Oscar Isaac has expressed a willingness to reprise his role as Poe Dameron in the “Star Wars” franchise, but under specific conditions regarding Disney’s corporate practices. In an interview with GQ Magazine for its “Men of the Year” 2025 series, Isaac reflected on his previous comments, made to Deadline in 2020, about only returning to the franchise if he needed “another house or something.”
The actor, who recently starred as Victor Frankenstein in a Netflix adaptation of the classic tale, acknowledged his earlier remarks may have come off as dismissive. “That was a real likable quote. Jesus Christ. Y’know, people ask you things, you say stuff, you don’t really think about it that much,” he stated. “I mean, I’d be open to it, although right now I’m not so open to working with Disney. But if they can kinda figure it out and, you know, not succumb to fascism, that would be great.”
Context of Isaac’s Remarks
Isaac’s comments were made shortly after Disney faced backlash for its handling of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, who was removed from the air following conservative criticism of his remarks regarding the death of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The controversy highlighted Disney’s challenges in navigating political pressures, particularly as it relates to the current political climate and reactions to the Trump administration.
Throughout 2023, Disney has been criticized for complying with executive orders from Trump that targeted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives. The studio has also faced scrutiny for self-censorship regarding storylines involving transgender characters, reflecting broader societal tensions.
The Future of ‘Star Wars’
As Lucasfilm continues to develop new projects in the “Star Wars” universe, the question of who from the sequel trilogy might return remains pertinent for fans. The studio has been working to revive the franchise, which has not seen a new film since “The Rise of Skywalker” in December 2019.
Despite the ongoing difficulties in launching new projects, including the recent attempts to develop stories related to the sequel trilogy, Isaac’s return as Poe Dameron may hinge on Disney’s ability to address the concerns he raised. As of now, the prospect of seeing him back in the cockpit of an X-Wing seems uncertain, dependent on changes within the corporate structure and its political affiliations.
Given the complexities of the situation, it remains to be seen how Disney will navigate these challenges while attempting to engage both fans and creators in the beloved franchise. Isaac’s open yet cautious stance reflects a broader sentiment among artists and actors regarding corporate accountability in the current landscape of entertainment.
