Last week it was announced that Ed Skrein had been cast in the Hellboy reboot. However, his casting was controversial and certainly warranted the public outcry that came with it.
Skrein was cast to play Ben Daimio, a character who has always been portrayed as a person of Japanese descent.
In a statement released via Twitter, Skrein (who is English and of half Jewish-Austrian descent) said he accepted the role “unaware” of Daimio’s heritage.
You can read the statement in full below:
— Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017
In an industry where diversity is too-often overlooked, I give props to Skrein for recognizing what many actors in the past have not and stepping down to allow for the proper portrayal of people of color in cinema.
What do you think of Skrein stepping down so a culturally appropriate actor will have a chance at the role? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter