Lionsgate has responded to the petition to boycott the big-screen adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game, starring Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley, by setting up an LGBT benefit premiere screening.
Since Orson Scott Card came out as an anti-gay advocate, there has been a storm of controversy surrounding the author. Skip Ender’s Game, the petition to boycott the film, is encouraging people to avoid the film entirely, but Lionsgate have released a statement (via Deadline) which emphasises the irrelevance of Card’s beliefs to the film, their history of LGBT-friendly filmmaking and the fact that they do not agree with Card’s position.
“As proud long-time supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from Gods And Monsters to The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and a company that is proud to have recognised same-sex unions and domestic partnerships within its employee benefits policies for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organisation for Marriage. However, they are completely irrelevant to a discussion of Ender’s Game. The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message. Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for Ender’s Game.”
Ender’s Game is released 25 October.
