Ed Skrein Exits “Hellboy” Out of Respect for Representation of Ethnic Diversity
Ed Skrein, who portrayed Francis Freeman, a.k.a Ajax in last year’s hit, “Deadpool” had been lauded for his actions following his casting in the “Hellboy” reboot.
Cast just last week as Maj. Benjamin Daimio, a member of the B.P.R.D. a character of mixed Asian origins, Skrein stepped down from the role upon realizing misrepresentation.
The actor who recognizes his mixed heritage issued a statement that to accept the role would be a disservice to ethnic diversity representation in the Arts. Skrein had been quoted saying,
“It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people, and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the Arts. I feel it is important to honour and respect that. Therefore I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately.”
While sad of his departure from the project, Ed Skrein is confident that his action would result into something positive.
Lionsgate was all support for the actor’s decision. In statement, the company expressed,
“Ed came to us and felt very strongly about this. We fully support his unselfish decision. It was not our intent to be insensitive to issues of authenticity and ethnicity, and we will look to recast the part with an actor more consistent with the character in the source material.”
