The Marvel Studios boss has released a statement regarding the Ancient’s role in Doctor Strange. Apologizing to the Asian communities and explaining the reasons behind that choice
In 2016, the Doctor Strange by Benedict Cumberbatch. At his side, in the role ofAncient, we find the actress Tilda Swinton, who will also play the role in Avengers: Endgame (2019). A casting choice that is little appreciated and tolerated by fans who, in a historical era attentive to the representation of diversity and minorities, have accused Marvel Studios of whitewashing. In the comics, in fact, the Ancient One – whose first appearance dates back to 1963 – was a man originally from the Himalayas.
For this reason, in an interview with Men’s Health, Kevin Feige he returned to the subject, apologizing for this choice but admitting that the stereotype problem had already been taken into consideration then. Writing an actress, therefore, must have seemed like the best choice to solve the problem.
But the fans disagreed.
We thought we were very clever and revolutionary. We said to ourselves: we will not do the cliché of the old Asian sage. But it served as a lesson to ask ourselves: wait a minute, isn’t there another way out? Isn’t there another way to avoid the cliché and cast an Asian actor at the same time? And the answer of course is yes.
A new era for the MCU
Feige does not explain what the alternative route for the Doctor Strange saga could have been, but suggests that Marvel Studios have understood the mistake and that they have treasured it for future projects.
The next film to be released dedicated to an Asian superhero, in fact, will respect the origins of the protagonist. Shang – Chi and the legend of the ten rings can therefore count on a cast that will make the project a real redemption for the Asian community in Hollywood and in the MCU in particular, with an operation similar to that which took place for Black Phanter and the African American community.
Next to the protagonist Simu Liu we find some well-known faces, including Simu Liu, Awkwafina, Tony Leung Chiu Wai e Michelle Yeoh |.
Marvel Studios are therefore ready to usher in Phase 4 with a new and more inclusive consciousness.
Shang – Who and the Legend of the Ten Rings will be released in theaters from September 1st.