Good news, Star Wars fans: Director J.J. Abrams is just as upset about the lack of Rey toys as fans are.
In recent weeks, Star Wars fans have been vocal about the apparent underrepresentation of leading character Rey (Daisy Ridley), and by extension other female characters, in tie-in toys and merchandise. Many tweeted complaints featuring the hashtags #WheresRey and #WhereIsRey. In fact, after fan outcry that Rey was not included in the Force Awakens-themed Monopoly, Hasbro announced it would be adding her in an updated version of the game.
Though some believed the lack of Rey merchandise was due to Abrams’ known aversion to spoilers — like, say, if a toy depicted Rey holding the famed lightsaber — but the prolific director debunked that theory at the Television Critics Association’s press tour while he was promoting his Hulu project, 11.22.63.
“I wish I had more details about merchandising and the schedule,” he said. “I’m learning things as you are. I will say that it seems preposterous and wrong that the main character of the movie is not well represented in what is clearly a huge piece of the Star Wars world in terms of merchandizing, so I would argue — I read that she wasn’t in the Monopoly game and was quickly making phone calls about this because if it were true — and it is true, now Hasbro of course has said they’re going to put Rey in — it doesn’t quite make sense why she wouldn’t be there. She’s somewhat important in the story.”
An understatement to say the least. Rey has become a beacon for the largest Star Wars installment, now a role model for the new and old generation of Star Wars fans alike. Read much more about Rey’s impact here.
This article originally appeared on EW.com
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