Lionsgate Responds To ‘Ender’s Game’ Boycott

Just six days remain until Lionsgate brings its new big budget sci-fi franchise Ender’s Game to Comic-Con, where the studio is keeping controversial author and anti-gay advocate Orson Scott Card out of its panel line-up. But an online protest calling out Card for his inflammatory past remarks has now prompted Lionsgate to step into the fray for some damage control. The “Skip Ender’s Game” petition hosted by Geeks OUT calls for fans to boycott the Summit-released November 1 pic in theaters, on DVD, and On Demand and to avoid buying merchandising and toys to “keep your money out of Orson Scott Card’s pockets.” Card responded to the furor with his own cry for tolerance last week, which only stoked the fire. The studio today announced unspecified plans to host a benefit premiere to support LGBT causes. Here’s Lionsgate’s statement:

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.

Dominic Patten contributed to this report.