Earlier last Monday, A report from The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Ed Skrein will be joining the cast of Hellboy reboot. The actor was on board to play as Major Ben Daimio, a character portrayed to be of Asian heritage in the original comics.
As expected, the announcement brought in major criticism from the masses and backlash of “whitewashing”. Since then, earlier today, Skrein shocked the world when he announced that he would be stepping down from the role he was to play in Hellboy.
In the past, several Hollywood movies have received a backlash of ‘whitewashing’. Recently this year, Ghost in the Shell starring Scarlett Johansson as the main female lead was also accused of the same. However, the studio made no changes and decided to go ahead which in turn affected the film’s earning at the box office.
Skrein’s decision to exit the role surprised Hollywood. No actors in the past have stepped down even after immense backlash and criticism. Fortunately, the Deadpool actor’s choice seems to have changed the masses perspective as well.
Since Skrein announced his exit via Twitter, fans and actors have been pouring in love and support for his decision. Furthermore, it looks like it may have also opened up a world of opportunities for Skrein going by the reactions on Twitter.
Hellboy creator Mike Mignola was one of the first few to praise Skrein. “thank you Ed Skrein very nicely done,” tweeted Mignola.
Later on, many people from Hollywood and Journalists responding to the news with immense support for Skrein. Actor John Cho wrote on Twitter, “I wanna work with Ed Skrein.”
Skrein’s also shocked director Scott Weinberg. Here’s what he had to say.
“Man turns down lucrative gig over ethical concerns?,” wrote Weinberg. Are we living in a Disney movie? This is inspiring.” Fans can check out rest of the reactions below. Pursue News also commends Skrein for his choice and has our deepest respect.
— Ed Skrein (@edskrein) August 28, 2017
thank you @edskrein very nicely done… https://t.co/hwCsaf9iZj
— Mike Mignola (@artofmmignola) August 28, 2017
I wanna work with @edskrein.
— John Cho (@JohnTheCho) August 29, 2017
Man turns down lucrative gig over ethical concerns? Are we living in a Disney movie? This is inspiring.https://t.co/wtAMIz8PME
— Scott Weinberg (@scottEweinberg) August 28, 2017
Ed Skrein is hot AND woke I need some water https://t.co/9hpHopIeAV
— Ira Madison III (@ira) August 28, 2017
You are a class act @edskrein – much respect https://t.co/hJNAKKJp0c
— ReBecca Theodore (@FilmFatale_NYC) August 28, 2017
Now following @EdSkrein.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) August 29, 2017
