Black fans and stars continue to fight for inclusion in science fiction and fantasy worlds

For fans of science fiction, fantasy and comic books, characters and stories provide more than just entertainment; they provide a sense of belonging, identity and often an escape from reality. For Black fans and actors in these genres, however, this connection is often overshadowed by bigotry and harassment. Throughout the long history of science fiction and fantasy, the presence of Black characters has often been met with resistance, even as movements like Afrofuturism have gained prominence by celebrating Black stories in speculative spaces.

The sinister side of fandom and historical exclusion

The recent rise of toxic fandom — where fans harass Black actors or creators — is part of a broader pattern of exclusion and racism that dates back decades. From the early days of sci-fi and fantasy, black characters were often sidelined, typecast, or absent altogether. As breakthrough roles emerged – such as Nichelle Nichols’ portrayal of Lt. Uhura in “Star Trek” – these were important moments for representation. However, they also faced resistance from parts of the fandom who invoked the excuse of “historical accuracy” and allowed the genres to perpetuate the idea that only white people read, watch and play with science fiction and fantasy products, reported The Carrot.

The backlash against black actors has continued well into modern times, thanks to John Boyega’s experience as Finn Star Wars to Moses Ingram’s portrayal of Reva in “Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Both faced waves of online harassment that exposed deep-seated racism within fandom communities. The problem is not new: Black actors in these spaces have historically been treated as interlopers rather than welcome members of the speculative storyworld.

Afrofuturism and the struggle for representation

Against this backdrop, the Afrofuturist movement has emerged as a powerful counter-narrative. Combining science fiction, history and fantasy, Afrofuturism reclaims space for black characters and stories, envisioning a future where black people are at the center of technological and social progress. The popularity of films like Black Panther and novels like those of Octavia Butler Related have shown that there is a hunger for black-centered stories in speculative fiction.

These stories are more than just entertainment; they offer a vision of empowerment. Yet the presence of black characters in mainstream franchises often provokes a toxic response from parts of the fandom that feel ownership over these universes. This sense of entitlement – ​​often tinged with racism – is reflected in the online harassment directed at black actors.

The silence of business

Amid this harassment, companies like Disney — which has capitalized on Black audiences — have been criticized for their lukewarm responses. Jodie Turner-Smith, star of “The Acolyte,” recently expressed her frustration Glamor Britain with the lack of corporate action against racist attacks.

“They need to stop doing this kind of thing where they don’t say anything when people are being bombarded with racism and b…” on the internet,” Turner-Smith said. “It’s just not fair not to say anything. It’s really unfair.”

For many, this silence reflects a broader neglect of the audiences who help support these franchises.

The role of the community

While corporate responsibility is critical, much of the meaningful resistance to this poisoning comes from actors and fans themselves. High-profile figures such as Ewan McGregor and the cast of The Lord of the Rings have publicly supported their black colleagues and set a positive example for the broader fandom. These acts of solidarity highlight how the science fiction and fantasy communities can create spaces that are inclusive and welcoming to all fans, regardless of race.

A call to redefine fandom

The history of black characters in science fiction and fantasy is one of both progress and resistance. From early pioneers like Nichelle Nichols to modern-day stars like John Boyega, their presence has always sparked debate within fan communities. As Afrofuturism continues to grow and diverse characters become more common in these worlds, fandoms must evolve. We must move away from a culture that clings to exclusionary ideals and instead embrace a culture that celebrates diversity as essential to storytelling.

Ultimately, the worlds of spaceships, superheroes, and speculative futures should be places of inspiration and imagination for everyone. By rejecting racism and toxicity, fans and companies alike have the power to reshape these communities into spaces of joy, inclusivity and creativity – much like the Afrofuturist future that shows us what could be possible when all voices are heard.