Scarlett Johansson has found herself in hot water for her casting in an upcoming film, “Rub & Tug,” where she is set to portray a transgender man.
This news comes just a year after Johansson faced criticism for playing a character in “Ghost in the Shell,” which many felt should have been portrayed by a Japanese actress.
“Rub & Tug” tells the story of Dante “Tex” Gill, a transgender man who managed a network of massage parlors that acted as fronts for illegal activities in the 1970s and ’80s.
The announcement of Johansson’s casting as Gill sparked outrage, with many accusing Hollywood of “whitewashing” and sidelining transgender actors.
Transgender actors led the online backlash, arguing that cisgender actors playing transgender roles deprive transgender performers of opportunities.
Trace Lysette, an actress from the show “Transparent,” tweeted, “I wouldn’t be as upset if I was getting in the same rooms as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles, but we know that’s not the case.”
Johansson’s representative added fuel to the fire when they pointed out that other cisgender actors, like Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman, have portrayed transgender characters in the past. This response was seen as dismissive and only fueled the criticism further.
Tambor, who played a transgender woman on “Transparent,” said during an acceptance speech, “Give transgender talent a chance. Give them auditions.
Give them their story.” Similarly, shows like FX’s “Pose” have been praised for casting transgender actors in transgender roles, allowing them to represent their own stories authentically.
Ryan Murphy, the creator of “Pose,” emphasized the importance of authentic representation, stating he wants the show to “uplift” transgender talent and provide real opportunities for them.
Janet Mock, a writer and producer for “Pose,” also highlighted the need to change the narrative around transgender women, noting that they are often portrayed in limited, harmful ways.
Johansson’s representative did not respond to requests for further comment.
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