Scarlett Johansson will no longer play a transgender man in the upcoming movie “Rub & Tug,” she announced in an interview on Friday.
“In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project,” she said in an interview with Out.
“Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realized it was insensitive,” Johansson continued.
Scarlett Johansson is playing a trans man in her next movie because her ultimate career goal is to take an acting job from a member of each and every marginalized group.
— Faith Choyce (@faithchoyce) July 3, 2018
She added, “While I would have loved the opportunity to bring Dante’s story and transition to life, I understand why many feel he should be portrayed by a transgender person, and I am thankful that this casting debate, albeit controversial, has sparked a larger conversation about diversity and representation in film.”
The announcement of Johansson’s casting in this role was under a lot of scrutiny over the last week-and-a-half. Those who were upset by it suggested that a transgender male actor should play the role instead of a female actress. (RELATED: Scarlett Johansson Under Fire For Plans To Play Trans Man In Upcoming Movie)