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One of the most controversial aspects of this new phase is the hiring of Charmine Boy Choi to direct the Rey film. Choi, self-described as an activist, has little to no experience with large-scale Hollywood filmmaking, especially within the science fiction or fantasy genres. Her background primarily involves documentaries about women being oppressed—hardly a resume suited for leading a blockbuster film in the Star Wars saga.
Nevertheless, she was touted as a groundbreaking hire, becoming the first woman and person of color to direct a Star Wars film. This "historic first" was celebrated by mainstream media and Disney executives, especially Kathleen Kennedy, who expressed excitement about creating "something very special" and emphasized the importance of diversity.