Whenever Hollywood studios adapt a comic book franchise for the big or even the small screen, there are always some changes fanboys allow to pass however in some instances this isn’t the case. One of the most controversial changes that Hollywood incorporates with comic book movies is; a change in ethnicity.
Now admittedly, it is understandable why this is done; seeing as how most superheroes were introduced round the 40’s and 60’s it was usual to have a predominantly white cast, so sometimes, in order for a movie to appeal to mass audiences, some character’s skin colour is altered.
However, Hollywood seems to be very brash with this choice, and most of the time it appears this change is done randomly and without any thought of the context surrounding the characters.
Here are my cases which justify this;
1. Harvey Dent aka Two Face - Billy Dee Williams
First things first, forget that Billy Dee Williams is a black man. When the hell did Harvey Dent ever have a moustache? Fair enough they cast Billy in the role, but couldn’t they tell him to shave? Secondly, was it really necessary to have Dent as a black man? Billy Dee Williams is a very charismatic actor, and it is admittedly fitting that he was cast as Harvey Dent, seeing as how he was on screen for 10 minutes, I see it personally that his talents weren’t properly used. Essentially he would have been suited in the role of Lucius Fox, seeing as how that is another role that requires a certain amount of charisma.
Overall, I personally feel this was one of the instances where a change in ethnicity wasn’t needed, and they literally should have cast someone else as Dent, as kept Billy as Fox, however it is understandable, as looking back at the film he probably was the only good black guy in the whole film…
2. Nick Fury - Samuel L. Jackson
This is one of the cases where I gladly accept a change in ethnicity, because it wasn’t Hollywood that created this change but rather the main source itself; Marvel in this case. Seeing as how Samuel L. Jackson is a very charismatic actor, and has the right presence needed for a character like Fury, it’s understandable and justifiable why he was used as a model for the Ultimate take on the character, and later cast in the role. Whereas, there are some of you that may disagree with me and think a white Nick Fury would’ve been just as popular, I concur, seeing as how David Hasselhoff’s Nick Fury was a pretty cliché character and left a bad taste in audience’s mouth.
With Jackson, Marvel has a very unique aspect of a comic book character to explore, seeing as how Fury was around since the 40’s, I imagine they’re basing him of Isaiah Bradley (the black Captain America) and this can help explore the racial tensions present at this time. This essentially allows the comic book genre to once again delve into more adult territory, and adds a lot more realism to the characters; admittedly this is one of the few good things the Ultimate line provides. Nonetheless, Jackson’s Fury retains the classic Marvel Nick Fury’s attitude and spirit, but with a new twist and in this light, I feel it is an acceptable change.
3. Heimdall - Idris Elba
In the upcoming Marvel movie ‘Thor’ an Asgardian warrior, who is supposed to be white and looked Swedish, is being played by a black actor. Frankly this was a pretty damn stupid change, I really don’t have a clue how this was seen as an acceptable change. I mean, it is understandable to a degree, as the studio can’t portray all Asgardian’s as white people, as it would segregate other ethnically based audiences. But this still doesn’t’ explain how they are going to explain Heimdall being related to Sif, as she’s supposed to be his sister yet she’s white! I mean what the hell? Elba is a great actor, so maybe he will own the role, but this transition doesn’t feel natural as is Jackson’s, and it is due to this that I feel it is an unacceptable change.
Another problem that has arisen from Elba being cast in this role, is now he can no longer be cast in any other Marvel Studios movies, frankly I imagine he would’ve been a great Blade, or War Machine, but this isn’t going to happen now.
Overall, as you could have probably guessed my view with changing ethnicity of characters is; if it wasn’t done in the comics, it shouldn’t be done on the big screen. However, there are a few exceptions, and this is with minor/unpopular characters that are frequently changed from one ethnicity to another, this is present with the character Janet Pym aka ‘Wasp’ who was originally a white woman, then was changed into a Japanese-American for the Ultimate line, and now for the big screen, it is mainly Latin actresses that seem to be getting approached for the role.
End of the day, maybe it’s just me making a fuss about all of this, hopefully I haven’t offended anyone with my comments, but I see myself as a bit of a hardcore fan, and only tend to accept such radical changes when they are encouraged by the original source; the comic books.
Well, sound off below and let me know what your thoughts are on the matter!
Peace!