South Park’s latest special episode, titled “Joining the Panderverse,” has caused quite a stir as it skewered Disney for its recent box office slump and accused the studio of lazily recycling the same ideas with diverse casting. The episode took aim at Kathleen Kennedy, the head of Lucasfilm, while also addressing the issue of online trolls who have targeted Kennedy in recent years. This controversial episode has prompted responses from right-wing celebrities such as Elon Musk and Gina Carano.
In the 47-minute special, the character Cartman becomes fearful that he will be replaced by a diverse woman. His fears become a reality when a portal to the multiverse opens up, replacing him with a Black woman while sending Cartman to a universe populated only by women of color. Cartman’s friends express their dissatisfaction with the new Cartman, arguing that the switch “doesn’t make any sense.” The episode cleverly plays with the idea of diversity casting by highlighting the difference between creating new and unique characters versus simply replacing existing characters with diverse versions.
The story then shifts to a meeting of Disney executives, with CEO Bob Iger expressing frustration over the studio’s declining success. The cause behind the multiverse mishap is revealed to be Kathleen Kennedy, who unknowingly tapped into a secret Disney artifact called the “panderstone.” This artifact represents the studio’s tendency to recycle and remake the same ideas over and over again in an attempt to appeal to the widest audience possible. An alternate universe version of Kennedy keeps offering the same note on every franchise project, emphasizing the need to include diverse female characters without considering the depth of their characterizations.
When Cartman finally encounters the real Kennedy, she acknowledges the backlash she has faced for her efforts to promote diversity. She reflects on the hate mail and criticism she has received, which led her to rely on the panderstone instead of doing the necessary work to create great entertainment. In a surprising moment of self-awareness, Cartman apologizes for his own negative behavior in constantly railing against woke culture, recognizing that it’s also a lazy approach. This introspective moment highlights the need for more nuanced discussions and thoughtful criticism of issues related to diversity and representation.
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Elon Musk, known for his controversial opinions and social media presence, posted a laughing emoji and commented that the episode was “timely.” Gina Carano, who was removed from her role in The Mandalorian due to controversial online statements, took the opportunity to criticize Kennedy and the Hollywood trades. She speculated on a potential response from Kennedy, suggesting that she may demand censorship of YouTubers and attempt to silence criticism. Carano’s comments underscore the politically charged nature of the debate surrounding Kennedy and her role at Lucasfilm.
It is essential to note that placing the blame solely on Kathleen Kennedy for Disney’s box office struggles and stock decline is unfair. Kennedy may have received criticism for her management of the Star Wars franchise and its declining box office returns, but she is not responsible for Disney’s overall slate or considered the mastermind behind the company’s so-called “woke push.” As the head of Lucasfilm, she has overseen both successful endeavors like The Mandalorian and critically acclaimed projects like Andor. However, other Lucasfilm titles, such as Obi-Wan and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, have not fared as well.
Kennedy’s role as a high-profile female executive in the entertainment industry has made her a target for online vitriol. It is worth questioning why critics focus so heavily on Kennedy rather than Disney CEO Bob Iger or Marvel president Kevin Feige. The intensity of the hate and speculation surrounding Kennedy’s future with Lucasfilm is highlighted by various articles and online discussions. South Park’s portrayal of this outsized criticism aims to shed light on the disproportionate backlash Kennedy has faced.
In conclusion, South Park’s latest episode tackles the issue of Disney’s recycling of ideas and explores the complexities of diversity casting. The controversial episode has sparked discussions among right-wing celebrities and has prompted scrutiny of Kathleen Kennedy’s role within Lucasfilm. While the episode sheds light on important debates surrounding representation, it is crucial to consider the broader context of Disney’s overall performance and not single out one individual for the company’s struggles.
