How many of these “actor-swapped” movies would you watch?
With the casting of Scarlett Johansson in the upcoming Ghost in the Shell movie causing a flurry of both negative and apathetic reactions, the issue of Hollywood whitewashing has been a trending topic of conversation. Some suggest there aren’t enough big-name Asian stars capable of carrying movies, while others think it’s something else.
Certain vocal protesters are wondering how people would feel if the reverse happened, and Asian actors were starring in hit movies instead of their big-time Caucasian stars. The hashtag #StarringJohnCho is causing a stir in order to draw attention to the recent “whitewashing”, and while it’s definitely starting a conversation, let’s be honest here, with a leading man like John Cho, a lot of people would probably want to watch these swapped versions.
BOND: Could you do one more thing for me?
Q: And that would be?
BOND: Make me disappear.#Spectre #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/mY4b9CEmt6— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) May 10, 2016
F*** you Mars.#TheMartian #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/izhHlaGgPz
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) May 11, 2016
John Cho as Ethan Hunt in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation? We'd go see it! #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/nruOd96J6h
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) April 28, 2016
John Cho as Captain America in Avengers: Age of Ultron? We'd go see it! #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/psGICB9BHP
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) April 28, 2016
John Cho as William Traynor in Me Before You? We'd go see it! #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/OtFsIg37iX
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) April 28, 2016
John Cho as Owen in Jurassic World? We'd go see it! #StarringJohnCho pic.twitter.com/NWz2i9fADb
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) April 28, 2016
Happy #MothersDay! Ever wonder what @SeeMothersDay might look like if it was #StarringJohnCho? We did too pic.twitter.com/7quyUQoAE6
— William Yu 유규호 (@its_willyu) May 8, 2016
My contribution to #StarringJohnCho @starringjohncho #whitewashedOut #API pic.twitter.com/uBujdu8MmH
— Jigme (@JigmeUgen) May 11, 2016
Another one. And why not. #StarringJohnCho @starringjohncho #whitewashedOUT #API pic.twitter.com/oXJ2jsZ6aa
— Jigme (@JigmeUgen) May 11, 2016
More! I can't stop making these posters. Makes me happy. Cheers #StarringJohnCho @starringjohncho #whitewashedOUT pic.twitter.com/l6MBBoNIk0
— Jigme (@JigmeUgen) May 11, 2016
https://twitter.com/kingnewbs/status/730436156840546304
https://twitter.com/barelyconcealed/status/730492936274780160
https://twitter.com/ladypotatomort/status/730139338323984388
Taking a look at all of these posters, the strange thing is, nothing really seems out of place. Casting an Asian American male lead in movies would definitely help move the conversation forward, but why stop there? How about Rinko Kikuchi, Steven Yuen, or Mindy Kaling in a starring role? Let’s see some more diversity!
Source: BBC News
Top image: #StarringJohnCho