Actor Ed Skrein (Deadpool) has left the Hellboy reboot amid complaints over whitewashing.
Skrein was cast to play B.P.R.D. regular Ben Daimio, who is depicted as a Japanese-American former Marine in the comics. After Skrein announced the casting on Twitter last week, he was met with immediate complaints of whitewashing.
Skrein returned to Twitter to announce that he was stepping down from the role, stating that “Representation of ethnic diversity is important, especially to me as I have a mixed heritage family. It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity. It is my hope that one day these discussions will become less necessary and that we can help make equal representation in the Arts a reality.”
Deadline carried a response from Hellboy producers Larry Gordon and Lloyd Levin, who said “We fully support [Skrien’s] 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.”
Hellboy creator Mike Mignola also took to Twitter to thank Skrein, telling him that his recusal was “very nicely done.”
The reboot, which is currently entitled Hellboy: Rise of the Blood Queen, was announced last spring, with Neil Marshall (The Descent) attached to direct and David Harbour (Stranger Things) on board for the lead role (see “Hollywood 'Hellboy' Reboot”).
Over Whitewashing Controversy
Posted by ICv2 on August 29, 2017 @ 6:28 pm CT
MORE COMICS
From Dynamite Entertainment
November 21, 2024
Here's a preview of The Herculoids #1, published by Dynamite Entertainment.
33 FCBD Silver Titles
November 21, 2024
There are 33 Silver Sponsor title this year for a total of 46 FCBD comics in all.
MORE NEWS
New Tile-laying Game by Bruno Cathala and Cornetin LeBrat
November 21, 2024
Hachette Boardgames announced Solstis, a new tile-laying game.
'Masterclass Series: John Blanche Vol.1' and 'Vol.2'
November 21, 2024
The Army Painter will release Masterclass Series: John Blanche Vol.1 and Vol.2, two new paint sets.