Arts & Entertainment
Mark Ruffalo responds to Matt Bomer casting controversy
actor says ‘I hear you’
(Screenshot via YouTube)
Mark Ruffalo addressed the transgender community on Twitter in response to the controversy surrounding the decision to cast Matt Bomer as a transgender character in his upcoming film,”Anything.”
Bomer plays a transgender sex worker in the film who strikes a friendship with a suicidal man played by John Carroll Lynch. The casting choice sparked outrage due to a cisgender actor portraying a transgender character. Ruffalo, an executive producer on the film, took to Twitter to respond to those concerns.
To the Trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
Ruffalo continued on that Bomer was chosen for the role because the pair had previously starred together in “The Normal Heart.”
Reactions varied with one tweet pointing out Ruffalo had tweeted his support for the transgender community in the past but still chose to cast a cisgender actor. Another tweet mentioned that the topic has been talked about before but still no progress has been made.
.@MarkRuffalo lip service to the trans community but when actually money and a job is involved — he hires a cis guy pic.twitter.com/OBcUAMOX2b
— Trans Hollywood (@transhollywood) August 28, 2016
@MarkRuffalo it’s happened too many times. We’ve had this conversation. TOO. MANY. TIMES. You don’t hear us at all, do you?
— ~ scotty ~ (@irlsuperman) August 31, 2016
One user tweeted if the role could be recast, but Ruffalo responded it’s too late to make changes.
@Vodstok The movie is already shot and Matt poured his heart and soul into this part. Please have a little compassion. We are all learning.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
Others accepted Ruffalo’s response such as “Sense8” star and transgender actress Jen Richards. Richards had publicly criticized the casting choice, tweeting Bomer her disappointment and making a YouTube video addressing the problem with casting cisgender actors in transgender roles.
Thank you @MarkRuffalo, this means a lot. I would love to talk to you about it, and how to move forward positively. https://t.co/tYOHdlHn2W
— Jen Richards (@SmartAssJen) August 31, 2016
Bomer has not yet publicly commented on the controversy.
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The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
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