Star Wars: New casting call offers opportunity for diversity

With an apparent casting call for a female character, Star Wars has an opportunity to add more diversity to its cast.

Even though Star Wars: Episode IX filming is underway; it doesn’t seem the casting for the movie is done. Apparently, there is at least another female character the movie needs before it comes out next year.

According to The Hashtag Show, J.J. Abrams and co., are looking for a female with a sense of humor:

"We have gotten word from our source that they are now on the hunt for an actress, 27-35,to play a supporting role in the J. J. Abrams directed film. The studio is looking for “KARINA”, described as “a younger Charlize Theron with street smarts and a sharp wit.” The studio is open to any ethnicity, but is looking for someone with “a good sense of humor, solid comedic timing and a strong voice.”"

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The Hashtag Show also stated its source says the role has been downgraded from a lead to a supportive role. As the movie gets further into production, the script should be shored up a bit more perhaps not needing as much for certain roles.

But this gives Star Wars a chance to do some good by adding more diversity to the film. The last three casting announcements – while all bonafide stars – were all white characters. If they are looking to cast Rey’s parents, then that is an obvious reason for it, but Star Wars is not lacking for star power.

The addition of Keri Russell, Dominic Monaghan and Matt Smith isn’t going to change minds in getting people to go to a theatre – especially considering it’s the ninth film in the saga. But it would be nice to add people to the film showcase the vastness of the galaxy.

There is a running (funny, but true) joke there are few People of Color in the Star Wars universe. Saturday Night Light, with the help of Donald Glover, made fun of this fact by creating a skit where Lando Calrissian hoted a summit for the black humans in the galaxy. Four people showed up, including Saw Gerrera.

While this is point contention with some Star Wars fans who feel they’re being force fed diversity, this is just reality. When having a monster franchise like Star Wars, representation is important for all fans not just the cherry-picked few.

Next. Episode IX: What it will take to reunite the Star Wars fanbase. dark

If the Star Wars folks are indeed still casting, here’s an opportunity to add diversity to the film and offer more to its fans.

Star Wars Episode IX is scheduled to come out in December 2019.

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