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Lucasfilm president says ‘Star Wars’ needs more female characters

Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy promises a gender balance in the Force.

 

Joey Keeton

Internet Culture

Posted on Apr 16, 2015   Updated on May 29, 2021, 1:34 am CDT

The panel for The Force Awakens at Star Wars Celebration in Anaheim was (as expected) a complete madhouse, and not the least of which because a brand new trailer for the film was premiered. But apart from the trailer, something else made the crowd at the panel go absolutely bananas.

Panel moderator Anthony Breznican asked Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy which Star Wars character she would be, and, let’s face it: That’s a dumb, fluffy question. Kennedy’s response was not:

 “I don’t have many choices…. But that’s going to change.” 

That’s great news, and, in addressing the fact that only one female character was present on the film’s first cast photo, she added, “Going forward with all we’re talking about there are going to be a lot of wonderful new [female] characters.”

This is good for Star Wars and its fans. While the animated shows like Star Wars Rebels have made strides in introducing new female characters, the franchise still has a long way to go. There are a lot of female Star Wars fans out there, and it’s about time they got some representation in the films. 

Princess Leia was an awesome, strong female character—but let’s see more. On one hand, it’s just the right thing to do. On the other hand, it could only help to sell more toys. Search your feelings, Disney—you know it to be true. Girls want to give you their money just as much as boys do. 

H/T Badass Digest|Screengrab via Movies Ireland/Youtube

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*First Published: Apr 16, 2015, 6:10 pm CDT