Porgs may not be for everyone. That’s fine, maybe even natural. When they showed up in images and Star Wars: The Last Jedi footage over the last few weeks, and then again in Entertainment Weekly‘s big photo blast, my reaction was, “Aw, cute,” followed by, “Ugh. Cute.” Also, “What’s up with their dental hygiene?”
Twitter user Mr. Mondee is firmly on the anti-Porg side, calling them a “blatant” example of movie studio “money grabbing.” It’s a a viewpoint that makes sense. After all, Disney is no doubt going to be selling a titanic amount of Porg toys and figures. Can’t escape that truth.
But Last Jedi writer/director Rian Johnson had a response to his cynicism.
I’m sorry you’re so upset. For me, a big part of why SW engaged me creatively from age 4 – 43 is it’s a world you want to play with.
— Rian Johnson (@rianjohnson) August 10, 2017
I can’t think of a better response. Not least of all because it’s classy, considerate, and underlined by Johnson’s drive as a creative. It recognizes the position of satisfying a wide age-range of fans unique to the Star Wars franchise. After first emerging to the percussive horn blasts of John Williams 40 years ago, and maintaining a large following since, the franchise is a conveyor belt of entertainment whose original fans are now in their 50s and 60s, and whose newest prospective fans were born almost a decade after the Sith took its revenge. That means Ewoks and Porgs and BB-8s all the way down, as well as family drama and war and hands getting chopped off.
Plus, if you don’t think Yoda is cute and for children, some Yoda backpacks and talking dolls to sell you I have.
At the very least, Johnson’s erudite response is a reminder that it’s one thing to judge some promotional pictures, and another to wait to see the character in action.
What do you think? Pro- or anti-Porg?
Image:Â Lucasfilm/Disney
