It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity.
The decision caught Hollywood by surpriseanddrewpraisefromSkreins colleagues.
Now, I think everyones had a wake-up call…
Neal Preston; Jay Maidment/Marvel; Paramount Pictures
This discussion is an incredibly healthy one, and I think its long overdue.
That game has gone on for some time.
So what does Skreins decision mean for the industry?
Everett Collection; Netflix (2)
He could have really benefitted from a big role like this in a big film.
But it would have been negative attention [if he stayed], and this ispositiveattention…
In a way, he shifted the responsibility to the actors themselves and fixed the problem from inside out.
That sets a platform for other actors to either follow or not follow.
The diversity blame goes around, Boast says, describing the aftermath of whitewashing controversies.
Its exciting for the industry.
Adds Kim: Theres more of a chance to do good with a project of [Hellboys] scope.
It could bring them alotof positive press versus the press theyve been getting for whitewashing some of these roles.
After all, playing defense usuallyattracts more negative attention.
The cycle has been a chronic one until Skreins decision, that is.
Maybe they hadnt looked [for Japanese actors] and maybe they had.
But most casting directors I know, especially these days, look into diverse options.
Theres more to casting than meets the eye, Syson says.
Its a lot more involved.
Skrein certainly heard the message and responded with one of his own that is equally loud and clear.
