Ed Skrein got a lot of praise for dropping out of 'Hellboy' over whitewashing.
Ed Skrein's bold decision to drop out of the 'Hellboy' reboot is being met with praise.
Ed Skrein penned a heartfelt explanation for why he ultimately decided to turn down a role in the upcoming "Hellboy" reboot, and the internet took notice.
As of Dec. 21, 2017, his announcement has been retweeted more than 46,000 times and liked by more than 158,000 people on Twitter, and his name found its way to the top of trending lists across social media.
https://t.co/8WoSsHXDFO— Ed Skrein (@Ed Skrein) 1503946937.0
He wrote:
"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 voices in the Arts. I feel it is important to honor and respect that."
He added, "Representation of ethnic diversity is important, especially to me as I have a mixed heritage family."
Some big-name Hollywood talent praised Skrein's decision, including a number of actors fresh off some recent breakout roles.
I wanna work with @edskrein.— John Cho (@John Cho) 1503979529.0
Nothing but respect ! https://t.co/mNs2tHDXH7— John Boyega (@John Boyega) 1503990561.0
Respect to @edskrein for setting the example & reminding us progress requires sacrifice & representation is collect… https://t.co/kr7zYukka1— Riz Ahmed (@Riz Ahmed) 1503987877.0
This is SO IMPORTANT. This is exactly how to make representation equal! Thank you @edskrein. 🎯 https://t.co/jTz1t4oHrn— Jamie Clayton (@Jamie Clayton) 1503992909.0
What an impeccable & honorable message from @edskrein re: #Hellboy. Thank you. 🙏🏽👏🏽😭❤️🙌🏽 Respect. https://t.co/f6MN90tgqW— Cindy PikaPika Chu (@Cindy PikaPika Chu) 1503971031.0
Did you catch the quick chat with .@BBCWorld on .@edskrein and his brave announcement to step down from being cast in #Hellboy ? He's a hero— KarenDavid (@KarenDavid) 1504011892.0
Well done Ed Skrein. Respect to you and Archway Pool....— Damian Lewis (@Damian Lewis) 1504000010.0
Good on you, @edskrein— Harry Shum Jr (@Harry Shum Jr) 1503977911.0
@edskrein Wow ur the realest actor in the industry 🙌🏽 thanks for looking out for our minority— Shawn Don (@Shawn Don) 1503975898.0
#ClassAct @edskrein #Hellboy Much respect. https://t.co/tRhgq5EaP7— Michael Kelly (@Michael Kelly) 1503973681.0
While missing out on one paycheck, Skrein's decision might actually help him land other roles.
Director Ava DuVernay and writer/producer Leonard Chang both gave a bit of a nod Skrein's way for his show of goodwill.
Now following @EdSkrein.— Ava DuVernay (@Ava DuVernay) 1503971008.0
Gonna remember this actor when writing and casting... @edskrein https://t.co/WDzDHUvKkK— Lᴇᴏɴᴀʀᴅ Cʜᴀɴɢ (@Lᴇᴏɴᴀʀᴅ Cʜᴀɴɢ) 1503949479.0
Doing the right thing goes a long way, and it earned Skrein a ton of new fans. Many of them realize he isn't yet a big name in Hollywood and turning down a big role was a huge risk.
Regardless of if you agree with his decision, you have to respect this move. I certainly do.— Scott Weinberg (@Scott Weinberg) 1503948446.0
People saying that Ed Skrein 'just quit a film' - he walked away from a VERY LARGE PAYCHECK. Quit your job on a principle, and then reply.— Tony Lee (@Tony Lee) 1504008477.0
.@edskrein isn't a star. Yet. He's a jobbing actor. For a jobbing actor to give up a big role in a major film is a huge deal. Well done, Ed.— Shaun O'Banion (@Shaun O'Banion) 1503993050.0
I was a fan @edskrein - I am now a super fan - here's hoping your act makes a difference. https://t.co/pRevRBPjuF— Sarah Brown (@Sarah Brown) 1503995119.0
This is the blueprint for every actor who is offered a whitewashed role in film, or any other medium. Just turn it… https://t.co/uNBUEqnjgf— Jamil Smith (@Jamil Smith) 1503989825.0
Thank you, Ed Skrein. I'm now a fan and will see whatever you do next. https://t.co/rjHs6cW8kK— Celeste Ng (@Celeste Ng) 1504006811.0
& just for that, I'll be watching every 1 of his coming films. In these times, more than ever, we need more people… https://t.co/yFoRgnZ7Tr— Anna MM Vetticad (@Anna MM Vetticad) 1504005713.0
I do not know you @edskrein but i applaud you. Bravo! Brother from another mother, you're an honorary Asian in my b… https://t.co/mCNP8iEqwA— Garrett Wang (王 以 瞻) (@Garrett Wang (王 以 瞻)) 1503984441.0
This is so fucking cool. Wow. I'm now a fan of @edskrein forever! The man with no face has the best face of all - o… https://t.co/YyYhMaMgZc— Nikhil Taneja (@Nikhil Taneja) 1503977168.0
"Hellboy" creator Mike Mignola and actor David Harbour, slated to play the titular character, offered some major kudos Skrein's way as well.
thank you @edskrein very nicely done... https://t.co/hwCsaf9iZj— Mike Mignola (@Mike Mignola) 1503948475.0
Hey internet. Thank you for your voices. An injustice was done and will be corrected. Many thanks to @edskrein fo… https://t.co/jUQCJ4Aimr— David Harbour (@David Harbour) 1503953367.0
So why is Skrein getting so much praise for a decision that should be an industry standard? Because it's not yet the standard.
White actors being cast to play Asian roles isn't a new phenomenon, but Skrein's decision proves moviegoers are taking notice. Studios are being forced to consider casting decisions from an ethical point of view, early in the production process.
To have fans and whitewashing advocates loudly and proudly reinforcing his decision and to be heard by Hollywood's studio decision-makers, is a step in the right direction.