Actor John Boyega of the upcoming film "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" has responded to criticisms following the release of the movie's first teaser trailer.
"Thank you for all the love and support!" wrote the British actor over Instagram. "The fan mail and fan art has added to my joy! Isn't it crazy that Star Wars is actually happening? 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."
Ending his message of excitement, the actor made a side comment regarding the number of comments on Boyega and the idea of a black stormtrooper.
"To whom it may concern... Get used to it. :)" wrote the actor to internet trolls.
The 22-year-old actor is the first face featured in the franchise's seventh installment where he is seen in an anxious and problematic state while dressed as a Stormtrooper.
Buzzfeed noted that "Episode VII" director J.J. Abrams chose to highlight the new characters rather than the original cast, who are all reprising their roles in the newest film.
The reaction to Boyega over social media was instantaneous.
One Twitter member wrote with the handle Dave RetroYak (@RetroYak) wrote: "The new Star Wars trailer... I'm calm... "There has been an awakening, have you felt it..?" IT'S A BLACK GUY STORMTROOPER, OMFG Whaaaaaat?!"
The new Star Wars trailer... I'm calm... "There has been an awakening, have you felt it..?" IT'S A BLACK GUY STORMTROOPER, OMFG Whaaaaaat?!
— Dave RetroYak (@RetroYak) November 28, 2014
"Wtf why is there a black stormtrooper. Stormtroopers can't be black because they're clones of a white dude," said Alek (@Hay_Bales_) in a Tweet.
The Hollywoord Reporter notes that the 88 second trailer ha already surpassed the trailer views of "Fifty Shades of Grey" and is nearing the "Avengers: Age of Ultron" stats with over 40 million YouTube views in less than 72 hours.
According to the site, the "Fifty Shades" trailer, which dropped in July of this year raked in 36.4 million YouTube views over its first four days while the "Avengers" sequel took in 50.6 million during its first five days, making it the biggest debut trailer in 2014.
Not much is known about the plot of the film, only that it takes place 30 years after the events of "Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi."
"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is out on Dec. 18, 2015 under Disney and Lucasfilm.
If you haven't already, see the trailer for the 7th Star Wars film below:
