Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson has come under fire in the past for her choice of roles. Notably, she played Major Mira Killian/Motoko Kusanagi in 2017's Ghost in the Shell adaptation, which drew accusations of racism and whitewashing. She also recently dropped out of Rub & Tug, in which she was going to play a transgender man named Dante "Tex" Gill, following criticism.
In an interview with As If magazine, Johansson lamented politically correct casting, saying, "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."
"I feel like it’s a trend in my business and it needs to happen for various social reasons," she added, "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."
Although initially defiant, Johansson issued a statement upon withdrawing from Rub & Tug. In it, she admitted her initial comments were insensitive, saying, "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."
Directed by Cate Shortland with a script by Ned Benson, Black Widow stars Scarlett Johansson and is rumored for release on May 1, 2020.
(via Fox News)