Key Takeaways:
– Scarlett Johansson and Benedict Cumberbatch, both Avengers stars, have been involved in whitewashing controversies.
– Cumberbatch's role as Khan in Star Trek Into Darkness sparked a major whitewashing controversy.
– Despite criticism, the Star Trek movie was commercially successful and Cumberbatch's performance was well received.
– In contrast, Johansson's role in Ghost in the Shell inflicted damage on her career due to whitewashing claims.
– Ghost in the Shell's failure, both critically and commercially, is largely attributed to its casting controversy.
Whitewashing Controversies Amid Avengers Stars
“Hollywood stars are no strangers to controversies, and actors like Scarlett Johansson and Benedict Cumberbatch are no exceptions. Best known for their roles in the Avengers films, both stars have faced whitewashing disputes in their careers, sparking serious discussions among fans, critics, and media alike.
Cumberbatch's Khan Controversy: A Storm That Passed
Renowned for playing Sherlock Holmes in the BBC series Sherlock and Doctor Strange in the MCU, Benedict Cumberbatch has essayed a string of iconic characters. In 2013, the actor bagged the role of Khan Noonien Singh in Star Trek Into Darkness. Khan, a character of Indian origin, had previously been portrayed by Mexican actor Ricardo Montalbán, stirring a whitewashing controversy when Cumberbatch, a Caucasian actor, was cast in the role.
Many fans expressed their discontent, arguing that the casting decision should have faced more criticism. Still, there were others who believed Cumberbatch's strong performance overshadowed these concerns. Despite the uproar, Star Trek Into Darkness went on to become the highest-grossing Star Trek film of all time. This commercial success somewhat diluted the controversy, allowing Cumberbatch to emerge relatively unscathed.
Scarlett Johansson's Whitewashing Woe: A Persistent Shadow
Unlike Cumberbatch, Scarlett Johansson still grapples with the aftermath of her own whitewashing scandal. Her portrayal of a Japanese-origin character in 2017's Ghost in the Shell, which is based on a manga by Masamune Shirow, drew severe criticism. Despite the original anime director's defense that the character was a cyborg, Johansson faced significant backlash.
Not only did the controversy tarnish Johansson's reputation, but it also negatively impacted the movie's reviews and box office returns. In contrast to Star Trek Into Darkness, Ghost in the Shell became a notable example of Hollywood whitewashing, leading to its critical and commercial failure. The ensuing controversy has since left a dark mark on Johansson's otherwise illustrious career.
Conclusion
The contrasting outcomes of Cumberbatch and Johansson's whitewashing controversies demonstrate the intricacies of Hollywood's casting decisions and the possible repercussions of such choices. As these debates continue to shape conversations around diversity and representation in Hollywood, it remains to be seen how the industry will address these concerns in the future. In the meantime, fans can stream Star Trek Into Darkness on Paramount+ and rent Ghost in the Shell on Amazon Prime Video.
