Ever since the announcement was made on 2 July, immediate online backlash ensued.
Scarlett Johansson has dropped out of Rub & Tug, the movie which would have seen her play a transgender man.
Johansson was tipped to play the lead several weeks ago, only for the actress and casting director to receive widespread backlash over the role choice, suggesting that a transgender man, rather than a cisgender woman, would have been a better fit.
“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,” said Johansson in a statement to Out.com.
“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,” the actress continued.
“I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues.”
The move may not actually reflect too poorly on Johansson’s year, as the actress is currently busy filming Taika Waititi’s WWII satire Jojo Rabbit as well as the next Avengers film being released. She also has the rumoured standalone Black Widow film in development – although nothing official has been announced as of yet.
Rub & Tug tells the story of Jean Marie Gill, a notorious figure in the Pittsburgh criminal underworld in the late 70s and early 80s.
Gill ran a number of mafia-protected massage parlours in the city, which were fronts for prostitution. Aside from this criminal empire, she also ran an anabolic steroid ring that helped power NFL team the Pittsburgh Steelers.
She died in 2003.
Rupert Sanders is attached to direct the film – he previously worked together with Johansson on Ghost in the Shell.
Johansson’s full statement to Out.com can be read below.
“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.
“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.
“I have great admiration and love for the trans community and am grateful that the conversation regarding inclusivity in Hollywood continues. According to GLAAD, LGBTQ+ characters dropped 40% in 2017 from the previous year, with no representation of trans characters in any major studio release.
“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. I believe that all artists should be considered equally and fairly.
“My production company, These Pictures, actively pursues projects that both entertain and push boundaries. We look forward to working with every community to bring these most poignant and important stories to audiences worldwide.”
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