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Despite these numbers, official outlets and Disney executives have attempted to spin the reaction positively, claiming the trailer "set a record" for views. However, they have been notably silent or dismissive regarding the actual fan sentiment. Instead of acknowledging the groundswell of criticism, they suggest that fans are simply being "toxic" or ungrateful—a common refrain when fans reject political or ideological shifts in beloved franchises.
Divisions and the "Wokeness" Debate
Media outlets such as Screen Rant have tried to frame the controversy as a "divide" within the Star Wars community. They cite criticisms about wokeness—a term used to describe the show's perceived emphasis on social justice themes—and suggest that some fans are unfairly targeting the series.