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Studio Behind 'Ender's Game' Says Author's Personal Views Are 'Completely Irrelevant'
Harrison Ford and Asa Butterfield (right) star in the upcoming film adaptation of 'Ender's Game.' (Photo courtesy of Lionsgate)
In response to a planned boycott of their upcoming film Ender's Game, Lionsgate has released a statement that says, "we obviously do not agree with the personal views of [author] Orson Scott Card."
SkipEndersGame.com is calling for a boycott because of the anti-gay marriage stance of Card, who wrote the book in 1984.
Lionsgate addressed the controversy in a statement released today, stressing their long legacy of gay-friendly films and promising a premiere of the movie to benefit LGBT causes.
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.
Card previously issued his own statement, saying that any anti-gay marriage sentiments he expressed prior to the Supreme Court's decision to overturn DOMA are now "moot."
The film, which stars Harrison Ford and Ben Kingsley, opens in November.
Related:
'Ender's Game' Author Responds To Boycott, Says Gay Marriage Issue Is 'Moot'
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