There has been a ridiculous narrative being spread around that women haven’t been fans of Star Wars until recently and they weren’t fans of Luke Skywalker. That women needed characters that looked like us so we could relate to them. That the defenders of Luke Skywalker have been mostly “manbabies” or “misogynists” who don’t like “strong female characters.”
Then came ‘The Mandalorian’ with Cara Dune and Fennec Shand. Season two brought in Bo-Batan and Koska Reeves. The final episode gave the four women a chance to be the advancing force, kicking butt and just being incredible because that’s how their characters were written– not just because they were women. Just like we used to see with Princess Leia. Strong, well written characters, that happened to be women.
Yes, there’s a difference.
One of the actors was Ming-Na Wen. You may know her as the voice of Mulan from the original animated film, or Melinda May from “Agents of Shield.” In ‘The Mandalorian” she portrays assassin and mercenary Fennec Shand.
During the outpouring of support for Luke, she took to Twitter to also express her excitement for Luke Skywalker’s return and for her chance to work with Mark Hamill.
You (& Luke) have been immensely inspirational & impactful to my childhood & as an adult. To have shared a scene with you in @themandalorian is truly one of the biggest highlight, not just in my career, but in my life. Thank you. 😍❤️
Your fan always,
Ming-Na aka Fennec 🧡 https://t.co/Qoa45A3dhT— Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) December 31, 2020
“You (&Luke) have been immensely inspirational & impactful to my childhood & as an adult. To have shared a scene with you in @themandalorian is truly one of the brightest highlight, not just in my career, but in my life. Thank you.
Your fan always,
Ming-Na aka Fennec”
It is not just men who cared about Luke Skywalker. He was a hero for everyone. I too grew up with Star Wars. I loved it for decades. There were many women how shared the same love and excitement I did, contrary to what some media outlets would have you believe. Star Wars has always been for everyone!
Just make good characters like Luke Skywalker and the fans will follow. Show don’t tell. Create new, but respect the old.
This is why The Mandalorian is succeeding when the sequel trilogy did not.
This is the way.
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