Whitewashing controversiesare nothing new.
What is, however, are fans making an impact on casting choices.
Fans are channeling their anger toward Hollywood and casting directors are listening, especially to outcry over whitewashing.
Credit: Norman Shapiro/CBS; Michael Parmelee/CBS; Jules Heath/Lucasfilm; Jack Rowand/ABC; Gene Page/AMC
Their voices are getting louder, because they know the talent is there.
But just because theres pressure doesnt mean Asian actors will suddenly have it easy.
Its not just us doing our job [as casting directors].
We have to decide who means more [on the business side].
At the same time, I have respect for them doingtheirjob….
I see it as a puzzle.
Now everythings digital, so that allows us to scour and comb through more talent, she says.
There are more [actors] than you would think.
That change has been a long time coming.
Look, we hired an Asian actor, so chalk one up for diversity!
And thats an issue that continues in Hollywood, despite the shift in attitude toward Asian representation.
In other words, starring roles matter but they have to be varied roles.
Stereotypes are there for a reason, they arent all bad, Oka says.
Theyre getting actual, meatier opportunities.
Which is why, she adds, it is absolutely not impossible to have Asian movie stars.
And casting directors arent the only ones who should play a part moving forward.
It really is about us putting the time and energy into discovering those movie stars.
I think the writing has a lot to do with it.
Its the writers and its the director and everybody going, Well, what if we dothis?
And then you hope they say yes.
