Oscar Isaac, the acclaimed actor known for his role as Poe Dameron in the recent Star Wars trilogy, has voiced significant hesitation about returning to the Disney fold for another film. His change of heart comes in the wake of the entertainment giant's controversial decision to suspend late-night host Jimmy Kimmel.
From Openness to Reluctance
Isaac's position on reprising his role as the charismatic X-wing pilot has shifted notably over time. He once jokingly stated he would only return to the galaxy far, far away if he "needed another house". However, in August 2025, he struck a more conciliatory tone in an interview with Variety, suggesting he would be open to another Star Wars movie "if there was something good to do with that".
This newfound openness has since been tempered. In a new conversation with GQ, the Emmy-nominated actor was asked about his apparent change of mind. "Yeah. I mean, I'd be open to it, although right now I'm not so open to working with Disney," Isaac clarified. He then added a pointed condition: "But if they can kinda figure it out and, you know, not succumb to fascism, that would be great."
The Jimmy Kimmel Controversy
The catalyst for Isaac's critical comments was Disney's handling of its late-night host. Isaac's interview with GQ was conducted just two days after Jimmy Kimmel was suspended by Disney's network ABC in mid-September.
The suspension was triggered by remarks Kimmel made on his show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, concerning the murder of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The comedian had stated, "We had some new lows over the weekend, with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and with everything they can to score political points from it."
ABC's decision to impose an "indefinite" suspension sparked immediate backlash from various public figures and politicians, who decried the move as an attack on free speech. The controversy was short-lived, as Kimmel was reinstated just four days after Isaac's interview was published.
An Emotional Return and Lasting Repercussions
Upon his return to the airwaves, Kimmel addressed the suspension in an emotional monologue. He quipped, "This country has become so authoritarian, the Germans are like, 'Come here. Cut loose,'" before sincerely thanking his supporters. He expressed profound gratitude to everyone who "supported our show, cared enough to do something about it, to make your voices heard so that mine could be heard."
While the immediate crisis for Kimmel has passed, Isaac's public stance indicates that the incident has had a lasting impact on how some high-profile talent views the corporate giant. For now, a conversation about Poe Dameron's future remains on hold, contingent on more than just a good script.
