Oscar Isaac expressed willingness to return to the Star Wars franchise but insisted Disney must clarify its position on fascism first. The actor, who portrays Poe Dameron, emphasized this condition during a recent interview, highlighting concerns about working with Disney under the current circumstances.
Actor Open to Franchise Return if Studio Addresses Political Issues
Isaac had earlier suggested he might come back to Star Wars if he needed “another house,” but now he has added a serious caveat to that openness. He stated,
“I’d be open to it, although right now I’m not so open to working with Disney,”
before adding,
“But if they can kinda figure it out and, you know, not succumb to fascism, that would be great.”
This remark underscores the actor’s unease with the studio’s recent actions and perceived political direction.
The actor also indicated that his conversation with Disney could extend beyond Star Wars, saying,
“If that happens, then yeah, I’d be open to having a conversation about a galaxy far away. Or any number of other things.”
Context: Disney’s Controversy Surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Suspension
The interview with Isaac followed closely on the heels of ABC and Disney’s decision to suspend Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, after the host made comments following the murder of Charlie Kirk. The show was off air temporarily and then returned four days after Isaac’s discussion with GQ. Notably, ABC and Disney own the Star Wars franchise, directly linking these events.
Isaac’s concerns reflect a wider unrest within Hollywood. Several celebrities and public figures criticized Disney’s move against Kimmel, framing it as a threat to free speech. For instance, actor Ben Stiller commented simply, “This isn’t right,” while MSNBC host Chris Hayes described the suspension as
“the most straightforward attack on free speech.”
Significance and Potential Impact on Future Collaborations
Isaac’s stance signals a growing demand among artists for studios to take clearer ethical and political positions before engaging in future projects. His conditional approach to Disney reflects broader tensions between creative talent and corporate decisions, particularly in Hollywood’s current cultural climate. If Disney addresses these concerns to Isaac’s satisfaction, it may pave the way for his return to Star Wars and perhaps the development of other projects with the studio.
