The director of Ender’s Game has labelled the homophobic views of the Orson Scott Card, the book’s author, “dreadfully ironic,” as many LGBT groups plan to boycott the upcoming film.

Ender’s Game author Orson Scott Card has been in the spotlight recently. But not all publicity is good publicity, particularly when comments made by the author are leading LGBT groups to plan a boycott of the highly anticipated film adaptation.

In an interview with The Advocate, Ender’s Game director Gavin Hood has spoken out in defence of the movie, in an attempt to distance the production from Card’s unpopular opinions.

“Orson wrote a book about compassion, and empathy, and yet he himself is struggling to see that his position in real life is really at odds with his art,” says Hood.

Hood’s attempt to draw attention to the disconnect between the message of Ender’s Game and the beliefs of the author is not without foundation. Many readers of the book have long read the character of Ender as a gay teenager, and the story as an allegory for the experience many gay teenagers face in today’s society.

Hood also addresses the planned boycott, saying “I fully understand the position of those seeking a boycott. I really do,” but that “it’s so ironic that the themes and positions in the film are completely the opposite of what its author is now saying.”

In respose to Card’s statements, and criticism of the film as benefiting an anti-LGBT author, Lionsgate has planned a premiere that will benefit pro-LGBT causes.

In a statement the studio said, “Lionsgate will continue its longstanding commitment to the LGBT community by exploring new ways we can support LGBT causes and, as part of this ongoing process, will host a benefit premiere for Ender’s Game.”

LGBT group Geeks OUT have been advocating a boycott of Ender’s Game since July, when Card spoke out about gay marriage, calling it “moot.”

Orson Scott Card was not involved in the Ender’s Game panel at Comic-Con in July, where fans saw exclusive new footage from the film. Hypable was at the panel, and you can read our recap for a description of the new footage.