Photo via Fusion
Welcome to Hollywood, the biggest perpetrator of cultural appropriation, normalizing racist stereotypes, and white-washing when it comes to film casting. That being said, movie studios seem to be taking (at least two) steps in the right direction this week as two highly-anticipated big budget movies start choosing their leading ladies.
Mulan (2018)
Photo via Tumblr
As we’ve previously reported, many Disney fans had expressed concern over Disney’s announcement about a Mulan live-action remake. Fans were worried that the movie studio would take the Gods of Egypt route and cast a white woman in the main (Chinese) role. It seems like their petitioning has worked. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has fast-tracked the movie for a November 2018 release. Now that the movie is going into the production, the movie studio has officially announced that they are seeking a Chinese actress to fill the role with a global casting search. Although we wish we could tell you who will be taking on the role of this legendary heroine, you’re going to have to wait and see. Either way, it’s great to see such a popular company make the crucial choice to cast accurately.
The Untitled Hans Solo Spinoff (Release Date Unknown)
Photo via Marvel
Not much is known about this Star Wars anthology flick but the film, going into production in 2017, has started screening actresses to fit the co-star role. Directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller aren’t revealing any information about this mysterious female character and her role in the Star Wars universe — although fans now suspect she’s Sana from the comic series. According to Variety, three actresses have already been tested for the part: Dope‘s Zoe Kravitz, Selma star Tessa Thompson, and Power Rangers actress Naomi Scott.
Zoe Kravitz in “Mad Max” via Pinterest
Although we won’t know who snagged the role for quite some time, it’s clear that the film’s directors are searching for a woman of color.
Tessa Thompson in “Dear White People”
Honestly, it would be amazing to see any of these ladies kicking ass on the big screen regardless of who they end up choosing.
Naomi Scott in “Terra Nova”
It’s awesome to see Lucasfilm and Disney make the decision to break out of the usual white-washed Oscar-shaped mold Hollywood has built for itself over the years. These women will become role models and shatter both gender and racial stereotypes. Seeing as these movies won’t be out for a while, we will definitely be keeping our ears peeled for more news. Until then, keep calling out Hollywood white-washing and support the flicks that give actors/actresses of color the meaningful roles they deserve.
Gifs via Tumblr
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