Doctor Strange Director Scott Derrickson Responds to Movie’s Whitewashing Controversy

It's been weeks since the first ever trailer for Doctor Strange was released and the public's mixed reactions to the casting of Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One. The character, which in the comics is Asian and male, is being portrayed by a white and female actress in the upcoming Marvel film. Naturally, the casting received backlash, with the move being called by many as the ever-controversial whitewashing in Hollywood.

Swinton has already responded to the controversy, as well as Marvel, which released an official statement about the issue late last month.

Now, it's Doctor Strange director Scott Derrickson himself who is responding to the issue.

The filmmaker addressed the controversy via Twitter on Star Wars Day, saying: "Raw anger/hurt from Asian-Americans over Hollywood whitewashing, stereotyping & erasure of Asians in cinema. I am listening and learning."

Take a look:

While the issue clearly isn't over, it's cool to see Derrickson acknowledging and trying to understand it. Of course, the casting cannot be changed at this point. Hopefully though, Marvel will be able to come up with some sort of compromise.

Doctor Strange hits theaters on November 4.