LGBTQ actresses slam Scarlett Johansson’s trans role
By Meredith Woerner, Variety
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Scarlett Johansson is under fire for her next project with “Ghost in the Shell” director Rupert Sanders.
The actress is set to star in the crime biopic “Rub & Tug,” based on the real life story of Dante “Tex” Gill. Gill was a trans crime boss of the 1970s who ran several illegal massage parlors. In real life, Gill lived his life as a trans man, which led a lot of folks to inquire why a trans actor wasn’t considered for this role.
When the website Bustle reached out to Johansson’s representative for a statement about the vocal concerns, it was sent this response from the actress: “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.”
Trace Lysette, best known for her work on “Transparent,” took to Twitter to voice her anger. “I wouldn’t be as upset if I was getting in the same rooms as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles,” she wrote. “But we know that’s not the case. A mess.”
Actress Jamie Clayton from “Sense8” and “The Neon Demon” also wrote about her disappointment, stating, “Actors who are trans never even get to audition FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN ROLES OF TRANS CHARACTERS.” She then challenged casting directors to hire more trans actors in non trans roles with a dare.
There’s also confusion swirling around the concept of “Rub & Tug,” which when announced, did not make it clear that “Tex” identified as a man. The problem has only compounded.
Variety has reached out to Johansson’s reps for comment.
Scarlett Johansson’s Backed Out of Playing a Transgender Man, Thankfully
By Cameron Andersen, New York University - StudyBreak.com
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Is Scarlett Johansson aware that she is a cis, straight, white woman? Maybe not.
Johansson initially faced harsh criticism last year after starring in “Ghost in the Shell,” a film based on a Japanese manga series. She was cast as the main character, Major Motoko Kusanagi, and critics rightfully claimed that the decision whitewashed the Japanese franchise.
More recently, Johansson took on the lead role in “Rub & Tug,” an upcoming New Regency biopic based on the life of Dante “Tex” Gill, a massage parlor boss. Gill was a transgender man; however, instead of casting a transgender actor for the part, the film’s team chose Johansson. Let me repeat: Johansson is a cis, straight, white woman being cast in roles not meant for her.
Backlash against her casting was harsh and warranted.
Twitter user and comedian @faithchoyce gave a voice to the collective opinion of many, tweeting “Scarlett Johansson is playing a trans man in her next movie because her ultimate career goal is to take an acting job from a member of each and every marginalized group.”
Transgender actresses Jamie Clayton and Trace Lysette launched their own — extremely personal — tirades against Johansson.
“Actors who are trans never even get to audition FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN ROLES OF TRANS CHARACTERS. THATS THE REAL ISSUE. WE CANT EVEN GET IN THE ROOM. Cast actors WHO ARE TRANS as NON TRANS CHARACTERS. I DARE YOU.”
“Oh word?? So you can continue to play us but we can’t play y’all? Hollywood is so f—–… 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. A mess.”
Johansson’s original response to the criticism was that a cis, straight actor playing a transgender character was not unprecedented. “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment,” Johansson argued via her publicist.
However, it seems that the actress has since changed her tune. Johansson resigned from the film and has since issued a statement to Out. “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,” she said, “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.”
It is unclear whether Johansson resigning from the project will halt filming altogether, but, if not, Hollywood should consider some actual transgender actors for the part of a transgender man.
Why not Elliot Foster, who has appeared in “The Fosters” and “Shameless”? Or Ellie Desautels, a nonbinary actor from NBC’s “Rise”? Or Ian Harvie, a comedian who appeared on “Transparent” and “Mistresses”? Casting choices are varied and numerous; what matters is that trans actors are not sidelined and railroaded.
The next time a film in production needs to cast a character, regardless of whether they are a member of the LGBTQ community or a person of color, the casting team would be wise to pick from the brilliant array of talent available to them instead of hiring someone unfit for the role.