George Lucas has launched a spirited defense of diversity in the Star Wars original trilogy and sequels. The subject of diversity has always been a thorny one for Star Wars, with intense debate in the fandom over the degree of representation. Some argue the main heroes are all white males, while others point to the fact Leia Organa is no mere damsel in distress, and Lucas’ introduction of Billy Dee Williams’ Lando Calrissian in The Empire Strikes Back.

Per Variety, George Lucas himself spoke candidly about the issue at the Cannes Film Festival. In his view, the issues are exaggerated. “They would say, ‘It’s all white men,’” he complained, before venting.

“Most of the people are aliens! The idea is you’re supposed to accept people for what they are, whether they’re big and furry or whether they’re green or whatever. The idea is all people are equal… In the first one, there were a few Tunisians who were dark, and in the second one I had Billy Williams, and the [prequels], which they were also criticizing, I had Sam Jackson. He wasn’t a scoundrel like Lando. He was one of the top Jedi.”

Lucas continued, speaking about Star Wars’ portrayal of women and insisting criticism isn’t fair there either.

“Who do you think the heroes are in these stories? What do you think Princess Leia was? She’s the head of the rebellion. She’s the one that’s taking this young kid who doesn’t know anything and this boisterous, I-know-everything guy who can’t do anything and trying to save the rebellion with these clowns … And it’s the same thing with Queen Amidala. You can’t just put a woman in pants and expect her to be a hero. They can wear dresses, they can wear whatever they want. It’s their brains and their ability to think and plan and be logistical. That’s what the hero is.”

Source: Variety