Central to the narrative of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is Cal Kestis, the red-haired Padawan portrayed by Cameron Monaghan, best known for his work in Shameless. Insight from Nora Shramek, who previously worked as a lighting designer at Respawn Entertainment, reveals that the studio had broader ideas about who should carry the main character.
According to Shramek, many team members hoped the lead could be a Black woman or simply a Black character. Management reportedly pushed back, noting that there were already two Black characters in the game and pointing to the broader Star Wars trilogy’s focus on a prominent female lead. This tension highlights how decisions about representation can unfold within large game studios, even when there are passionate advocates for more diverse casting.
The discussions extended to visual design possibilities for Black characters. One suggestion mentioned during a meeting proposed making facial features appear shinier, a description tied to the belief that Black skin appears different in certain lighting. Such comments underscore ongoing debates about how characters are portrayed visually and the language used to describe those portrayals.
Observers contend that racial and gender dynamics in development can steer industry attitudes over time, shaping how creators approach character design, storytelling, and inclusive representation. These conversations can influence the atmosphere of studios and influence the kinds of stories that reach audiences.
As for the project’s trajectory, EA is moving forward with a sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Announcements around the sequel are anticipated as part of Star Wars Celebration, with insiders and recent financial reporting pointing to a potential early 2023 release window. The anticipation surrounding the follow-up reflects a broader industry interest in expanding beloved franchises while navigating the evolving expectations of players around representation and inclusivity in new installments.
Note: The content above summarizes industry discussions and public speculation around character development and representation in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and its sequel, reflecting a range of viewpoints from people connected to the project and related commentary.