Will Audiences Boycott 'Ender's Game'?

On Nov. 1, Ender's Game, the adaptation of Orson Scott Card's 1980s sci-fi book series, will hit theaters. And though fans of the franchise might be excited to see Hailee Steinfeld and Harrison Ford bring the film to the big screen, the bad buzz behind the film has already begun.

It's no fault of Ender's Game the film, however — author Card is famously against homosexuals and same-sex marriage, having spoken out regularly against the LGBT community. Anger surrounding Hollywood's willingness to bring one of Card's films to screen — despite his homophobic views — have led to petitions filed against the film, and even a boycott of the Nov. 1 movie.

The studio behind the film, however, is doing its best to fill the seats come this November. In a statement, Lionsgate insisted that it is a "longtime supporter" of LGBT rights, having released gay-friendly features like Gods and Monsters and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Said the studio in a statement: "As ... 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."

But does the studio's statement make a difference? Can audiences go see a film that will put money in Card's pocket in good conscious? The studio will continue to face criticism leading into its appearance at 2013's Comic-Con, but it will remain to be seen what's in the (Orson Scott) cards when it comes to Ender's Game.

Image: Lionsgate