Following a social media-heavy backlash from fans for leaving Rey out of its new Star Wars: The Force Awakens-themed Monopoly, Hasbro has decided to add the central (and female) character played by Daisy Ridley to its latest iteration of the popular board game. The change of heart (and production orders) comes after the company — one of many licensed by the Disney behemoth to create and sell Star Wars products — initially defended Rey’s absence. You know, because “spoilers.”
According to Mashable, Hasbro released an official statement exclaiming the company’s appreciation for Rey and its decision to alter the game:
“We love the passion fans have for Rey, and are happy to announce that we will be making a running change to include her in the Monopoly: Star Wars game available later this year.”
Back in September, the first edition of the company’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens-branded version of the tabletop game came out with much fanfare — mainly because all the other Star Wars merchandise was hitting shelves, too. Come December, however, the #WheresRey hashtag exploded on Twitter and sent fans into a social media-induced fury. The game included Return of Jedi‘s Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, and The Force Awakens‘ Finn and Kylo Ren.
At the time, Hasbro argued that included Rey would be a spoiler “because she (spoiler?) fights Kylo Ren and joins the Rebel Alliance.” This assertion was quickly deflated by the media and Star Wars fans who (a) didn’t think Rey’s inclusion was a spoiler, and (b) wanted to see her in the board game.
(Via Mashable)