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He also pointed out his goal to create stories that honor the source material, noting that he approaches the franchise without cynicism. Gilroy emphasized that he appreciates the enthusiasm of fans, whether they are newcomers or longtime devotees, and he aims to respect their deep connection to Star Wars.
The Misrepresentation by Mainstream Media
Despite Gilroy’s clear tribute to fans' passion, the media exaggerated his comments into claims that he was attacking or criticizing fan toxicity. In reality, Gilroy did not condemn fans but instead acknowledged their passionate and caring nature. He also briefly mentioned the challenges faced by Kathleen Kennedy, noting her resilience in handling online criticism—a task that requires "thick skin."