Scarlett Johansson will no longer play the lead role of Rub & Tug following the casting backlash.
Johansson exited the film and will no longer play a transgender character on the big screen, this following major backlash from members of the LGBTQ community and their supporters.
The Avengers star was set to play transgender man Dante “Tex” Gill, however, after accepting the file she has decided to forgo the Rupert Sanders-helmed drama.
“In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante ‘Tex’ Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project,” Johansson said in a statement to Out on Friday. “Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realize it was insensitive.”
She continued,”I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues. While I would have loved the opportunity to bring Dante’s story and transition to life, I understand why many feel he should be portrayed by a transgender person, and I am thankful that this casting debate, albeit controversial, has sparked a larger conversation about diversity and representation in film.”
The actress was praised by GLAAD for exiting the project, saying in a statement, “Scarlett Johansson’s announcement, together with the transgender voices who spoke out about this film, are game changers for the future of transgender images in Hollywood. Hollywood changed how Americans understand gay and lesbian lives, and TV is starting to do the same for transgender people with authentic transgender portrayals being major hits with critics and audiences. The film industry has a real opportunity to do the same.”
