Ed Skrein won praise from fans for stepping down from his “Hellboy” role. (John Lamparski/ WireImage/Getty
Images/ Dark Horse Comics)
Ed Skrein is no longer playing Maj. Ben Daimio in the “Hellboy” reboot amid accusations of whitewashing from Asian-Americans.
The English actor made it official with a statement on his social media channels Monday, Aug. 28, saying in part that he had been “unaware that the character in the original comics was of mixed Asian heritage.”
“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,” Skrein, who noted he was of “mixed heritage,” wrote. “I feel it is important to honor and respect that. Therefore, I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately.”
— Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017
Film producers Larry Gordon and Lloyd Levin and distributors Lionsgate and Millennium backed up the former “Hellboy” star, whose part in the film was announced just last week.
“Ed came to us and felt very strongly about this,” the statement issued to Deadline said. “We fully support his unselfish decision. It was not our intent to be insensitive to issues of authenticity and ethnicity, and we will look to recast the part with an actor more consistent with the character in the source material.”
Skrein’s exit follows a trend of whitewashing controversies happening lately, particularly as it relates to Asian-American characters. But it’s not just white actors feeling the heat. “Atlanta” star Lakeith Stanfield said he received backlash over “blackwashing” the Asain-American character L in Netflix’s “Death Note.”
Glimpse a Trend In Whitewashing Controversies
- Matt Damon Makes Distinction Between ‘Whitewashing’ and White Saviors Following Criticism of ‘The Great Wall’ Film
- ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ Sparks Online Boycott After Whitewashing Ancient Egyptians
- Scarlett Johansson’s Whitewashed ‘Ghost In the Shell’ Flops at Box Office
As a couple of Twitter users noted, in response to Skrein stepping down, that “blackwashing” doesn’t exist ….
Exactly. When will ppl understand that white casting is default? Been default since cinema started. Changing a white character is progress.
— 𝕂𝕣𝕪𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕒 𝔽𝕖𝕣𝕣𝕠 (@kinetikfox) August 28, 2017
… many applauded the “Deadpool” actor for giving space to nonwhite actors.
Now it's up to them to do the right thing and recast the role appropriately, with an asian actor. If they cast another white actor…-___-
— L.A. (@lachwriter) August 28, 2017
Now this is a good choice. RT @edskrein pic.twitter.com/GU8sxgwJJE
— Mikki Kendall (@Karnythia) August 28, 2017
I think actually, this not only won't cost him, it'll elevate his notoriety & the status quo. He'll benefit in the long run bc of this
— ✡︎ 🌴 (@elioryona82) August 28, 2017
you invited to the cook out
— numa perrier (@missnuma) August 28, 2017
