Comic

Lionsgate deftly skirted the brewing Orson Scott Card controversy when producer Roberto Orci said the filmmakers and the company will use the spotlight provided by protests over the author's gay marriage views to support LGBT causes.

The Summit/Lionsgate panel, which included the first substantial footage from the sci-fi movie, featured Orci, director Gavin Hood, stars Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld and Harrison Ford on stage. But moderator Chris Hardwick didn't bring up the author's anti-gay views during his banter with the filmmakers.

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Cut to the first fan question -- which naturally addressed Orson Scott Card's repeated statements opposing gay marriage, and how they affected the movie.

"The truth is...you never want to court controversy, said Orci. "But we decided to use the attention on us to support Lionsgate's statement of support of LGBT rights.

He continued: "A lot of people are working on this movie and I would have their efforts thwarted. The message of the movie and book are message of empathy and compassion. So rather than shy away, we are happy to embrace it and use the spotlight to say we support LGBT rights."

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However, Orci didn't give details on what form that support would take.

Lionsgate issued a statement calling itself "proud longtime supporters of the LGBT community" and that it does "not agree with the personal views of Orson Scott Card and those of the National Organization for Marriage" [the anti-same-sex marriage organization associated with Card].

"The simple fact is that neither the underlying book nor the film itself reflect these views in any way, shape or form. On the contrary, the film not only transports viewers to an entertaining and action-filled world, but it does so with positive and inspiring characters who ultimately deliver an ennobling and life-affirming message."

With that squared away, the panel turned its attention to being what Comic-Con does best: Embarrassing stars.

"If Han Solo and Indiana Jones met..." one fan asked before Hardwick cut him off.

"Okay, just stop right there." Then he paused. "No, I want to know, too, dammit."

Then the fan continued: "What would they say to each other?"

Ford rolled his eyes and shook his head. "'Hi, how are you?'" he said gruffly.

The crowd laughed and clapped throughout the entire exchange.

(No time for love, Dr. Jones?)