In a surprising turn of events, acclaimed actor Oscar Isaac has declared he's not interested in returning to the Star Wars universe under Disney's current leadership, citing political concerns about the entertainment giant's response to pressure from former President Donald Trump's administration.
A Political Stance Against Fascism
During a revealing interview with GQ published on Monday, Isaac addressed the possibility of reprising his role as resistance pilot Poe Dameron from the 2015 to 2019 sequel trilogy. The actor made his position clear with a powerful statement: "Right now I'm not so open to working with Disney. But if they can kinda figure it out and, you know, not succumb to fascism, that would be great."
Isaac did leave the door slightly ajar for future collaboration, adding, "But if that happens, then yeah, I'd be open to having a conversation about a galaxy far away. Or any number of other things."
The Jimmy Kimmel Controversy That Sparked the Boycott
The interview, which an editor's note revealed took place just two days after Disney and ABC suspended production on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in September, comes amid ongoing controversy surrounding the company's decision. The suspension followed Kimmel's comments about the death of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk, which triggered widespread conservative backlash.
The decision proved costly for Disney, resulting in thousands of canceled streaming subscriptions and nationwide outrage. Many speculated the companies acted because Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr had suggested his agency would take "action" if Kimmel wasn't addressed, though Carr later denied threatening to revoke ABC's broadcasting license, calling the idea a Democratic "campaign of projection and distortion."
Kimmel returned to air just five days later after intense public pressure and debates over whether the Trump administration was using its power to suppress free speech.
Creative Ambitions Beyond the Galaxy
While Isaac's current stance appears politically motivated, the actor has previously expressed that the Star Wars franchise doesn't align with his creative goals. During a 2020 panel with Deadline, he explained that the sci-fi series was "not really what I set out to do" as an actor.
"What I set out to do was to make handmade movies, and to work with people that inspire me," Isaac elaborated at the time, suggesting his career aspirations extend beyond blockbuster franchises.
The combination of political concerns and creative differences now places significant distance between the talented actor and one of Hollywood's most lucrative franchises, leaving fans wondering if they'll ever see Poe Dameron fly again.
