued. “I don’t think the creators of this film are to be as petty and small-minded as to use something as big and all-embracing as ‘Star Wars’ to score kind of mean political points.”
Instead, the “Night Of” actor believes that “Rogue One” will unite people from all over the world.
“I actually think that in this time that is so divided, a film like ‘Star Wars’ brings everyone together,” he stated. “People that voted for all kinds of parties, of all kinds of sexual orientations, views and religions will go and see this film. This is actually one of those rare things that brings all kinds of different people together and I think we should celebrate and celebrate that.”
Watch his response on TheWrap.com.
Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.
