Why Oscar Isaac Actually Loves The Fan Backlash Against Star Wars: The Last Jedi

Poe Dameron In His X-Wing Oscar Isaac STar Wars The Last Jedi

When it comes to the controversy surrounding Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Oscar Isaac's Poe Dameron is a frequent subject of conversation. There is no denying that he makes some questionable moves in the film, and there are some fans out there who were not too happy to watch them. If you think this upsets Isaac at all, however, then you are completely wrong - as the actor has actually fully embraced the backlash:

I love that. It's incredible, because you have people actually engaging with the ethical question of war and what leadership is. The last thing you want is for people to watch a movie and be like, 'Great,' and then move on. With [The Last Jedi], the conversation continues and can stir real emotions. You're having a conversation about actual things that matter, you know?

The actor is currently on the press tour for his new movie Operation Finale, and while sitting down with Yahoo! he was asked how he feels about the conversation surrounding Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Last Jedi over the last eight-and-a-half months. It turns out that Oscar Isaac doesn't care so much about the words being said, as much as the passion behind them. While there may be some negative perspectives out there, he's just happy people are excited to talk about the film and its impact.

For those that don't remember Poe Dameron's part in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, he opens the film by going against direct orders and executing a bombing run that results in serious decimation to the fleet of the Resistance. It's an action which results in a demotion - but he doesn't learn his lesson very fast. Within hours he finds himself executing a secret plan that goes against the instructions of Admiral Holdo, and not only does the whole thing blow up in his face when the mission fails, but we learn there was much more stable strategy in play the whole time.

It's understandable that people would find Poe Dameron to be a controversial figure after the events of Star Wars: The Last Jedi... because that's basically the point. Like many other characters in the sci-fi universe, he is a flawed individual, and sometimes way too headstrong for his own good. It worked to his advantage often in the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, but the second story in the trilogy establishes that there are some very real consequences for his philosophy. It sets up J.J. Abrams' Star Wars: Episode IX with the opportunity to set up a redemptive arc for Poe, and that's perfect for the larger narrative.

Right now we don't know much about what Poe Dameron will be doing by the time we catch up with him in the next chapter of the saga - but for now the debate over his motivations and choices in Star Wars: The Last Jedi can continue without end. The sci-fi blockbuster is now available on Digital, 4K, Blu-ray and DVD.

Eric Eisenberg
Assistant Managing Editor

Eric Eisenberg is the Assistant Managing Editor at CinemaBlend. After graduating Boston University and earning a bachelor’s degree in journalism, he took a part-time job as a staff writer for CinemaBlend, and after six months was offered the opportunity to move to Los Angeles and take on a newly created West Coast Editor position. Over a decade later, he's continuing to advance his interests and expertise. In addition to conducting filmmaker interviews and contributing to the news and feature content of the site, Eric also oversees the Movie Reviews section, writes the the weekend box office report (published Sundays), and is the site's resident Stephen King expert. He has two King-related columns.