'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' UK premiere interrupted by Extinction Rebellion protesters dressed up as franchise characters
The UK premiere of 'Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker' was interrupted by Extinction Rebellion protesters on December 18. As reported by NME, the activists were dressed up as characters from the franchise and they invaded the blue carpet at London’s Leicester Square holding signs calling the head honchos of the film industry to "tell the truth on climate change."
The site also added a quote from the spokesperson who explained the group's intention. "[They] did not intend to shut down the premiere, but to make sure their message was heard."
According to the Independent, Alfie Warren-Knight, founder of #FilmStrikeforClimate, added: "At the world government summit in Dubai, Harrison Ford said ‘We are faced with, I believe, the greatest moral crisis of our time." "The film industry must use its influence and story-telling powers to help people around the world understand the urgency of the situation and to spark widespread public discussion about the climate and ecological emergency before it’s too late. It has shown in the past how it can mobilize around other important issues in society such as the #MeToo movement."
"The industry must show a brighter future is still possible, and inspire people to rise up against the ‘Evil Empire’ of ecocidal business-as-usual. We need radical culture and system change to prevent climate and ecological breakdown, and must join forces to improve our chances of a liveable future."
Despite the mixed reactions, early BO predictions for the final installment of the epic saga are pretty high and is touted to easily vault over 'Cats'.
'Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker' is out in cinemas.