Casting actors in alternate-race roles?

[SlaverTickler]

How about Angela Basset as Wonder Woman?

What do you think? Have you read anything I typed, I mean did you really read it? How about Brock Lezner as Luck Cage? Nikki Ziering as Storm, Jackie Chan as the Flash, or Justin Timberlake as Fire Star? When they cast that guy as Venom/Eddie Brock in Spidey3 people were ticked off because he wasn't big enough (in stature) for the roll. How do you think they will react to the race issue. I wonder how Kis and other black people would feel if they cast a white chick as Uhura in Star Trek 11? They aren't but what if they did. Chances are this Wonder Woman movie isn't even going to get made, but the point is that the person in the movie should look like the charactore from the comic, end of discution.

 

[CitY of MicA]

How about Angela Basset as Wonder Woman?

What do you think? Have you read anything I typed, I mean did you really read it? How about Brock Lezner as Luck Cage? Nikki Ziering as Storm, Jackie Chan as the Flash, or Justin Timberlake as Fire Star? When they cast that guy as Venom/Eddie Brock in Spidey3 people were ticked off because he wasn't big enough (in stature) for the roll. How do you think they will react to the race issue. I wonder how Kis and other black people would feel if they cast a white chick as Uhura in Star Trek 11? They aren't but what if they did. Chances are this Wonder Woman movie isn't even going to get made, but the point is that the person in the movie should look like the charactore from the comic, end of discution.

What do I think? I think it would be a good idea; that's why I posted it. It's entirely possible, maybe even likely, that people will have differing opinions on this topic. Yes, I read everything you typed, I really read it (now you've got me sounding like Sally Field). Did you read what I wrote? I didn't agree with you.

I'll quote myself from earlier this thread, because I just don't think I can express myself as well as I did a few months ago; people of all ethnicities should be considered for open roles of a non-historical nature, unless the role was written for a specific ethnicity due to a point the writer is making about race/ethnicity. These are fictional, fantasy characters. Skin color is, in most cases, unessential to the characters and storylines.

 

[SlaverTickler]

I'll quote myself from earlier this thread, because I just don't think I can express myself as well as I did a few months ago; people of all ethnicities should be considered for open roles of a non-historical nature, unless the role was written for a specific ethnicity due to a point the writer is making about race/ethnicity. These are fictional, fantasy characters. Skin color is, in most cases, unessential to the characters and storylines.

Well thats wrong, it is essencial because that is what the charactore is, it's documented, I can hold up and issue of Wonder Woman and say "Look Wonder Woman is white." I can hold up a copy of Power Man and Iron Fist and say "Look Luke Cage is black." I want a white person as Wonder Woman, I want a black guy as Luke Cage, I want and Asian to play The Master of Kung Fu, because that is what the person is in the book. All this is PC ass kissing bull shit.

 

[dskodj]

my feelings is why the hell cant hollywood just leave the good ol stuff the hell alone, actually get some writing talent and creativity and come up with original things instead of remake after remake as its been the past several years. the art of film and entertainment has gone downhill just as much as music.

 

[dskodj]

Well thats wrong, it is essencial because that is what the charactore is, it's documented, I can hold up and issue of Wonder Woman and say "Look Wonder Woman is white." I can hold up a copy of Power Man and Iron Fist and say "Look Luke Cage is black." I want a white person as Wonder Woman, I want a black guy as Luke Cage, I want and Asian to play The Master of Kung Fu, because that is what the person is in the book. All this is PC ass kissing bull shit.

but if i have to deal with these remakes...what he said is my answer

 

[brianspencer66]

That has to be the stupid thing I have ever read. So if Wesly Snipes played wonder woman would you be ok with that? Shit, please, fuck me, who the hell can tell the gender of a dog. The Truth is Wonder Woman is white, Superman is White, Batman is white thats it, and a white person should play these charactores in a live action adaptation. What happens when a little black girs see a black Wonder Woman in a movie and then when she goes to check out the comic see's she isn't black. If you don't want the film to make money then miss cast it like this and you'll see. And don't tell me Kis wouldn't come on here frothing at the mouth if a white chick had been cast as Storm in the X-Men movie, because that is the one thing I bring up that she fails to comment on.

If they cast Brock Lesner as Luke Cage I would feel the same way, if they cast Jackie Chan as Captain Marvel it would be rediculas. Chris Rock's attention grabber when he bitched about wanting to be Spider-Man was just that, "I play the race card and all camera's will be on me." and thats what happened. I know lets cast Matt Damon as Green Latnern John Stewart that makes sence, I'm sure no one would be offended by that idea.

Isnt this an old post? Whey are we bringing this crap up again ?

 

[SlaverTickler]

Isnt this an old post? Whey are we bringing this crap up again ?

Because I can, and because I found a Brazilian model who looks more like Wonder Woman then Tyra Banks and Beyonce who seem to be, being, pitched here (or at least were).

 

[Heeko]

Wonder Woman has been cast. Her name is Megan Gale.

 

[SlaverTickler]

Wonder Woman has been cast. Her name is Megan Gale.

A little thin, but she is tall so we'll see how it goes I guess.

 

[SlaverTickler]

After taking another look...

A little thin, but she is tall so we'll see how it goes I guess.

Lynda better have a decent cameo as WW's mom, other wise I'll have no reason to go.

 

[kis123]

Wonder Woman has been cast. Her name is Megan Gale.

Too bad her name isn't Beyonce' knowles or Tyra Banks. They have the height, body size, and attitude to carry the role.

If Will Smith and jennifer lopez can play roles normally held by white actors, i see no reason why these ladies couldn't rock the WW character.

It's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it!!!!!!!

 

[Dr. Vollin]

How about Angela Basset as Wonder Woman?

Best idea in this thread.

While we're suggesting casting ideas, I think Richard Brooks would make a more than decent Batman.

 

[Laugh]

Keep in mind the reason a lot of comic characters are 'white' are because they were created during a time of racial ignorance and prejudice. Non-whites were never given any meaningful roles or seen in print because (at that time) they were not considered equal.

Most of the famous comic characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman were created in the 1930's. No way under the sun, at that time, would a non-white ever be even considered for such status.

So to pick up a comic and say "Wonder Woman (or Batman or Superman) is white" is a reflection of 1930s thinking. It's not hard to be drawn as 'white' if it's the only thing to choose from.

It's the 1930s and I'm creating or selling comics. Whites are the only ones that can afford to buy them, the only ones to read them and most likely the only ones to see them - why on earth would I make the main characters non-white?

A total reflection of racial ignorance and prejudice at the time. I would hope we are past that, seeing as this is now 2008.

Comicbook characters are not the only reflection of racial ignorance of the times. In the 1970s, there was a show called "Kung Fu" which starred David Carradine as Caine, the lead character.

The story outline is after avenging the death of his teacher, a Shaolin monk flees China to the American West and helps people while being pursued by bounty hunters.

The show was originally conceived by Bruce Lee. But the producers did not offer the role to Bruce Lee since they did not feel that the American audience (at that time) would accept a Chinese actor as a lead, therefore looked for a Caucasian actor to fill the role.

And we all know Bruce Lee knows nothing about martial arts so better give that role to a white because a non-white would not be accepted. Besides, Bruce Lee would never fit the look for the role. (sarcasm)

Talk about racial ignorance and stupidity?

The character of Mr Spock was almost never seen because he was created with pointy ears. It's the late 1960s. We can't have a character that resembles the stereo-type of Satan on TV!! No one would ever watch the show!

Yet Star Trek is the most watched TV show in television history.

Again, another example of IGNORANCE.

My point is this is 2008. I would hope our future visions are past those of the 1930s. If we see everything as "cast in stone" because that's the way it was in the ignorant years of american media, then we are in sad trouble.

 

[SlaverTickler]

Thanks for the help...

Comicbook characters are not the only reflection of racial ignorance of the times. In the 1970s, there was a show called "Kung Fu" which starred David Carradine as Caine, the lead character.

The story outline is after avenging the death of his teacher, a Shaolin monk flees China to the American West and helps people while being pursued by bounty hunters.

The show was originally conceived by Bruce Lee. But the producers did not offer the role to Bruce Lee since they did not feel that the American audience (at that time) would accept a Chinese actor as a lead, therefore looked for a Caucasian actor to fill the role.

And we all know Bruce Lee knows nothing about martial arts so better give that role to a white because a non-white would not be accepted. Besides, Bruce Lee would never fit the look for the role. (sarcasm)

Talk about racial ignorance and stupidity?

Basicly casting a a black actress as Wonder Woman would be the exact same thing in reverce. I agree with everything else you posted here. It's true that most comic writers (even to this day) tend to be white, and tend to be male (though Wonder Woman's currently has a female writer and I think the artist might be as well). To me this is no different then casting Liz Taylor as Cleopatra and making her up to apear to have darker skin. I'm tired of making the samd arugument here but the truth is the truth. A white guys as Luke Cage, a white woman as Storm would be just as stupid as Tyra or Beyonce playing Wonder Woman.

 

[SlaverTickler]

If she can speak english and act Helen is a better pick...

Too bad her name isn't Beyonce' Knowles or Tyra Banks. They have the height, body size, and attitude to carry the role.

If Will Smith and jennifer lopez can play roles normally held by white actors, i see no reason why these ladies couldn't rock the WW character.

It's my opinion and I'm stickin' to it!!!!!!!

Lynda Carter: 5'9" Bust 36.5" Waist: 25" Hips 36"

Hellen Ganzarolli: 5'9" Bust 36" Waist 27" Hips 39"

We are basicly talking about a Brazillian born clone here. You said your main arguments for Beyonce and Tyra were Attitude and curves. Well Hellen's curves are almost inch for inch the same as Lynda's (whom you also said you liked from the tv show). She looks really comfortable in front of the camera, and she even has her own costume for crying out loud. As for this Attitude, Wonder Woman never had an attitude, she was regal, tough and had heart. Attude to me is J.Lo demanding a limo to go take her across the street, thats not Wonder Woman, thats not even a hero. Go watch the old Wonder Woman show and tell me where Lynda displayed Attitude once? Wonder Woman is no Diva, she looks down upon nobody and respect everyone except the dishonest and of course people who bash chicks.

Let me put it to you this way. There have been many Green Lanterns, at least 5 for the area that involves earth in the DC univerce. One was a red alien who dies. The others have been Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Ryner (the was also a golden age guy but I am using the Silver Age corps lanterns here). John Stewart is black, so if an actor were cast as him in a GL movie I would expect him to be black. However if it were Hal Jordan he should be white, because the charactore is white in the comics. Personaly I would use Stewart simply because most kids know hime from the "Justice League" cartoon and kids are the market.

If Tyra or Beyonce were being cast in a film where the roll was considered a more traditional for a white person or even a male (like an exectutive buisness type) and she got it that is called social evolution. Not unlike Uhura on Star Trek. However Wonder Woman as looking a certain way, and the actress who plays her should look something like her. Why do you think Arnold was cast as Conan, because he looked the most like him.

Just remember all this if they caste a white guy as Luke Cage, becaue (ironic as this sound) I will be speaking against it, while you won't be in a position to say shit.

 

[kis123]

Lynda Carter: 5'9" Bust 36.5" Waist: 25" Hips 36"

Hellen Ganzarolli: 5'9" Bust 36" Waist 27" Hips 39"

We are basicly talking about a Brazillian born clone here. You said your main arguments for Beyonce and Tyra were Attitude and curves. Well Hellen's curves are almost inch for inch the same as Lynda's (whom you also said you liked from the tv show). She looks really comfortable in front of the camera, and she even has her own costume for crying out loud. As for this Attitude, Wonder Woman never had an attitude, she was regal, tough and had heart. Attude to me is J.Lo demanding a limo to go take her across the street, thats not Wonder Woman, thats not even a hero. Go watch the old Wonder Woman show and tell me where Lynda displayed Attitude once? Wonder Woman is no Diva, she looks down upon nobody and respect everyone except the dishonest and of course people who bash chicks.

Let me put it to you this way. There have been many Green Lanterns, at least 5 for the area that involves earth in the DC univerce. One was a red alien who dies. The others have been Hal Jordan, Guy Gardner, John Stewart, and Kyle Ryner (the was also a golden age guy but I am using the Silver Age corps lanterns here). John Stewart is black, so if an actor were cast as him in a GL movie I would expect him to be black. However if it were Hal Jordan he should be white, because the charactore is white in the comics. Personaly I would use Stewart simply because most kids know hime from the "Justice League" cartoon and kids are the market.

If Tyra or Beyonce were being cast in a film where the roll was considered a more traditional for a white person or even a male (like an exectutive buisness type) and she got it that is called social evolution. Not unlike Uhura on Star Trek. However Wonder Woman as looking a certain way, and the actress who plays her should look something like her. Why do you think Arnold was cast as Conan, because he looked the most like him.

Just remember all this if they caste a white guy as Luke Cage, becaue (ironic as this sound) I will be speaking against it, while you won't be in a position to say shit.

ST, I'm not having this argument with you at all! You are obsessed with wonder woman and Lynda Carter which is why you can't see anyone else with the role other than a white woman. Since you are so Lynda Carter obsessed, you do know she's half hispanic right?

And yes, there is a certain 'attitude' about Wonder Woman that a male like yourself doesn't get! She was one of a small handful of women in the 70s and 80s we young girls could look up to for strength and integrity in character. That's the 'attitude' I'm talking about! Whether you like it or not, both Tyra and Beyonce would pull it off since those are genuine personality traits they both possess in their real lives!

 

[kis123]

Keep in mind the reason a lot of comic characters are 'white' are because they were created during a time of racial ignorance and prejudice. Non-whites were never given any meaningful roles or seen in print because (at that time) they were not considered equal.

Most of the famous comic characters such as Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman were created in the 1930's. No way under the sun, at that time, would a non-white ever be even considered for such status.

So to pick up a comic and say "Wonder Woman (or Batman or Superman) is white" is a reflection of 1930s thinking. It's not hard to be drawn as 'white' if it's the only thing to choose from.

It's the 1930s and I'm creating or selling comics. Whites are the only ones that can afford to buy them, the only ones to read them and most likely the only ones to see them - why on earth would I make the main characters non-white?

A total reflection of racial ignorance and prejudice at the time. I would hope we are past that, seeing as this is now 2008.

Comicbook characters are not the only reflection of racial ignorance of the times. In the 1970s, there was a show called "Kung Fu" which starred David Carradine as Caine, the lead character.

The story outline is after avenging the death of his teacher, a Shaolin monk flees China to the American West and helps people while being pursued by bounty hunters.

The show was originally conceived by Bruce Lee. But the producers did not offer the role to Bruce Lee since they did not feel that the American audience (at that time) would accept a Chinese actor as a lead, therefore looked for a Caucasian actor to fill the role.

And we all know Bruce Lee knows nothing about martial arts so better give that role to a white because a non-white would not be accepted. Besides, Bruce Lee would never fit the look for the role. (sarcasm)

Talk about racial ignorance and stupidity?

The character of Mr Spock was almost never seen because he was created with pointy ears. It's the late 1960s. We can't have a character that resembles the stereo-type of Satan on TV!! No one would ever watch the show!

Yet Star Trek is the most watched TV show in television history.

Again, another example of IGNORANCE.

My point is this is 2008. I would hope our future visions are past those of the 1930s. If we see everything as "cast in stone" because that's the way it was in the ignorant years of american media, then we are in sad trouble.

Thank you! This is exactly my point!

We are in the new millenium-the 21st century for crying out loud!! Why not try others in the role instead of sticking to old stereotypes? Who is this Helen Gale anyway? Sounds like an unknown to me; how many tickets will she really sell?

 

[SlaverTickler]

Thank you! This is exactly my point!

We are in the new millenium-the 21st century for crying out loud!! Why not try others in the role instead of sticking to old stereotypes? Who is this Helen Gale anyway? Sounds like an unknown to me; how many tickets will she really sell?

Yes your point, witch is bull shit. You want to simply do a roll reversle. Just like Chief Gllespie said to Det. Tibbs "Your just like us... aintcha?". Remeber a little movie called Superman back in 1979, well it featured an unknown named Chris Reeve in the lead roll, I heard it did pretty good. Then of course their was the Wonder Woman tv show that featured an unknown named... um... I forget, and it ran for three years and is a cult favorite. I don't like who they have picked to play Wonder Woman either, because she is a stick. However if they put a strong cast around her (like Gene Hackman and Brando in Superman) then the movie could do well. Besides it's not just a Wonder Woman movie it is the Justice League movie, so their will be other heroes in it.

And I was fully aware that Lynda was half Mexican. She also atribute her figure to both ethnic backgrounds. At any rait the producers have made their choice, I just hope Lynda hands off the tiara to this new girl. After that I will probably sleep through the rest of the movie. If she's not in it, then I probably won't go.

 

[SlaverTickler]

ST, I'm not having this argument with you at all! You are obsessed with wonder woman and Lynda Carter which is why you can't see anyone else with the role other than a white woman. Since you are so Lynda Carter obsessed, you do know she's half hispanic right?

And yes, there is a certain 'attitude' about Wonder Woman that a male like yourself doesn't get! She was one of a small handful of women in the 70s and 80s we young girls could look up to for strength and integrity in character. That's the 'attitude' I'm talking about! Whether you like it or not, both Tyra and Beyonce would pull it off since those are genuine personality traits they both possess in their real lives!

Your right, becaue I was born in 1973 and was brought up by a liberal minded father. The same father who told me how stupid it was that Dorthy Dandridge couldn't swim in the hotel pool, but that 4 black guys could clean it after she put her foot in the water. "Integrity in charactore" isn't attitude in a hero, it's a prerequisite (yes, I looked that word up 😀).

Hero- n pl Heroes
Princable charactore in a film, or book, play, etc; man greatly admired fore exceptional qualities or achievements. Heroine n fem Heroic adj courageous; of, like, or befitting a hero. Heroics pl n exstravagant behavior. Heroically adv Heroism [her-oh-izz-um] n

Basicly what your trying to say is the my picks arn't capable of doing the job because a black actress could do it better. The reasson you won't argue the points I've made is because you can't. I've busted you in mid prejudice, because both of your picks are black women, and that is part of your reason for picking them. My picks were based on possible resemblance to the charactore. You were partly right earlier, I should not have called you a racist before, because that term isn't true, however prejudice can be a different thing. We all want to look up at the big screen and see someone who reminds us of us in the cape and cowle kicking the bad guys ass, and I uderstand that you want to see more black women in heroic rolls, probably black men too. However you have to be careful that in you desire to see your people viewed as such that you don't barrie somebody els' because then you become the very thing you are striving to fight against. Thats how a hero (or heroine) ends up becoming a villian.

Hey... I had a moment of depth... yay for me!

 

[He-Man]

They cast an Australian...To play a Canadian...In an American movie.

Not to mention the actor was kinda tall, and didn't have much hair--while Wolverine is a short, hairy dude.

Although if you wanna talk weird, wasn't there an X-Men cartoon in the 80s that had Wolverine with an Australian accent? (i'm pretty sure I remember that) Now THAT made me go "WFT?"

 

[kis123]

Your right, becaue I was born in 1973 and was brought up by a liberal minded father. The same father who told me how stupid it was that Dorthy Dandridge couldn't swim in the hotel pool, but that 4 black guys could clean it after she put her foot in the water. "Integrity in charactore" isn't attitude in a hero, it's a prerequisite (yes, I looked that word up 😀).

Hero- n pl Heroes
Princable charactore in a film, or book, play, etc; man greatly admired fore exceptional qualities or achievements. Heroine n fem Heroic adj courageous; of, like, or befitting a hero. Heroics pl n exstravagant behavior. Heroically adv Heroism [her-oh-izz-um] n

Basicly what your trying to say is the my picks arn't capable of doing the job because a black actress could do it better. The reasson you won't argue the points I've made is because you can't. I've busted you in mid prejudice, because both of your picks are black women, and that is part of your reason for picking them. My picks were based on possible resemblance to the charactore. You were partly right earlier, I should not have called you a racist before, because that term isn't true, however prejudice can be a different thing. We all want to look up at the big screen and see someone who reminds us of us in the cape and cowle kicking the bad guys ass, and I uderstand that you want to see more black women in heroic rolls, probably black men too. However you have to be careful that in you desire to see your people viewed as such that you don't barrie somebody els' because then you become the very thing you are striving to fight against. Thats how a hero (or heroine) ends up becoming a villian.

Hey... I had a moment of depth... yay for me!

now you're putting words in my mouth! I can speak for myself thank you very much! And what do you mean by the 'your people' comment? You could've kept that to yourself! You're accusing me of the very thing you're doing when you say the role has to be played by a white woman in order for it to be legitimate. Once again, Lynda Carter is half hispanic; if the shows producers had your attitude and mindset, she never would've gotten the role in the first place!!

I said they'd be good choices because I think either of them could carry the role, not because they're black! They don't exactly have trained acting ability but both have built their careers through a lot of adversity and endurance. No one handed them anything, they worked hard and built careers for themeselves and that is strength and integrity of character. You don't catch them on TMZ now do you?? They're not on drugs or in and out of rehab, do you?? That is called strength and integrity in character to me!! They represent well not just to my race but to Americans in general. I can see little girls aspiring to be like them as opposed to the Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohans, or Amy Winehouses around here just tearing their lives apart in front of the whole world!

This really has nothing to do with race at all; it just happens to be both women are black. They're also tall, close to Lynda's size, and can carry the role with strength and integrity of character much in the same way Lynda did.

 

[kis123]

Yes your point, witch is bull shit. You want to simply do a roll reversle. Just like Chief Gllespie said to Det. Tibbs "Your just like us... aintcha?". Remeber a little movie called Superman back in 1979, well it featured an unknown named Chris Reeve in the lead roll, I heard it did pretty good. Then of course their was the Wonder Woman tv show that featured an unknown named... um... I forget, and it ran for three years and is a cult favorite. I don't like who they have picked to play Wonder Woman either, because she is a stick. However if they put a strong cast around her (like Gene Hackman and Brando in Superman) then the movie could do well. Besides it's not just a Wonder Woman movie it is the Justice League movie, so their will be other heroes in it.

And I was fully aware that Lynda was half Mexican. She also atribute her figure to both ethnic backgrounds. At any rait the producers have made their choice, I just hope Lynda hands off the tiara to this new girl. After that I will probably sleep through the rest of the movie. If she's not in it, then I probably won't go.

I have questions for you;

Are you high????

Are you on something???

What the hell is wrong with you???

Prove your accusations or keep them to yourself!!! You are the one turning this into a race war, not me! You're just pissed because I brought alternatives to your lilly white idea of your Wonder Woman obsession! Get the hell over it for crying out loud and move on with your life!!

 

[SlaverTickler]

now you're putting words in my mouth! I can speak for myself thank you very much! And what do you mean by the 'your people' comment? You could've kept that to yourself! You're accusing me of the very thing you're doing when you say the role has to be played by a white woman in order for it to be legitimate. Once again, Lynda Carter is half hispanic; if the shows producers had your attitude and mindset, she never would've gotten the role in the first place!!

Actualy the only person who wanted Lynda for the role was the producer, the telivition station didn't want to go with an unknown (sounds like somebody else around here). The reason Douglas S. Cramer went with Lynda was because as soon as he saw her he knew she was ment to play Wonder Woman, thats because she looked like Wonder Woman, and he had to fight tooth and nail to get her on the show. Lynda basicly got the part because Cramer said if you don't pick her you don't get me, and he had the contract to produce the show.

I stand by every thing else love me or hate me I am sticking with it.

 

[SlaverTickler]

I have questions for you;

Are you high????

Are you on something???

What the hell is wrong with you???

Prove your accusations or keep them to yourself!!! You are the one turning this into a race war, not me! You're just pissed because I brought alternatives to your lilly white idea of your Wonder Woman obsession! Get the hell over it for crying out loud and move on with your life!!

Hey I'm just saying when they cast a white guy as Luke Cage you've got no place to speak after all this.

 

[SlaverTickler]

Not to mention the actor was kinda tall, and didn't have much hair--while Wolverine is a short, hairy dude.

Although if you wanna talk weird, wasn't there an X-Men cartoon in the 80s that had Wolverine with an Australian accent? (i'm pretty sure I remember that) Now THAT made me go "WFT?"

The Australian accent was sort of funny to me in the old cartoon, "Do those guys really think we talk like that?" Jackman was a little tall, and he wasn't so harry, but look at the face, that's Wolverine, believe me. If this movie had been made 10 years earlier it would have been Mel Gibson, and the way things have gone for him lately I am glad it turned out not to be him. Ausie or not, Hugh nailed the role and looked alot like Wolverine, if he had been Canadian that would have been a cherry on the sunday, but that alot different then have a white chick play Storm, then we'll see how that one had gone over.