IRON FIST Actress Jessica Henwick Defends Finn Jones Casting And Dismisses Whitewashing Claims
Iron Fist's Finn Jones has come under fire from some fans and critics for being a white actor playing a white character, but now his Asian-British co-star Jessica Henwick has fired back at them...
Danny Rand has been white since being introduced in 1974, but for some bizarre reason, that didn't stop many fans (and critics who recently shared their reviews of the Netflix TV series) from claiming that the hero should be portrayed as Asian here. While there's nothing wrong with changing the race of comic book characters created at a time when those of a different race were limited to supporting player status, making Iron Fist Asian would have been pretty ridiculous for a number of reasons.
For starters, an Asian martial artist is the biggest cliché you could hope to find and a stereotype many actors of that race have been trying to move away from. Plus, Danny being of Asian descent and then becoming a master of kung-fu would be a pretty ridiculous coincidence all things considered.
Now, in a new interview with The Daily Beast, Iron Fist star Jessica Henwick has explained why she's frustrated with the criticisms aimed at both Jones and recent claims of cultural appropriation. "Look, I am Asian. I am Asian and I am an actor. If anyone understands, it’s me. I have faced it in my career. I’ve been working eight years and I’ve experienced it firsthand, the disparity when it comes to Asian representation — even more than that, Asian misrepresentation. But I also have seen what Finn’s done in this role and I honestly, honestly think that he smashes it out the park."
What do you guys think of these comments? You'll be able to make your minds up about Iron Fist when it reaches Netflix on Friday, but in the meantime, you can check out my review by clicking right here.