Star Wars: The Force Awakens director J.J. Abrams has noted that the apparent lack of Rey-themed merchandise surrounding the film’s release is “wrong”.
Over the last few weeks, Hasbro has been on the receiving end of public outcry over the company’s decision to omit Rey, arguably Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ lead character, from their line of themed toys.
Abrams was asked how he felt about the situation at the TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour, to which he responded: “You know, I wish I had more details about merchandising and the schedule. I’m learning things as you are, but I will say that it seems preposterous and wrong that the main character of the movie is not well represented in what is clearly a huge piece of the Star Wars world in terms of merchandising.”
Fan complaints had come to a head when fans noticed that Rey was also missing from Hasbro’s Star Wars Monopoly, released in September 2015. The board game features Luke Skywalker, Finn, Kylo Ren, and Darth Vader – yet, Darth Vader doesn’t physically appear in the film.
“…it seems preposterous and wrong that the main character of the movie is not well represented in what is clearly a huge piece of the Star Wars world”
Hasbro initially defended their decision, saying Rey was held back from their line of toys to avoid spoilers, and that “fans will see more Rey product hitting store shelves this month“. The company has since stated to EW that they will be adding Rey into Monopoly later this year.
“I read that she wasn’t in the Monopoly game,” Abrams stated. “and was quickly making phone calls about this because if it were true — and it is true, and now Hasbro, of course, has said they’re going to put Rey in — it doesn’t quite make sense why she wouldn’t be there.”
“She’s somewhat important to the story,” he added.