In a day and age where nothing goes unnoticed without some sort of controversy, it shouldn’t surprise you that the latest outcry has been so bad – it’s made an actor leave a movie.
Ed Skrein was cast in the upcoming reboot of Hellboy as Major Ben Daimio (who in the comic books is Asian) and the casting caused Twitter complain.
It appears that it got to Skrein, as he has pulled out of the movie, releasing the following statement:
“It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people, and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voice in the Arts. I feel it is important to honour and respect that. There I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately,” the actor wrote in a statement. “Representation of ethnic diversity is important, especially to me as I have a mixed heritage family. It is our responsibility to make more decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity. It is my hope that one day these discussions will become less necessary and that we can help make equal representation in the Arts a reality.”
— Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017
Here are some of the Twitter reactions (since that’s all that matters now):
thank you @edskrein very nicely done… https://t.co/hwCsaf9iZj
— Mike Mignola (@artofmmignola) August 28, 2017
Ed Skrein dropping HB for whitewashing is admirable because it could’ve been huge for him. He’s not an A-lister with opportunity everywhere
— Rohan B. (@Retrohan) August 28, 2017
I have a huge amount of respect for Ed Skrein for stepping away from the part. This is how whitewashing stops. Action >>> words. https://t.co/2GYjYV50rk
— Minty (@mintsanity) August 28, 2017
Good. Live your ideals, folks. https://t.co/MpOmQHbFoR
— Spike @ LibraryCon (@Iron_Spike) August 28, 2017
Man turns down lucrative gig over ethical concerns? Are we living in a Disney movie? This is inspiring.https://t.co/wtAMIz8PME
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) August 28, 2017
Ed Skrein just proved that there’s no excuse for whitewashing in Hollywood. Producers and the studio system need to stop with the bullshit
— Trey R. Norwood (@thewoodsofnor) August 28, 2017
Ed Skrein leaving #Hellboy over whitewashing is dope. But all of the unnecessary Finn Jones backlash later is going to be bullshit. pic.twitter.com/hMefKLA4dm
— Petty ₵ash (@TASKvsTheWorld) August 28, 2017
The last tweet is pretty true, as ‘whitewashing’ controversy got to Iron Fist actor Finn Jones earlier this year. Though, his character was actually white in the comic books, so to refer to his role as that – is silly.
Whatever your thoughts are on this matter – be sure to tell us in the comment section below!