In a time of increased attention and discussion about significant social issues such as sexism and gender equality, it may come as no surprise that the famously sexual depiction of Princess Leia as "Slave Leia" in
Return of the Jedi has attracted some scrutiny of its own.
While many are quick to defend "Slave Leia" with arguments that the costume is no more revealing than a bikini, it is hard to deny the association with sex and bondage that helped catapult Fisher to geek sex icon status. Sources now report that Disney is looking to distance their newly acquired princess from the image used in many a fanboy fantasy, and will be discontinuing all future merchandise with depictions of "Slave Leia."
Fisher, who is reprising the role of Leia in
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has been quoted as saying to actress Daisy Ridley to
fight for your outfit. Don't be a slave like I was .
Additionally, artist J. Scott Campbell who works in merchandising for Marvel and the Star Wars franchise stated on his Facebook that
Daisy Ridley won’t have to fight against anything. Disney is already well on it’s way to wiping out the 'slave' outfit from any future products period. You will NOT see any future merchandising featuring the slave outfit ever again Trust me […] I’ve heard it from two sources. We can’t even draw Leia in a sexy pose at Marvel, let alone in that outfit! We also had a 3-D[Slave Leia] statue killed at a major manufacturer because there will no longer be any [Slave Leia] merchandise.
So what are your thoughts? Is the possible elimination of "Slave Leia" from future merchandising a big deal, or has Disney crossed the line with a beloved (albeit barely dressed) geek symbol? Leave your thoughts below.
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