Gods of Egypt is Black A Lacking
The lack of diversity in casting in Hollywood is coming under some closer scrutiny as of late. The latest Hollywood blockbuster to roll under the bus is Lionsgate’s big budget release of Gods of Egypt featuring Gerard Butler, Geoffrey Rush, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Brenton Thwaites. Yeah, each of the wonderful actors are Caucasian. The problem is, the majority of residents of Egypt are not. Hell it is set in Africa and should have at least two black people in the leading roles, but alas it is black a lacking.
Let the blacklash begin.
Yeah, the blacklash is so big, even Bette Middler got in on it.
This bums me out because it looks like it is going to be a great movie, but now I have to protest that shit. On principle.
Look at this. This looks awesome. I think I will protest by getting at Red Box instead going to the movies. It’s my logic but it works.
Lionsgate did issue a statement on Friday, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, addressing the casting decisions.
Lionsgate: We recognize that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed. In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologize. Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.
Proyas: The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse. I sincerely apologize to those who are offended by the decisions we made.
Yeah, that is going to work. Getting in bus, starting engine….
Olivia Gaines Author 