Kelly Marie Tran Snubbed From ‘Star Wars’ Merchandise
By Ryan General
Rose Tico, a major character in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi”, has been silently removed from Star Wars merchandise for the next film in the franchise.
The character, played by actress Kelly Marie Tran, was the first woman of color in the Star Wars universe when she was introduced in 2017.
Tran is set to reprise her role in December for “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”.
As one of the film’s leading stars, it is natural to expect her character to be among those in the new Star Wars merchandise line. It was no surprise then when fans immediately noticed that Rose was missing from leaked photos of “The Rise of Skywalker” merchandise.
Fans who are enamored with Tran’s adorable portrayal of the character were even more shocked after no new Rose-themed merchandise was revealed during “Triple Force Friday.”
Rose is also missing on merchandise tied to the Resistance Heroes book and trailers for the upcoming film, prompting fans to ask via the new hashtag #WheresRose?
The hashtag, which soon became viral, took inspiration from the #WheresRey campaign in 2015 when merchandise for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” also lacked representation for Rey, the main character of the latest Star Wars trilogy.
Fans saw the decision to not make her a prominent part of the merchandise then as blatant sexism.
Fans soon became increasingly concerned after more “The Rise of Skywalker” merchandise was revealed.
According to some fans, Rose was also present in early designs for some merchandise, but was removed when they finally hit shelves.
Others have pointed out that her absence from merchandise and trailers could mean a smaller role for Tran in “The Rise of Skywalker”.
Regardless, fans are seeking answers as to why they aren’t seeing her on any promotional materials even if her role was reduced to a minor part.
Disney, where is Rose Tico?
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” stars Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Domhnall Gleeson, Kelly Marie Tran, Joonas Suotamo, Billie Lourd, Naomi Ackie, Richard E. Grant, Keri Russell, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Ian McDiarmid and Billy Dee Williams.
Carrie Fisher will also appear as General Leia Organa through previously unreleased footage shot for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi.”
Featured Image via Twitter / JennyENicholson
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