Recently, many adaptations and retellings have taken the route of gender-switching or race-swapping characters from their source materials to promote more diversity. Audiences have seriously criticized this step for several reasons. They believe there is no need to do such a thing and that pre-existing characters who are already female, and/or of color, should be given a chance in the light instead of changing the traits of those already established.
The latest example of such a phenomenon was Disney announcing who would be playing the role of the Silver Surfer in Marvel’s Fantastic Four. Recently, it was revealed that Julia Garner will be playing a version of the character in the film, who has been predominately male through several comic variants. The announcement has infuriated fans in a way rarely seen in the community.
Bob Iger, the CEO of Disney, gave an interview where he talked about the stance of his entertainment company when it comes to politics and woke culture. The statement that he released goes completely against the actions of the company.
Bob Iger Has Made Disney’s Priorities Clear
Recently, the CEO of Disney, Bob Iger, made an appearance at an annual shareholder’s meeting, via The Hollywood Reporter, where he talked about whether his company will ever dabble in politics. He was quick to reply that they have one clear goal and it most certainly does not involve pushing their political opinions on their audiences.
“Our job is to entertain first and foremost, and by telling great stories, we continue to have a positive impact on the world and inspire future generations, just as we’ve done for over 100 years. Disney has always been and will continue to be a source of hope, joy and optimism for people of all ages. We’re committed to telling stories that reflect the world around us and using those stories to entertain people from all walks of life.”
Their goal is to create content that entertains their audiences. For this, they often have to match the views and opinions of the people they are trying to appeal to. They are interested in telling beautiful stories from people all over the world and do not want to get mixed up in bureaucracy while they do this.
While this makes quite a lot of sense for the company, recent changes to the Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four have turned fans suspicious about its authenticity.
Disney and Its “Lack of An Agenda”
Bob Iger then went on to talk about how although Disney has been dabbling in telling lesser-known stories, they are not trying to enforce any sort of agenda on their audiences. The philosophy that the company follows is one of kindness and doing good in the world. In their pursuit of such a goal, they do not wish for politics to hamper them.
“I’ve always believed that we have a responsibility to do good in the world. But we know our job is not to advance any kind of agenda. So as long as I’m in the job, I’m going to continue to be guided by a sense of decency and respect. And we will always trust our instincts.”
Iger further added that as long as he is still working as the CEO of Disney, he will make sure that this is achieved. His vision could take the company in a bright direction, however, not all is what it seems.
….a few minutes later… pic.twitter.com/Oem1sud4Od
— Evil Bob Chapek 😈 (Parody) (@Evil_Bob_Chapek) April 3, 2024
Although these are some very kind words from Iger, fans cannot help but feel odd about what has happened with Marvel, considering how Disney often gets the first authority on bigger decisions. Even though the businessman said that the company had no ulterior motives, the change in the gender of the Silver Surfer seemed almost unnecessary.
Disney is losing millions on millions on all their woke trash productions. Eventually they’ll get the picture…
— LarZen (@_LarZen_) April 3, 2024
That's NOT what their current media content says.
— CantonMB (@canton_mb) April 3, 2024
Immediately announces female silver surfer…
— LFC Red (@LFCExpat) April 4, 2024
Then proceeds to announce a female Silver Surfer in their new fantastic four movie.
— jay 🇨🇦 (@JB_611) April 3, 2024
The series is known for having diversity and rather than bringing a female villain from the Fantastic Four’s rouge gallery, they changed the gender of one of their most iconic characters with no weight behind it. Fans find the words that he spoke and the actions of the company to juxtapose each other and they are not happy.
