Actor Ed Skrein has dropped out of the soon-to-start-shooting Hellboy reboot after the controversy surrounding his casting as Major Ben Daimio. The character in the original comics was of mixed Asian heritage, and there was quite a bit of backlash following the announcement that Skrein was set to play Saimio in the forthcoming film. Skrein released the following statement via Twitter, shortly after backing away from the project. More on the Ed Skrein Hellboy update below.
“Last week it was announced that I would be playing Major Ben Daimio in the upcoming HELLBOY reboot. I accepted the role unaware that the character in the original comics was of mixed Asian heritage. There has been intense conversation and understandable upset since that announcement, and I must do what I feel is right.
“It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people, and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the Arts. I feel it is important to honour and respect that. Therefore I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately.
“Representation of ethnic diversity is important, especially to me as I have a mixed heritage family. It is our responsibility to make moral decisions in difficult times and to give voice to inclusivity. It is my hope that one day these discussions will become less necessary and that we can help make equal representation in the Arts a reality.
“I am sad to leave Hellboy but if this decision brings us closer to that day, it is worth it. I hope it makes a difference.”
Lionsgate also released a statement in regards to Ed Skrein Hellboy update shortly afterward.
“Ed came to us and felt very strongly about this. We fully support his unselfish decision. It was not our intent to be insensitive to issues of authenticity and ethnicity, and we will look to recast the part with an actor more consistent with the character in the source material.”
Neil Marshall is directing the Hellboy reboot, which will see Stranger Things star David Harbour take the lead. Also appearing the movie is Ian McShane, who will play Hellboy’s adoptive father, Professor Trevor Bruttenholm (aka Professor Broom), Milla Jovovich, who is the villain the Blood Queen, and Sasha Lane will play Alice Monaghan.
Production will gear up in September for a release in 2018.
