Controversial casting choices of moviemakers

Hollywood has a long tradition of casting white actors as other ethnicities, and a string of recent movies indicates the practice shows no real sign of abating.

Elizabeth, Michael and Marlon

British actor Joseph Fiennes, who is white and best known for playing the Bard in the filmShakespeare in Loveand a roleon TV'sAmerican Horror Story, is slatedto portray the iconic African-American pop star Michael Jackson in a short, 30-minute TV film.

The unusualcasting of Fiennes as the internationally renowned black pop star comes amid heated debate and swirling controversy surrounding the lack of diversity at the upcoming Oscars and, more generally, in Hollywood itself.

Gods of Egypt

In November 2015,Gods of Egyptdirector Alex Proyas apologized for casting mostly white actors in his upcoming film based on Egyptian mythology. Proyas, an Australian who was born in Egypt, said their casting choices should have been more diverse.

Exodus: Gods and Kings

Thebiblical filmExodus: Gods and Kingshas come under fire for white actors being cast in the main roles as Egyptians, including casting Christian Bale as Moses.

Airbender

Fans of the TV seriesAvatar: The Last Airbenderslammedthe movie version for its casting of white actors in the hero roles, including casting actorNoah Ringer as the Asian maincharacterAang.

Aloha

In June, 2015,Cameron Crowe apologized to anyone offended that he cast Emma Stone in a partially Asian, partially Hawaiian role in the filmAloha.Stone's character, Capt. Allison Ng, is a quarter Hawaiian, and has a half-Chinese father.

Prince of Persia: Sands of Time

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, a live-action adaptation of a video game, starswhite actor Jake Gyllenhaal in the title role rather thanan actor with a Middle Eastern background.

Pan

Director Joe Wright came under scrutiny when he castRooney Maraas the Native American characterTiger Lily in his movie Pan.

The Lone Ranger

Disney filmThe Lone Rangercame under scrutiny with the casting of actorJohnny Depp to playTonto, the title character's Native American sidekick.Depp says he is of Cherokee heritage and that he consulted with native leaders about the role.

21

The 2008 film21was based on a book inspired by the true story of a mostly Asian-American group of card players, yet was cast with mostly white actors in the main roles, including Jim Sturgess.