I accepted the role unaware that the character in the original comics was of mixed Asian heritage.
I feel it is important to honor and respect that.
Therefore, I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately.
Credit: Samir Hussein/WireImage; Dark Horse Comics
But after the news broke that he would play Daimio, a swift backlash soon followed.
It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity.
I am sad to leaveHellboybut if this decision brings us closer to that day, it is worth it.
I hope it makes a difference.
We fully support his unselfish decision.
The social media response to Skreins note, meanwhile, was positive.
Hellboyis the latest film to find itself at the center of a whitewashing controversy in the last 12 months.
Matt DamonsThe Great Wallalso came under fire for having Damon star in the film.
Our heroes dont look like Matt Damon.
They could have gone [with an] Asian [actor], I cant deny that.
The studios were adamant about trying to cast Asian actors.
I mean, this was a difficult one.
It was something we were definitely conscious about.
On television, Netflix was criticized for casting Finn Jones as Danny Rand, a.k.a.
Iron Fist, in the Marvel seriesIron Fist.
Additional reporting by Shirley Li
