Filmmaker Aaron Sorkin has lashed out at critics of his new film ‘Being the Ricardos’, and blasted activists who he says are promoting the “resegregating” of actors.
“It’s heartbreaking and a little chilling to see members of the artistic community resegregating ourselves,” Sorkin told The Sunday Times in an interview targeting cancel culture and ‘Being the Ricardos’ critics.
There has been consternation about the casting of Bardem — a Spaniard — in the role of Desi, a Cuban. Sorkin remains angry that his choice has been questioned. “It’s heartbreaking, and a little chilling to see members of the artistic community resegregating ourselves,” he says. pic.twitter.com/t3KiSn6Ayo
— Sunday Times Culture (@ST_Culture) December 19, 2021
The ‘West Wing’ creator has found himself at the center of a cultural debate on identity politics as his latest film has been criticized over the casting of Spanish actor Javier Bardem as a Cuban character.
Sorkin said he does not support Hollywood movements to have certain roles only played by actors who share certain characteristics. The writer, for instance, sees no value in a gay character only being able to be played by a gay actor.
“Nouns aren’t actable. Gay and straight aren’t actable. You can act being attracted to someone, but can’t act gay or straight,” he said.
Limiting the casting in his new film based on this thinking would have been the “mother of all empty gestures and a bad idea,” Sorkin, who wrote and directed the feature, added.