"Star Wars: The Force Awakens" actor John Boyega has been having a tough time recently - some people have been very publicly upset about his playing a black stormtrooper in the latest Star Wars film.

In the 88-second teaser trailer for the new movie, Boyega takes off his mask in what appears to be the desert of Tatooine. Immediately afterwards, responses to the inclusion of a black stormtrooper made a surge on Twitter with the hashtag #blackstormtrooper. Some comments were also made on Reddit.

However, not all comments were derogatory. Supporters also took to Twitter - writer Iain Macintosh stated, "They'll accept an alien-filled galaxy powered by 'force' but they're not having a black man in uniform?" Joseph Oteng tweeted, "Love how there's 'controversy' over a #BlackStormtrooper. Even in a galaxy far, far, away black people exist and can be dynamic characters too." 

According to CNN, stormtroopers were originally clones of Jango Fett, an ethnic "Mandalorian" played by New Zealand-born actor Temuera Derek Morrison, of partial Maori descent. And for those who are being particular, later in the storyline stormtroopers were recruited from general populations, making Boyega's character's ethnicity quite feasible.

In fact, many black actors have played roles in Star Wars films. Samuel L. Jackson played Jedi Master Mace Windu in three films, and Billy Dee Williams played Cloud City administrator turned Rebel General Lando Calrissian in two films. Darth Vader's famous voice was provided by James Earl Jones, even though the actor under the mask was white.

Boyega has since responded to the media outpour concerning his race, stating, "Thank you for all the love and support! 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. To whom it may concern: Get used to it. :)"