Criticism has rained down the casting choice for "Gods of Egypt," prompting director Alex Proyas and Lionsgate to release statements apologizing for their casting choice.
As "Gods of Egypt" is a period-piece set in Africa, the movie was expected to showcase an African cast. Except it didn't, instead offering a dominantly white ensemble featuring Gerard Butler, Brenton Thwaites and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau. Bette Midler took to Twitter to share her two cents, expressing what a lot of people are already thinking:
Movie, #GodsOfEgypt in which everyone is white? Egyptians, in history and today, have NEVER been white. BRING BACK GEOGRAPHY!! It's Africa!
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) November 12, 2015
Proyas explained that the casting process is complicated, but admits that there should have been more diversity in their casting choices.
"I sincerely apologize to those who are offended by the decisions we made," he added.
As for Lionsgate, it said that it recognizes that it has a responsibility to help ensure casting choices are reflective of the culture and diversity of the time periods being portrayed in its movies. However, the studio failed to live up to its own standards in the case of "Gods of Egypt," for which it is sincerely apologizing. Lionsgate reiterated its commitment towards making movies that reflect the diversity of its audience, noting that it has, can and will continue to do better.
Good thing Proyas and Lionsgate didn't just decide to pull out the "our movie, our decision" defense!
While apologizing does not mean that the "Gods of Egypt" cast will be changing, it does somewhat diffuse the tension surrounding the controversy. Still, given that the movie was being called out as early as April 2014 on its casting choice, it would have been possible for Proyas and Lionsgate to make some ideal changes.
Proyas and Lionsgate do have a history of making great movies so it's not a stretch to think that "Gods of Egypt" will be a good one. However, if it does become a hit, it runs the trouble of reinforcing the idea that a movie doesn't need an ethnically accurate cast, which is problematic if the goal is to promote diversity.
"Gods of Egypt" is due to hit theaters Feb. 26, 2016. It will also star Elodie Yung, Rufus Sewell, Courtney Eaton, Geoffrey Rush, Chadwick Boseman and Abbey Lee Kershaw.
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