When the first trailer for Doctor Strange was released earlier this month, one of the things that many fans noticed is Tilda Swinton's the Ancient One. Quite a lot of people have branded the casting choice as whitewashing, especially since the current issue has become one of the hottest topics in Hollywood due to the Oscars and the Ghost in the Shell casting Scarlett Johansson in the lead role.
Recently, Swinton herself has addressed the issue. Doctor Strange co-writer C. Robert Cargill also responded to the controversy and gave quite the explanation about the casting choice of the Ancient One.
Well, it looks like the issue isn't really going away despite the explanations from Feig, Cargill, and Swinton, so Marvel decided to release an official statement regarding the controversy.
As posted on Mashable, Marvel explained:
Marvel has a very strong record of diversity in its casting of films and regularly departs from stereotypes and source material to bring its MCU to life.
The Ancient One is a title that is not exclusively held by any one character, but rather a moniker passed down through time, and in this particular film the embodiment is Celtic.
We are very proud to have the enormously talented Tilda Swinton portray this unique and complex character alongside our richly diverse cast.
Personally, I think the studio's decision to cast Swinton in the role is quite a bold and pretty cool move. If there's anyone who can play the character well, it's Swinton. She's a great character actress and I don't think I've ever seen the 55-year-old star fall short in her acting and portrayals of different lead characters.
Also, screenwriter Cargill's explanation of avoiding political conflict makes sense. Marvel has also been known to mix things up when it comes to its films. I'm pretty sure the Doctor Strange team's casting decision have all been strategic and rest assured viewers will enjoy the film despite all the controversy.
Everyone will always have their own opinion with or without official statements, but creative choice seems to have been the main reason for the casting choice on the Ancient One from the get-go.
What do you think?
Read: Benedict Cumberbatch On What Makes Doctor Strange So Different From Other Marvel Films
Read: Tom Hiddleston Wants to See Loki and Doctor Strange Facing Off In MCU
Read: Why Tilda Swinton is Bald in Doctor Strange
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