Lionsgate Releases Statement Regarding “Ender’s Game”

A recent controversy has sparked up debate over “Ender’s Game” author Orson Scott Card forcing Lionsgate to release a statement on behalf of the upcoming film adaptation set to be released later this year. The controversy begun in march 2013. GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) issued a statement critical of Card and his anti-gay activism, suggesting that the buying public may not “support his creative endeavors”. This led to the group, Geeks Out, launching a website campaign to boycott the film in July 2013. 

In response to the boycott, Card released a statement in July to Entertainment Weekly:

“Ender’s Game is set more than a century in the future and has nothing to do with political issues that did not exist when the book was written in 1984. With the recent Supreme Court ruling, the gay marriage issue becomes moot. The Full Faith and Credit clause of the Constitution will, sooner or later, give legal force in every state to any marriage contract recognized by any other state. Now it will be interesting to see whether the victorious proponents of gay marriage will show tolerance toward those who disagreed with them when the issue was still in dispute.”

Producer of the film, Roberto Orci, responded in Entertainment Weekly in March that he wasn’t aware of Card’s views when he took on the film adaptation:

“It didn’t occur to me to do background checks on anybody.” He also added that “the movie should be judged on its message, not the personal beliefs of the original author,” who had minimal involvement in the film. He also said that “If it’s on the screen, then I think it’s fair game.”

Lionsgate responded to the controversy today stating,

“As proud longtime 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 recognized 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 Organization 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.”

The big screen adaptation of “Ender’s Game” was directed by Gavin Hood and stars Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Harrison Ford, Hailee Steinfeld, Abigail Breslin, Viola Davis, Nonso Anozie, Stevie Ray Dillmore, Andrea Powell, Moises Arias, Conor Carroll, Aramis Knight, Brandon Soo hoo, Jimmy “Jax” Pinchak, Suraj Parthasarathy and Khylin Rhambo. The movie hits theaters and IMAX on November 1.