Hollywood A-lister Scarlett Johansson has recently become the topic of many heated Twitter debates. She had earlier been criticized for her being cast in Ghost in The Shell. It is the live-action adaptation of a legendary and iconic anime. Scarlett was cast in the role of an Asian woman.
She is defending herself against the criticism. The criticism was regarding her casting as an Asian woman in Ghost in the Shell and as a trans man in Rub and Tug. Her 2017 movie, Ghost in The Shell, was accused of whitewashed casting. The Avengers actress said in an interview, “You know, as an actor I should be allowed to play any person, or any tree, or any animal because that is my job and the requirements of my job.”
Scarlett Johansson added, “I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons, yet there are times it does get uncomfortable when it affects the art because I feel art should be free of restrictions. I think society would be more connected if we just allowed others to have their own feelings and not expect everyone to feel the way we do.”
The Views:
There have been different kinds of reactions to her statements. Some are supporting her and some are totally against her. Those who are against her are questioning the legitimacy of her anyone- any role utopia. They are saying that transgender individuals are still not able to get any role they want in the industry. Moreover, the source material must always be respected. You just can’t exchange characters. The ethnicity of a character is a part of that character’s psyche. It can never be separated.
Her supporters are saying that the artist who is comfortable in their role should be given the liberty to act in any role
