Star Wars casts its first trans actor Abigail Thorn in upcoming The Acolyte series
Star Wars is taking significant strides toward representation and inclusivity by casting its first transgender actor in The Acolyte series, further diversifying its already inclusive cast.
Following Zoe Terakes' historic role in the Marvel cinematic universe's Ironheart, where they will be seen later this year, Lucasfilm has now cast British transgender actress Abigail Thorn in the non-minor role of Ensign Eurus in The Acolyte. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant milestone as it is the first time a transgender actor has been cast in such an important role within the Star Wars franchise.
THE ACOLYTE has cast Abigail Thorn as Ensign Eurus, making her the first transgender actor to appear in a #StarWars series! Details: https://t.co/175MhzueWK pic.twitter.com/rwRMbt9HSg
— Star Wars - The Direct (@StarWars_Direct) June 22, 2023
The Acolyte is poised to become one of the most diverse projects in the Star Wars universe. With Abigail Thorn's inclusion, alongside non-binary actor Amandla Stenberg, the series is making a powerful statement about representation.
DID YOU KNOW? 🤔
— The Indy Underground 🏳️🌈 (@TheSWU) June 20, 2023
Amandla Stenberg, who will star in the upcoming Star Wars series ‘The Acolyte’, also voices Margo Kess A.K.A Spider-Byte in ‘Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.#StarWars #TheAcolyte #SpiderManAcrossTheSpiderVerse pic.twitter.com/UZuO2OurLp
Star Wars has been actively working towards greater LGBTQIA+ representation across its platforms. The acclaimed series Andor already introduced the franchise's first prominent lesbian couple, expanding the range of diverse characters within the Star Wars universe.
Even in the High Republic era, which predates The Phantom Menace, Star Wars publishing has played a crucial role in advancing representation. Characters such as Terec and Cerec, non-binary Jedi, have been introduced, adding depth and diversity to the far-reaching galaxy.
While Star Wars continues to forge ahead in its commitment to representation, it is essential to acknowledge that the journey toward inclusivity is ongoing. Disney, the parent company overseeing Star Wars, has faced criticism and controversy, with concerns raised about the concept of "forced" diversity and its potential impact on the wider audience.
However, the inclusion of diverse characters and actors should not detract from the overall quality of storytelling, as the experiences and perspectives of the LGBTQIA+ community deserve recognition and normalization. By casting trans actors and introducing inclusive characters, Star Wars is paving the way for greater representation and inclusivity within the realm of science fiction.
Disney, as the parent company of Lucasfilm and the driving force behind the Star Wars franchise, has been actively working towards implementing diversity and inclusivity in its content. While the company has faced controversies and criticism regarding certain decisions and policies, it has also made significant strides in representing marginalized communities.
Disney has taken steps to ensure that its desire for diversity is reflected in its materials. For instance, it has introduced a gender-fluid character in the animated film Elemental (2023) and featured a gay character as the lead protagonist in the animated feature film Strange World (2022). Additionally, Marvel Studios' Eternals (2021) prominently included a gay character and portrayed a scene of him sharing a kiss with his husband.
However, Disney has also faced backlash and challenges, with some attributing the concept of "forced" diversity and inclusion to the decline in the company's general audience. The notion of "go woke, go broke" has been used by critics to suggest that these inclusive choices have negatively affected the company's success at the box office.
It is important to understand that diversity and representation should not be seen as detrimental to storytelling. The inclusion of characters from the LGBTQIA+ community should not be viewed as forced but as a reflection of the world we live in, where people with diverse identities and experiences exist. Disney's efforts to promote inclusivity in its content contribute to normalizing these identities and challenging traditional gender norms.
As society becomes increasingly hostile towards queer folk and those who challenge societal norms, it is commendable that powerful companies like Disney are taking steps to normalize and celebrate these identities. By striving for greater representation, Disney is helping to create a more inclusive and accepting entertainment landscape.
The Acolyte is set to release in 2024