Ruffalo, who serves as executive producer of the film, has responded to the criticism from the transgender community, saying, 'I hear you. It's wrenching to you see you in this pain.'
- Sep 2, 2016
AceShowbiz - Mark Ruffalo addresses controversy surrounding the casting of Matthew Bomer as a trans woman in "Anything". Ruffalo, who serves as executive producer of the film, has responded to the criticism from the transgender community who claims that a transgender woman should portray the character rather than a cisgender actor.
The 48-year-old producer posted on Twitter a series of tweets responding to the backlash on Wednesday, August 31. "To the Trans community. I hear you. It's wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time," he wrote. "In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making 'The Normal Heart'."
To the Trans community. I hear you. It's wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making "The Normal Heart".
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
Critics suggested that the transgender character in Ruffalo's film should be portrayed by an actual trans woman. One Twitter user replied, "Especially given how he has handled interactions with actual trans women, I would suggest a recast. now," before Ruffalo wrote back, "the movie is already shot." He went on to explain, "Matt poured his heart and soul into this part. Please have a little compassion. We are all learning."
@Vodstok The movie is already shot and Matt poured his heart and soul into this part. Please have a little compassion. We are all learning.
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) August 31, 2016
In similar news, another film that features a trans character is coming out and people are not happy either with its casting decision. Critics claim that it limits the actors from giving fully authentic performances and shuts out transgender actors who seek for the job.
"Fast and Furious" actress Michelle Rodriguez portrays a male assassin who is turned into a woman by the antagonist in "(Re) Assignment". Several members of the transgender community are angry that Rodriguez's character is forced to undergo the surgery, and say that the procedure seems like a punishment rather than a choice.
On Instagram, the transgender community is demanding a boycott against the film which is set to premiere during the Toronto Film Festival on September 11. One user says, "Mess at Michelle Rodriguez making a movie where they force her to get gender reassignment surgery as punishment."
trans actors when you've got michelle rodriguez butching it up to play the latest trans serial killer and matt bomer playing a trans woman+
— evelyn (@retiredactress) August 28, 2016
Mess at Michelle Rodriguez making a movie where they force her to get gender reassignment surgery as punishment
— Mistress 9 (@EverMUA) August 21, 2016
