The Walt Disney Company at Risk of “Fascism,” Says ‘Star Wars’ Actor
One actor from Star Wars is signaling hesitation about returning to the franchise. His comments arrive at a moment when both the series and its studio backer, The Walt Disney Company, are facing renewed scrutiny over creative direction, cultural influence, and leadership decisions.
Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the Star Wars franchise has expanded far beyond theatrical releases. The introduction of films, theme park lands, and a growing slate of Disney+ originals has created an ongoing negotiation between nostalgia and reinvention. The result has drawn intense debate from fans, critics, and even former stars.
The sequel trilogy brought new characters and new arcs, though not all of them landed smoothly with audiences. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017) and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) prompted differing reactions across the fandom. Series like Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Acolyte drew attention but did not universally satisfy those hoping for a return to what they considered the franchise’s roots.
Meanwhile, Disney’s development pipeline has become increasingly difficult to track. Announced projects have stalled, shifted creative teams, or quietly vanished. Rian Johnson’s proposed trilogy has shown no visible progress. Plans involving Taika Waititi remain uncertain. Even Daisy Ridley’s return as Rey appears continually paused amid repeated reshuffles of writers.
Controversy intensified when reports emerged that Disney leadership halted a proposed Adam Driver return in The Hunt for Ben Solo. Fans protested the decision, with some funding a plane banner reading “Save The Hunt for Ben Solo” over The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank. The gesture captured a broader frustration with Disney’s stewardship of the property.
Oscar Isaac’s Hesitation Over Working with Disney
Another former star has now weighed in. Oscar Isaac, who portrayed Resistance pilot Poe Dameron in the sequel trilogy, indicated in an interview that he does not currently plan to return to the franchise.
In fact, Isaac told GQ that he would only reprise the role if The Walt Disney Company does not “succumb to fascism.”
“If that happens, then yeah, I’d be open to having a conversation about a galaxy far away,” he said. “Or any number of other things.”
This comment followed a question referencing Isaac’s earlier remark that he would only return to Star Wars if he “wanted to buy another house.” In the new interview, Isaac distanced himself from that phrasing, calling it “slightly dickish.” He clarified where his hesitation stands now.
“Right now, I’m not so open to working with Disney,” Isaac said, adding he might reconsider if the company “can kinda figure it out.”
The comments arrived shortly after Disney temporarily suspended production of Jimmy Kimmel Live! following Kimmel’s remarks after the brutal assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk. That suspension drew criticism from observers who believed Disney acted under pressure from the Trump administration. Kimmel later returned to the show.
The Broader Corporate Climate
Disney has also adjusted its approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts. Diversity-specific performance targets tied to executive compensation have shifted into broader “talent strategy” categories. The company removed references to the 2021 “Reimagine Tomorrow” initiative from regulatory filings and ended several development programs for underrepresented employees.
Chief human resources officer Sonia Coleman explained that leadership evaluation will now consider how executives uphold company values, bring in varied viewpoints, foster inclusive environments, and support long-term talent development.
Isaac’s remarks reflect an ongoing tension. The actor has also worked with Disney on Moon Knight for Disney+, positioning him close to the company’s future-facing creative strategy. The question now is whether Disney can stabilize its direction enough to bring back the actors and stories audiences still want more of.
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