Carrie Fisher Gives Her Opinion On Slave Leia Star Wars Merchandise Controversy

Recently, rumors began spreading across the internet that Star Wars merchandise featuring the “Slave Leia” costume that Carrie Fisher wore in Return of the Jedi (1983) would be retired. The reason? Some believe that outfit and the name attached to it are demeaning, degrading and offensive. Some have even changed the costume’s name to the PC-friendly “Hutt-Slayer Leia.”

Much of the uproar really began when parents became upset with a “Slave Leia” action figure is being sold in toy aisles. They believe it is far too racy to be viewed by children. Now Wall Street Journal has chatted with Carrie Fisher about the controversy surrounding the costume and the 59-year-old actress offered a surprising response.

WSJ: There’s been some debate recently about whether there should be no more merchandise with you in the “Return of the Jedi” bikini.

Carrie Fisher: I think that’s stupid.

WSJ: To stop making the merchandise?

Carrie Fisher: The father who flipped out about it, “What am I going to tell my kid about why she’s in that outfit?” Tell them that a giant slug captured me and forced me to wear that stupid outfit, and then I killed him because I didn’t like it. And then I took it off. Backstage.

The film stars Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew and Max Von Sydow. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk are producing with Tommy Harper and Jason McGatlin serving as executive producers. The screenplay is by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opens in U.S. theaters on December 18. The Han Solo film will arrive in theaters May 25, 2018.