Speculative fiction imagines impossible futures and alternative pasts, alien species and angelic monsters, technological marvels and magical solutions. In recent years, however, many in its fandoms have protested the inclusion of non-white, non-male, and non-heterosexual characters as betrayals of their beloved media for the sake of “wokeness.” Nostalgic Futures: The Reactionary Fantasies of Speculative Fiction Fandoms examines how contemporary fan controversies— particularly those surrounding gender, race, and sexuality in speculative fiction media—intersect with reactionary movements within and beyond fandom. This book explores how the nostalgic fantasies of fans and far-right movements contribute to broader reactionary discourses, shaping not only the past they long for but the future they fear. From the Hugo Awards and PuppyGate to Star Wars’ #NotMyJedi to Mass Effect and The Last of Us boycotts, Nostalgic Futures reveals how speculative fiction fandom has become a site of contestation over our visions of the past, present, and future.

MAX DOSSER is a senior lecturer in the Department of Communication Studies at Vanderbilt University.

Contents
Introduction: The Clocks Strike Thirteen
1    A History of Speculative Media Fandoms and Politics
2    The Modalities of Reactionary Nostalgia in the Hugo Awards’ PuppyGate
3    The Love, Hate, and White Supremacy of The Last Jedi Anti-Fans
4    BioWare’s Shame, Naughty Dog’s Pride, and the Compulsory Heterosexuality of Video Game Fan Communities
Conclusion: All This Happened
Acknowledgements
Notes
Bibliography
Index