Diego Luna’s role as Cassian Andor in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has resonated with Latino audiences looking to see themselves in blockbuster films—and to hear themselves. One aspect of Luna’s portrayal of the Rebel pilot-turned-Rogue stealer of Death Star plans that has earned praise from fans since the first Rogue One trailer was his decision to keep his natural accent. As Remezcla writer Yara Simón pointed out when the film was released, “It’s refreshing, especially when a Spanish accent is still used largely for comedic effect across film and television in the US. A humorous tone wouldn’t exactly work with this entry into the series, and yet the film doesn’t make a big deal about his accent. And no one struggles to understand him.”
Luna has said that the opportunity for representation gives him hope, and called himself “the luckiest Mexican in all of the galaxy.” He’s also aware of how his role has affected fans; recently he shared a heartwarming post from Tumblr user riveralwaysknew, who brought her Mexican father to see Rogue One because she wanted him “to experience what it was like to see a hero in a blockbuster film, speak the way he does.”
Here’s the post in full:
And in case you were wondering, riveralwaysknew does know about Luna tweeting her post, and can’t wait to pass the message on to her “very chill dad” who “is going to FREAK OUT.”
via Twitter Moments and The Daily Dot
