The studio behind the upcoming adaptation of the book Ender’s Game, a film targeted by gay rights advocates for the author’s views against same-sex marriage, has a new plan to stop the controversy in its tracks.
Lionsgate announced it will throw a benefit premiere for the LGBT community as part of its theatrical push behind the adaptation of Orson Scott Card’s sci-fi story. The studio released the following statement today, a reaction in part to a recent vow by the group Geeks OUT to boycott all products related to the film.
As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from Gods and Monsters to The Perks of Being a Wallflower and a company that is proud to have recognized same-sex unions and domestic partnerships within its employee benefits policies for many years, we obviously do not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage. However, they are completely irrelevant to a discussion of Ender’s Game. The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message. Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for Ender’s Game.
Ender’s Game, which stars Harrison Ford, Ben Kingsley and Asa Butterfield, hits theaters Nov. 1.
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