As someone who has been a part of various fandoms throughout my life, I can attest to the fact that toxic fans do exist and they are a real problem. I remember being thrilled about the release of “Ghostbusters” in 2016, only to see the online backlash against it before anyone even saw the movie. The same thing happened with “The Last Jedi,” where star Kelly Marie Tran was targeted by bigoted harassment. It’s disappointing to see that certain segments of fandom can be so critical and negative, especially when it comes to projects that feature more diverse casts.
As a devoted cinephile, it’s hard not to notice the prevalence of toxic fans in today’s entertainment landscape, from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) to Star Wars and even Lord of the Rings. Studios are constantly grappling with finding solutions to combat aggressive fan behavior, such as taking control of a star’s social media accounts. Despite the immense admiration these franchises garner, they also attract critics, demolishers, and even attackers who are quick to criticize any new addition within their beloved series. Unfortunately, reports of toxic fan actions have become all too common, with shows like House of the Dragon facing review-bombing due to a simple romantic gesture between two women on screen. It’s an ongoing battle for actors, filmmakers, and studios to navigate these potentially profitable franchises while ensuring their own mental and physical wellbeing.
A recent study by Variety delves into the surge of harmful fan cultures in recent times and how production companies are addressing this issue proactively. The report suggests that aside from sending actors for social media training, studios may seek an actor’s consent to manage their social media accounts when necessary. In severe instances, where actors face threats of violence, these companies bring in security firms to delete sensitive information about the talent from the internet, safeguarding them from cyberbullying. Notably, some studio representatives chose to remain anonymous when speaking with Variety, expressing apprehension over the issue of toxic fandoms that frequently employ targeted harassment and orchestrate negative reviews for specific projects. One studio representative characterized this as a “no-win” scenario.
Studios are increasingly mindful of preempting potential negative reactions, as reported by Variety. Some studios now gather a group of dedicated fans specializing in providing feedback on marketing materials and changes within established franchises or characters. Remarkably, these insights have led to adjustments in studio projects. A high-ranking marketing executive from a leading studio, who preferred anonymity, discussed the emerging trend of handling toxic fan behavior. He stated:
This is just part of the job, but it’s become extraordinarily noisy recently. People seem determined to attack, no matter what. They believe the original version can never be surpassed or that you’ve violated the sanctity of a cherished series, and they’re prepared to criticize you harshly for it.
Toxic Fans are a Real Problem
There are numerous high-profile online hate movements that merit attention, and they can be particularly challenging to disregard. For instance, the 2016 film Ghostbusters received online hostility even before it was screened, with its star Leslie Jones becoming a target of bigoted abuse. Similarly, Kelly Marie Tran deactivated her social media accounts after the release of The Last Jedi. Amandla Stenberg, who stars in The Acolyte, addressed toxic Star Wars fans on social media following the series’ cancellation, as they had criticized it from the moment it was announced. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe increases its focus on female characters, some segments of the fanbase have become increasingly critical. Films such as Captain Marvel, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law, and The Marvels were subjected to greater criticism and review-bombing than their male-led counterparts did not receive. More recently, Rachel Zegler’s casting as Snow White sparked strong opinions from many people concerning an animated fairy tale, a topic that Zegler has since defended.
This is just a small sampling, but it is clear that toxic fandom is a real problem. One TV executive said, “Particularly when it’s a negative, toxic conversation, we don’t even engage. Like with toxic people, you try to not give it too much oxygen. We’ll reply to comments that are positive and elevate those things.” A common source of “criticism” comes from this vocal minority of complaints being rooted in sexist or racist talking points, as seen with the backlash around casting non-white actors for Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. While such critics might say it has nothing to do with race or gender, and is actually about “bad writing,” a pattern emerges: a lot of the projects that tend to get review-bombed are those that put women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color in lead roles.
Given this, it appears that the most suitable approach might be to disregard toxic fans since they represent a minor segment and overestimate their significance or influence. John Van Citters, Vice President of Star Trek brand development who has been part of the franchise since the 1990s, articulated it succinctly when he told Variety, “Most fans are casual. The number of people who are deeply invested in their franchises is relatively small, and those who respond with hostility towards things they claim to love passionately are an even smaller group within that already limited fan base. It’s easier to recognize now. I don’t think it’s any broader than it was in 1995; the difference is that the megaphone wasn’t there.
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2024-10-04 00:34