Lionsgate Reacts To 'Ender's Game' Boycott With LGBT Fundraiser Screening

For some, separating the views of author Orson Scott Card and the content of work has become impossible. Card wrote Ender's Game, one of the most revered sci-fi novels, which is finally the subject of a big budget movie adaptation hitting theaters later this year. However, Card is also a vocal detractor of gay rights and is quite outspoken about the dangers of gay marriage. Because of that, some moviegoers began to organize a boycott of the film.

Lionsgate, the parent company of Summit, which will be releasing Ender's Game on November 1, has now issued a response to the controversy. The studio calls attention to its long history of pro-gay films and promises to hold a fundraising premiere of the film with proceeds going towards the LGBT community.

Here's the full statement via Deadline:

As proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community, champions of films ranging from Gods and Monsters to The Perks of Being a Wallflower and 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.

Card has been PR nightmare for the filmmakers of Ender's Game, which is being viewed as a possible franchise starter in the mold of The Hunger Games. However, it's also an independently financed film, which means a public boycott could be even more detrimental. Hopefully, this sentiment helps curb some of people's rightful venom towards Card. Do you think it'll work?