Ed Skrein Drops Out of HELLBOY Reboot After Whitewashing Controversy
Last week it was announced that Deadpool actor Ed Skrein was cast in the role of Major Ben Daimio, described as a rough-and-tough military-type and member of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense. His character also has the ability to turn into a jaguar when he gets angry or his hurt, thanks to a supernatural encounter.
In the comic book source material the character is of Asian heritage. So as you'd imagine, it turned into another big Hollywood whitewashing controversy. Because of that controversy, Skrein felt that the right thing to do would be to step down and he did. He made the announcement on Twitter, which you can read below:
— Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017
I gotta say... that's pretty awesome of him. I imagine turning down a role like this wouldn't be easy for anyone to do, but he did it, and ya can't help but applaud the guy for doing it. Maybe it will make a difference! Lionsgate made a statement of their own to Deadline, saying:
“Ed came to us and felt very strongly about this. 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.”
What do you think of all this? Are there any actors that you'd like to see take on the role of Major Ben Daimio now that Skrein is out?