Diego Luna shares touching story of why representation in film matters

Diversity in Hollywood is as important as it is rare — and a personal story from one San Diego-based Tumblr user makes that abundantly clear.

The 27-year-old, who goes by "Perls," recently shared her experience watching Captain Cassian Andor in Rogue One with her father — and how he felt to see himself, a Mexican man with an accent, represented in a heroic light on the big screen.

Her post was so touching, even Mexican actor and producer Diego Luna — the man who plays Andor himself — had to tweet about it.

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When Andor first spoke in the new Star Wars movie, Perls' father nudged her and said, "He has a heavy accent." He was excited to see someone he could relate to, starring in such a high-grossing film.

"And my dad was so happy," Perls wrote. "As we drove home, he started telling me about other Mexican actors that he thinks should be in movies in America."

Luna has never been shy about celebrating the incredible contributions of Mexican people and culture to the U.S.

"Diversity is the most positive thing of this time," he told Conan O'Brien in December. "The cultural influence of Mexico here is amazing, and it has made this country very rich. It's diversity that makes this country very rich."

Rogue One's cast is the most diverse of any Star Wars film yet. And for people like Perls' father, who don't often see people of color cast in lead roles of big franchises, the significance hasn't gone unnoticed.

Mashable has reached out to Diego Luna's representation and Perls for further comment.