![Outcry Amongst Star Wars Fans Over R2-D2’s Rainbow Makeover for Pride Collection 2 newspress collage ho5jz1q74 1716401316243](https://i0.wp.com/theubj.com/uae/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/newspress-collage-ho5jz1q74-1716401316243.jpg?w=1170)
The legendary Star Wars saga has come under fire by a segment of its fan base after a rainbow-hued R2-D2 was added to the franchise’s merchandise.
Some die-hard enthusiasts are taking issue with the reimagined appearance of the iconic droid, dismissing the new variant as a step towards political correctness.
Launched as a piece of the annual Pride Collection by Disney, many fans argue this insertion of politics into their beloved space opera universe.
Heated arguments amongst online collector communities resulted in comments getting disabled to quell the debates around the rebranded R3-RN8W.
Collector Jimmy Wright stated on a post, “Up to you if you buy it but I want my Star Wars non-political. It’s my getaway from reality.”
Another fan, Tony Mancosu, expressed nostalgia over simpler times, saying, “I miss the time when you could have stuff with a rainbow colour scheme and not have it associated with any group of people.”
According to the Disney Store website, this toy offers “a new astromech droid designed with Pride in mind” and retails in the US for $14.99, boasting “every color of the rainbow”.
Disney has proclaimed its Pride Collection as crafted “by members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community”.Since acquiring the Star Wars license in 2012 for $4bn, Disney has introduced a series of characters identifying as gay and trans, including a non-binary Jedi in the newest animation, The Bad Batch.
Since 2018, the annual Pride Collection from Disney has showcased a rainbow motif across a range of products and familiar franchises such as Mickey Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, and Wall-E.
FAQ:
- Why are some Star Wars fans unhappy with the rainbow version of R2-D2?
Certain fans feel that the new design is an unwanted addition of political or social messaging into the Star Wars universe, which they prefer to be escapist and non-political. - What is the significance of the rainbow color scheme for R2-D2?
The rainbow color scheme is associated with the Pride movement, and the new R2-D2 design is part of Disney’s Pride Collection, meant to celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community. - Has Disney responded to the backlash?
As of the information provided, there has been no official response from Disney regarding the backlash from some fans of Star Wars over the rainbow R2-D2. - Is the rainbow R2-D2 the first time Star Wars has included LGBTQIA+ themes since Disney’s acquisition?
No, since acquiring Star Wars, Disney has introduced several gay, trans, and non-binary characters into the franchise, including in animated series and other media. hat other franchises have been included in Disney’s Pride Collection?
The Pride Collection includes items from other iconic franchises, such as Mickey Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, and Wall-E, each featuring rainbow-themed designs.
Conclusion:
The introduction of a rainbow-themed R2-D2 as part of Disney’s annual Pride Collection has sparked a polarized reaction among the Star Wars fan community. While some welcome the inclusivity and representation, others decry what they perceive as the unnecessary politicization of their escapist fantasy. This debate highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding representation in media and how beloved franchises adapt to changing social landscapes. Ultimately, Star Wars continues to be a dynamic space saga that engages with its diverse fan base in new and evolving ways.