Ed Skrein has announced that he is quitting his role in the film Hellboy after a backlash regarding the race of his character. The actor, who is known for starring in Game of Thrones, was supposed to play the part of Major Ben Daimio in the upcoming film.
However, after fans made the actor aware that in the original comic the character was Asian, he decided to quit the film. After Skrein was announced as the actor set to play Daimio there was an online outcry claiming that Hollywood was once again whitewashing its movies.
The actor was quick to address his casting in a Twitter post, stating that he was standing aside. He added that he thought there was a more suitable person of Asian heritage to play the part.
The statement read ‘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. 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 also spoke about his mixed heritage family background and said that he is a huge supporter of diversity. Adding ‘It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity.’