http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/nov/13/gods-of-egypt-posters-anger-whitewashed-cast-twitter-exodus
Gods of Egypt posters spark anger with 'whitewashed' cast
The first look at the effects-packed epic has caused upset on
Twitter, with many comparing the casting to Ridley Scott’s controversial
Exodus: Gods and Kings
‘Dear Hollywood, white people did not rule ancient Egypt’ … Gods of Egypt
Forthcoming fantasy epic Gods of Egypt
has run into trouble after a just-released set of character posters
have been criticised on Twitter for showcasing a predominantly white
cast.
The film, which stars Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as warring Egyptian gods, has been called out for questionable casting choices by users and celebrities, including Bette Midler.
“If you need sunscreen while filming for #GodsOfEgypt it’s probably not a historically accurate casting,” said Vimto Mami, while AKA Dan Entwistle tweeted: “In all seriousness, no wonder POC complain about diversity in Hollywood when movies like #GodsOfEgypt get made. Egypt isn’t in Europe, guys.”
Although the cast is mainly white, including Geoffrey Rush playing Egyptian sun god Ra, Get on Up star Chadwick Boseman also stars as Thoth. But his casting has caused equal ire, with some suggesting it plays into the “magical negro” stereotype.
Director Ridley Scott defended his decision, claiming it was for commercial reasons. “I can’t mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such,” he said. “I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up.”
Gods of Egypt is a $140m (£92m) budget film, directed by I, Robot’s Alex Proyas, which studio Lionsgate is hoping could be a big franchise for them now that The Hunger Games is coming to an end.
The film, which stars Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as warring Egyptian gods, has been called out for questionable casting choices by users and celebrities, including Bette Midler.
“If you need sunscreen while filming for #GodsOfEgypt it’s probably not a historically accurate casting,” said Vimto Mami, while AKA Dan Entwistle tweeted: “In all seriousness, no wonder POC complain about diversity in Hollywood when movies like #GodsOfEgypt get made. Egypt isn’t in Europe, guys.”
Although the cast is mainly white, including Geoffrey Rush playing Egyptian sun god Ra, Get on Up star Chadwick Boseman also stars as Thoth. But his casting has caused equal ire, with some suggesting it plays into the “magical negro” stereotype.
Director Ridley Scott defended his decision, claiming it was for commercial reasons. “I can’t mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such,” he said. “I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up.”
Gods of Egypt is a $140m (£92m) budget film, directed by I, Robot’s Alex Proyas, which studio Lionsgate is hoping could be a big franchise for them now that The Hunger Games is coming to an end.
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