It's rare for an adaptation of a book as popular as Ender's Game to be subject to mass boycotts upon reaching the box office. The controversy in this case is not about the book itself but about its author, Orson Scott Card, and the large donations he has made to campaigns against gay rights. Now, according to The Wrap, studio insiders have claimed that Card's contract does not include any share of the film's takings.
This does not mean that Card has gained nothing from the film. In 1996 he received £1.5 million for the film rights. It is also probable that the film will encourage people to buy his books. However, it will reduce the concerns of those who fear that buying tickets is directly contributing to Card's chosen cause.
In an effort to allay concerns, the studio has also organised several special screenings with the profits going directly to gay rights causes.
Harrison Ford, who stars in the film and has been a longstanding fan of the book, has said that he hesitated to be involved because he dislikes Card's politics, but that he concluded they are very far removed from the politics of the book and film themselves. He argues that, by encouraging tolerance and understanding, the film directly challenges the kind of attitude Card holds today.
