It’s called marketing. Virtually all of the huge blockbusters are science fiction or fantasy these days. Do you really think only “sci-fi” fans saw Avatar? Or the Transformer movies? The actual readers of the book are NOT what they’re relying on. The book gives them a base, as well as a story, name recognition and a certain cachet. But for actual viewers, it’s all about marketing and word of mouth.
Bigots and right wingers see movies, too–and they have to decide which from a list of available ones when they do. If the movie is watchable, and well marketed, it would just take a few diatribes by Rush or Hannity to turn it into a “cause”. And the best kind of cause, like in the Chick-fil-a case, is one that is painless to participate in, yet gives a sense of righteousness.
Sorry if I sound pessimistic. I read and loved the book, but won’t see the movie. I certainly think boycotts often work. I just worry this one is more vulnerable to being countered than most is all I’m sayin’.
