SeveralStar Warsfans have raised concerns regarding the skin color of the clones seen inThe Bad Batch, particularly compared to their previous appearances. They claim that the show has lightened the characters' skin color, adding a degree of separation between them and Māori actor Temuera Morrison, whose appearance has been the basis of the clones since he first showed up as Jango Fett in 2002’sStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones.
Using the hashtag #UnwhitewashTheBadBatch, fans have been bringing attention to aglaring issue withThe Bad Batch, which recently began its 2nd season. While most clones retain a skin tone more in line with Morrison’s, the titular group of “defectives” seemed to have a lighter shade than the others. The optics there are understandably questionable. While these concerns have been going around for some time, it looks as though the folks behind this particularStar Warsseries have begun to take note.
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In an interview withCollider’s Maggie Lovitt,The Bad Batchdirector Brad Rau took some time to clear up how he and his team have taken these notes from fans into account. “We listened to all the concerns of the fans,” he revealed. “Interestingly, in Season 1, before Season 1 came out, we’re always doing this, we went back to look at the skin tones, and we made some corrections to ensure that we’re being true to the legacy of the clones inClone Wars. Absolutely, 100%.” So at the very least, it looks as though the legitimate issues brought up by fans aren’t falling on plugged ears.
The worries from fans in this particular case have gone back at least 2 years, withwhitewashing concerns surroundingThe Bad Batchcoming to light as early as 2021. Aside from the aforementioned group of main characters, it has also shed light on seeing others like Saw Gerrera (played by Forest Whitaker), whose skin color was curiously lighter inThe Bad Batchdespite being played both on and off-screen by the same Black actor over several years. Based on the show’s newly-premiered second season, it looks like things may be getting better in that regard, but the movement focusing on it has rightfully and understandably remained cautious.
From the clones inStar Warsto the unfortunatewhitewashing of The Ancient One inDoctor Strange, this has been a long-running issue that extends far back in the history of American entertainment. In Hollywood and this country in general, people of color have historically seen far less representation as characters and actors (as well as in other roles in media) than white people. So any attempt to even those scales, as small of a change as it may be, is worth pursuing. In many cases, race doesn’t matter to a character’s identity. But in cases likeThe Bad Batch, it very much does, and that’s important to remember.
Still, it’s nice to know that Rau and his team are aware of this imbalance and are working to be more considerate.The Bad Batchis a solid piece of entertainment, andimproving representation for groupswho don’t often see themselves in mainstream media can only improve its appeal. Here’s hoping the folks at Lucasfilm keep that in mind.
Star Wars: The Bad Batchis available to stream on Disney Plus, with season 2 currently dropping new episodes on Wednesdays.
