British actor John Boyega, who plays a
stormtrooper in the new Star Wars film, has hit back at racist comments
made after the release of the first trailer.
The teaser for Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens has
been viewed over 40 million times since it was posted online on Friday
and caused huge excitement among fans of the sci-fi franchise.Boyega, 22, appears in the video in the first few seconds, wearing the stormtrooper's famous white outfit but without his helmet.
But some on the web questioned director JJ Abrams' decision to cast a black actor as one of the elite soldiers.
In a post on Instagram, Boyega addressed the criticism, writing: "To whom it may concern ... Get used to it :)"
He also thanked people for their support and expressed his excitement at being part of the hugely anticipated film.
"Thank you for all the love and support!," he wrote.
The Millennium Falcon features in the clip
"I'm in the movie but as a star wars fan I am very excited! A year is a long time but it will be worth the wait."
Boyega was supported by Twitter users.
@Marc_IRL tweeted: "Anyone complaining about a black stormtropper should remember the first ones were of Maori descent. Also don't be racist."
The trailer begins with a voiceover saying: "There has been an awakening - have you felt it?" before Boyega's character appears in a vast empty desert.
It also includes Imperial TIE fighters attacking the Millennium Falcon, which was flown by Harrison Ford (Han Solo) in the original movies.
There are also several X-wing fighters flying just above water and a shadowy hooded figure carrying a sword-style light sabre in a snowy forest, with the voiceover saying: "The dark side ... and the light."
This is a reference to the good and evil sides of The Force.
It concludes with the traditional Star Wars theme composed by John Williams.
Star Wars Episode VII will be released in December 2015.
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