It is not usually a simple decision to give up a big role in an industry where blockbuster franchises can make a career. However, to some actors it was a question of principle to quit. Be it, racially insensitive marketing, stereotypical images or unequal remuneration, these performers preferred their integrity to remain in the limelight. Their exits have instigated broader debate on representation, equity and how studios should be accountable to the identities of the characters and communities that they serve.
The following are some of the most prominent instances of actors who have left behind high-paying opportunities to make a statement.
1. Thandiwe Newton
Newton had planned to be a part of the re-enactment of Charlie Angels, which was to be re-enacted in 2000 alongside Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore. She dropped out of a meeting with an executive at a studio where the character arc, as was proposed, was heavily biased in terms of racial stereotypes and objectification. The first scene, she was assured, would be an extreme close-up of her body – a decision which she believed was not helping negative cliches perpetuate themselves.
2. Ed Skrein
Skrein, who played the role of Major Ben Daimio in the 2019 reboot of Hellboy, has received criticism due to the fact that the character in the comics is of Japanese descent, specifically, Japanese American. He resigned and left acknowledging the apprehensions regarding whitewashing to allow the part to be played in an authentic manner. Later the part was assigned to Daniel Dae Kim.
3. Dave Chappelle
During the peak of Chappelle show, the comedian turned down a 50 million deal. He believed some of the sketches were being interpreted in a way that strengthened and not weakened racial stereotypes and that marketing was exaggerating those misunderstandings. The fact that he left in the middle of production made it one of the most discussed exits of television.
4. Hank Azaria
Azaria also stopped voicing Apu on the simpsons after the documentation of the documentary The Problem with Apu was released and it discussed how the character promoted racist stereotypes. He has since taken the time to thank the person who drove him into the discussion and admitted the damages done by the depiction.
5. Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park
Both actors exited Hawaii Five-0 after seven seasons as CBS refused to pay their demands on par with those of White co-stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan. The deals were not par with and were not accompanied by backend profit participation even though offers of raises had been made. Their departure highlighted the continuing pay equity struggle of the actors of color in Hollywood.
6. John Boyega
The actor Star Wars actor has blamed how his character Finn has been hyped in international promotion such as how the character was diminished in size on Chinese posters. Boyega also addressed the sidelining and non-supportive feeling in some fans as a result of racist backlash in a rather creative manner, stating that he would not come back under such circumstances.
7. Ray Fisher
When Justice League was being reshot, the role of Cyborg played by Fisher was greatly minimized. He claimed that racially insensitive decisions were made on the behind-the-scenes and that the abusive conduct was condoned. The open opposition to studio leadership has resulted in him losing future DC work but he has still been demanding accountability.
8. Jenny Slate
Missy, a biracial character played by Slate in Big Mouth, resigned and was voiced by Slate. She has acknowledged that her initial argument behind the position was misplaced and that black characters need to be played by black actors. Ayo Edebiri was recast in the role.
9. Kristen Bell
Bell also played a role as Molly, a mixed-race character on the second season of Central Park, but eventually accepted the producers’ request that she vacate the series. She admitted that her portrayal was not based on her lived experience as the character, and the part was recast to be more in line with the representation objectives of the show.
10. Amandla Stenberg
Stenberg was invited to audition as Shuri in Black Panther but she refused because she thought that the casting of a dark-skinned African player was needed to be culturally accurate. The part was finally assumed by Letitia Wright.
11. Gabrielle Union
The single season that Union spent as a judge on “America’s Got Talent” was terminated when she whistled about a hostile work environment and racially offensive events. She did not want to remain silent and an investigation was conducted along with further debates about the problem of discrimination in reality TV production.
Although expensive in the short run, these exits have assisted in moving the entertainment business to a more realistic representation and a fairer treatment. Every choice spoke volumes: what is seen and what is an opportunity is not worth what it costs: dignity and equity.
