Actors Slammed for Taking Roles Meant for Underrepresented Groups

For years, Hollywood has frequently cast well-known actors in roles that were initially written for people from groups who are often excluded or overlooked. This practice often leads to public discussions about whether stories are being told accurately and fairly. Actors sometimes receive strong criticism for playing characters with different ethnic backgrounds, physical abilities, or sexual orientations than their own. While some people believe actors should have the freedom to play any role, others argue that it limits opportunities for performers from underrepresented communities. This article looks at several male actors who have faced criticism for taking on controversial roles in popular films and shows.

Mickey Rooney

In the film ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’, Mickey Rooney played Mr. Yunioshi, a Japanese character, using extensive makeup and fake teeth to create a stereotypical portrayal. Today, this performance is widely considered a prime example of yellowface – the act of a non-Asian actor portraying an Asian person – and is seen as deeply offensive. The decision to cast a white actor in the role has been debated for many years. While Rooney later admitted the criticism, he maintained that he didn’t mean to cause harm with his performance.

Laurence Olivier

Laurence Olivier famously used dark makeup and changed his voice to play Othello in the film adaptation of Shakespeare’s play. This was a common practice at the time, where white actors often played characters written for people of color. Today, many find the performance uncomfortable to watch because of the outdated and racially insensitive depiction. The film stands as a key example of how Black actors were historically excluded from important Shakespearean roles in cinema.

Marlon Brando

In the film ‘The Teahouse of the August Moon,’ Marlon Brando portrayed a Japanese villager named Sakini, requiring significant makeup to alter his appearance. However, casting a famous Hollywood actor instead of someone of Asian heritage sparked debate about whether the portrayal felt genuine. This role is frequently cited when discussing the history of problematic ethnic representations in Western films. Later in his career, Brando avoided similar roles as the film industry began to rethink its casting choices.

John Wayne

John Wayne played Genghis Khan in the film ‘The Conqueror,’ a movie now famous for its questionable casting choices. Wayne wore makeup to appear East Asian, but still looked very much like his usual cowboy self. This decision caused confusion at the time and is now seen as a prime example of whitewashing in Hollywood. While the film had other problems, the controversial casting remains what it’s most remembered for.

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jake Gyllenhaal played the main role in ‘Prince of Persia,’ but casting a white American actor to play a Persian prince sparked considerable debate when the film came out. Many critics felt the movie should have given the opportunity to an actor with Middle Eastern roots. This controversy brought attention to the broader issue of limited diversity in large-scale action movies. Gyllenhaal himself later acknowledged the role wasn’t ideal and that he gained valuable insight from the experience.

Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp starred as Tonto in the movie ‘The Lone Ranger’. While Depp stated he had some Native American roots, many Indigenous groups questioned the casting, believing the role should have gone to an actor with confirmed Indigenous heritage. Critics also pointed out that his portrayal relied on outdated stereotypes and was overly eccentric. The controversy ultimately raised important discussions about how Western films represent Native American characters.

Benedict Cumberbatch

Benedict Cumberbatch played the villain Khan in ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’. The character was originally written as being of Indian heritage, but the decision to cast a white actor sparked criticism. Many fans and critics were disappointed, feeling it overlooked the character’s established background as a person of color. While the filmmakers emphasized Cumberbatch’s acting ability, the casting contributed to concerns about ‘whitewashing’ – replacing actors of color with white actors – in science fiction films.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne played Lili Elbe, a transgender woman, in the movie ‘The Danish Girl’. Although his performance was praised by many critics, it also sparked debate within the LGBTQ+ community. Some felt a transgender actress should have had the chance to play this important role, raising questions about fair representation for marginalized groups in Hollywood. Redmayne has since said he wouldn’t accept the part if offered it now.

Jared Leto

Jared Leto portrayed Rayon, a transgender woman, in ‘Dallas Buyers Club’ and received numerous awards for his performance. However, the casting sparked criticism from activists who argued that transgender roles should be played by transgender actors. They felt casting a cisgender man perpetuated the harmful idea that transgender women are merely men in disguise. Concerns were raised about the effect this type of casting had on the visibility and representation of the trans community. Leto later discussed these complex issues in interviews.

Jeffrey Tambor

Jeffrey Tambor played Maura Pfefferman in the TV show ‘Transparent,’ which centered on a father who comes out as a transgender woman. Although the show received critical acclaim for its writing, some people questioned why a cisgender actor was cast in the role, arguing that a transgender performer could have had a significant career boost. This controversy, along with other issues, continued to affect the show in its later seasons.

Jim Sturgess

Jim Sturgess played the main role in the movie ’21’, which was based on the true story of an MIT team of Asian American students who became experts at counting cards. However, the filmmakers cast white actors to play these students, leading to criticism and accusations of ‘whitewashing’ from the public and Asian American groups. The film became a well-known example of Hollywood’s tendency to replace people of color with white actors in adaptations of real stories.

Justin Chatwin

Justin Chatwin starred as Goku in the live-action movie ‘Dragonball Evolution’. Because Goku comes from a well-known Japanese comic and is generally seen as Asian, many fans were upset that a white actor was chosen for the role. They felt this ignored the character’s cultural background and the film is now considered a significant failure, both in terms of casting and overall quality.

Matt Damon

Matt Damon starred as a mercenary in the movie ‘The Great Wall,’ which took place in ancient China. The film’s promotion caused controversy because some viewers felt it portrayed a white actor as the hero who would save the Chinese people. This led to a lot of discussion about the ‘white savior’ trope in movies. Although the director explained that the character was always meant to be a foreigner, the criticism didn’t stop, and it negatively impacted the film’s release in Western countries.

Liam Neeson

Liam Neeson portrayed Ra’s al Ghul in ‘Batman Begins’. The character’s origins in the comic books are Arab and East Asian, but Neeson, who is Irish, was cast in the role. Some people felt this choice overlooked the character’s intended ethnic background, and the casting continued in subsequent films and adaptations. The issue of accurate ethnic representation remains a topic of debate among fans of comic book movies.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s film ‘Argo’ told the true story of CIA officer Tony Mendez, a man of Mexican heritage. Affleck both directed and starred as Mendez, a decision that sparked controversy. Many argued that a Latino actor should have been cast in the role, pointing to the abundance of talented Latino performers available. While ‘Argo’ received numerous awards, the casting choice continues to be debated by film experts.

Joseph Fiennes

Joseph Fiennes played Michael Jackson in an episode of the British show ‘Urban Myths,’ but the choice sparked widespread criticism. Many people, including Jackson’s family, felt it was wrong to have a white actor portray a Black cultural icon, and the episode was ultimately pulled from broadcast. Fiennes later acknowledged the reasons for the strong negative response.

Christian Bale

Christian Bale starred as Moses in the movie ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings,’ but the film’s director received criticism for casting mostly white actors to play characters from ancient Egypt and Israel. Many people protested online and called for a boycott because the main cast lacked diversity. Bale explained that making such a large, expensive film had financial limitations. This situation ultimately led to a broader discussion about whether filmmakers have a duty to include diverse representation in historical movies.

Joel Edgerton

Joel Edgerton, who played Ramses in ‘Exodus: Gods and Kings,’ faced criticism for being cast as an Egyptian character despite being white, similar to his co-star. The decision to use tanning makeup on the actors only intensified this criticism, with many seeing it as an insensitive and outdated practice. Many felt the casting was a chance to accurately represent the historical population of the region, but it was missed. The film is now frequently cited as an example of whitewashing in Hollywood.

Gerard Butler

Gerard Butler starred as the Egyptian god Set in the movie ‘Gods of Egypt,’ which faced significant backlash for featuring a mostly white cast despite being set in ancient Africa. Before the film even came out, the director and studio apologized for the lack of diversity. Critics felt the casting choices were a setback for the film industry, and the movie ultimately didn’t do well in theaters, largely due to the controversy surrounding the cast.

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau

Nikolaj Coster-Waldau played the god Horus in the movie ‘Gods of Egypt’. The decision to cast him, and other white actors, in roles depicting ancient Egyptians sparked significant criticism for ‘whitewashing’ – a lack of diversity in casting. The actor later agreed the criticism was fair and that the film industry needed to do better with representation. Many viewers also felt the movie didn’t accurately reflect the culture and history of ancient Egypt. This negative reaction ultimately led to changes in how studios cast films set in the ancient world.

Fisher Stevens

In the 1986 film ‘Short Circuit,’ Fisher Stevens played Ben Jabituya, an Indian scientist, using heavy makeup and a stereotypical accent. At the time, many viewers didn’t realize Stevens was a white actor from Chicago. He has since publicly apologized for taking the role and contributing to harmful ethnic stereotypes. The character is now widely considered a prime example of problematic ‘brownface’ in 1980s films.

Mike Myers

Mike Myers played the main character in the comedy film ‘The Love Guru’, portraying an American man raised in India who becomes a self-help guru in the United States. However, the film received criticism for relying on stereotypes and using Indian culture for jokes. Many Hindus found the movie disrespectful to their religion and customs. Ultimately, the film wasn’t successful with critics or audiences and served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cultural appropriation in comedy.

Christopher Abbott

In the movie ‘Whiskey Tango Foxtrot,’ Christopher Abbott portrayed Fahim Ahmadzai, an Afghan character. Though Abbott’s acting was well-received, the decision to cast a white actor in the role sparked criticism. Many pointed out that numerous talented actors of Middle Eastern and Central Asian backgrounds could have offered a more genuine portrayal. This casting was seen as part of a larger trend in Hollywood of using white actors for supporting roles that call for specific ethnicities. The film itself received mixed reviews, and the casting choice was a frequent topic of debate.

Max Minghella

Max Minghella portrayed Divya Narendra, one of the co-founders of Facebook, in the movie ‘The Social Network’. Narendra is an Indian American businessman who played a key role in the platform’s beginnings. The casting of Minghella, who is of Italian and Chinese descent, to play an Indian American character sparked debate. Though his performance was praised, some viewed the decision as another example of Hollywood overlooking South Asian actors. This casting is frequently brought up when discussing the lack of opportunities for Indian American performers in leading film roles.

James Corden

James Corden’s portrayal of Barry Glickman, a gay character in the movie ‘The Prom,’ received widespread criticism. Many felt his performance relied on harmful and outdated stereotypes. Critics argued a gay actor could have brought more depth and authenticity to the role. This criticism was especially pointed given the film’s message of LGBTQ+ acceptance, and Corden’s performance choices and mannerisms were heavily scrutinized.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser played a severely obese man in the film ‘The Whale,’ and used a prosthetic suit to look the part. This choice led to discussions about whether actors with larger bodies should be cast in such roles instead of using prosthetics. Some critics felt the film sensationalized the condition instead of portraying it realistically. Despite the debate, Fraser won an Academy Award for his performance.

Dustin Hoffman

Dustin Hoffman’s portrayal of Raymond Babbitt, a character with autism, in ‘Rain Man’ was initially celebrated and earned him an Oscar. However, it’s now often criticized for presenting a limited and potentially stereotypical view of autism, particularly focusing on savant abilities. Today, there’s a growing movement to cast neurodivergent actors in roles depicting these experiences. While ‘Rain Man’ remains a significant film, it’s now understood with more complexity and consideration.

Tom Hanks

Tom Hanks received an Oscar for his performance as a gay man with AIDS in ‘Philadelphia.’ However, he’s recently said he wouldn’t accept the role if offered today. He explained that a straight actor taking on such an important gay character limits opportunities for gay actors themselves. This discussion highlights how Hollywood is evolving its approach to casting, with a growing belief that actors should authentically represent the identities of the characters they play.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio received an Oscar nomination and praise for his realistic portrayal of a character with developmental disabilities in ‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape’. However, some critics now suggest this role started a pattern of non-disabled actors winning awards for playing characters with disabilities. Disability advocates believe these roles should be filled by actors who actually live with those disabilities, bringing authentic experience to the performance instead of relying on imitation.

Sean Penn

Sean Penn starred in ‘I Am Sam’ as a man with an intellectual disability, but the film faced criticism for being overly sentimental and relying on stereotypes. His performance is frequently brought up when discussing the practice of non-disabled actors playing disabled characters to win awards. Disability rights advocates are pushing for more authentic representation and inclusive casting in movies and television. The question of whether actors can convincingly portray lived experiences they haven’t personally had remains a topic of debate.

Gary Oldman

In the film ‘Tiptoes,’ Gary Oldman portrayed a character with dwarfism by performing on his knees, supplemented with digital effects. The movie received overwhelmingly negative reviews and is often remembered for its questionable casting decision. Actors with dwarfism criticized the film for not casting someone from their community, deeming the production insensitive and inauthentic. ‘Tiptoes’ now serves as a reminder of why it’s important to cast actors who genuinely represent the characters they play.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek played Freddie Mercury, the iconic singer, in the movie ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’. Both Mercury and Malek have diverse backgrounds – Mercury was a queer man of Parsi descent, and Malek’s family comes from Egypt. Although many fans enjoyed Malek’s performance, some believed a queer actor should have played the role. Malek did win an Oscar for his portrayal, but the discussion about whether straight actors should play queer icons continued. Despite this debate, the film was a huge hit.

Taron Egerton

Taron Egerton starred as Elton John in the movie ‘Rocketman’. Because Egerton identifies as straight, his casting led to discussions about whether LGBTQ+ actors should play prominent queer roles. Some people felt a gay actor would have brought more authenticity to the part, while Egerton explained he approached the role with great respect for Elton John and the LGBTQ+ community. While the film was a success, it also highlighted a trend of straight actors taking on major queer roles.

James Franco

James Franco played Jack Potok, a real-life gay activist and filmmaker, in the movie ‘King Cobra’. Throughout his career, Franco has often taken on roles portraying LGBTQ+ characters, even though he identifies as straight. This has sparked debate, with some critics asking why these roles aren’t given to openly gay actors. This issue highlights the broader problem of limited opportunities for gay men in Hollywood, and many believe the industry should prioritize casting actors who share the same sexual orientation as their characters.

Ewan McGregor

Ewan McGregor starred as fashion designer Halston in a Netflix miniseries. Because Halston was gay and McGregor is not, some in the LGBTQ+ community questioned the casting, hoping a gay actor would have been chosen. Critics felt the performance included stereotypical gestures that a more authentic casting might have avoided. Though McGregor won an Emmy for his portrayal, the controversy surrounding his casting remained a key topic in media discussions.

Jonathan Pryce

Jonathan Pryce was the first actor to play the Engineer in the musical ‘Miss Saigon’ and continued in the role across different productions. Although the character is meant to be of mixed Asian and European heritage, Pryce is a Welsh actor who is white. For the initial performance, he used makeup and prosthetics to appear Asian, which sparked significant protest from Asian American actors and briefly prevented him from performing the role in the U.S. This situation is now remembered as a key event in the movement against the practice of non-Asian actors portraying Asian characters with stereotypical makeup (‘yellowface’) in theater.

Alec Guinness

In the film ‘A Passage to India’, Alec Guinness portrayed the Indian character Professor Godbole using makeup to darken his skin. This casting decision has been widely criticized as inauthentic and an example of ‘brownface’. Many critics, even when the film was first released, felt the portrayal was awkward and avoidable. Today, the film is frequently used as a case study illustrating how South Asian actors were historically overlooked for important roles in mainstream productions.

Burt Lancaster

In the film ‘Apache,’ Burt Lancaster portrayed a Native American warrior who resisted surrender to the U.S. government. While common for Westerns at the time, casting a white actor in the role is now seen as problematic. This practice often meant that Native American stories were told without Native American actors or viewpoints. Today, the film is often cited as an example of how Hollywood historically misrepresented Native American history.

Tony Curtis

Tony Curtis portrayed Ira Hayes, a Pima Indian and a real-life hero, in the movie ‘The Outsider’. Hayes was famous for being among the soldiers who raised the flag on Iwo Jima, making his story historically important. However, the choice of a white actor to play a Native American character drew criticism for not being historically accurate. Many believed the role should have gone to a Native American actor. Today, the film is often seen as an example of how Native Americans were systematically overlooked for leading roles in Hollywood.

Robert Downey Jr.

As a film buff, I remember the buzz around Robert Downey Jr.’s role in ‘Tropic Thunder.’ He played a method actor who went to extreme – and really controversial – lengths to prepare for a part, even undergoing a procedure to darken his skin. The movie was clearly trying to satirize the whole awards-chasing culture in Hollywood, and also poke fun at the history of whitewashing. But honestly, it sparked a lot of debate, and some people understandably found the use of blackface deeply offensive, even within the context of the satire. Despite the controversy, it was a really talked-about performance and even earned him an Oscar nomination. It’s a role that still gets people discussing the line between satire and offense, even today.

Al Pacino

Al Pacino famously portrayed Tony Montana, a Cuban immigrant, in the crime film ‘Scarface.’ Although Pacino is Italian-American, his strong accent and distinctive way of acting sparked both praise and criticism. The character became a cultural icon, but some people questioned why a Latino actor wasn’t cast in the role. The performance is still often discussed because of its use of ethnic stereotypes. Despite the debate, the film remains a highlight of Pacino’s career and is widely studied.

Hank Azaria

For decades, Hank Azaria voiced Apu Nahasapeemapetilon on ‘The Simpsons.’ While Apu was a prominent representation of Indian Americans, the character also faced criticism for relying on harmful stereotypes. A documentary called ‘The Problem with Apu’ shed light on the negative effects this had on the South Asian community. Azaria ultimately chose to stop voicing the character and apologized for his performance. This situation sparked a wider conversation about who should voice characters of color in animated shows.

Mike Henry

For twenty years, Mike Henry provided the voice for Cleveland Brown on ‘Family Guy’ and its spin-off series. Following the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, the white actor decided to step down from the role, believing that people of color should voice characters of color for greater authenticity. This was part of a growing pattern of white voice actors choosing to no longer portray characters of minority backgrounds. The role was then re-cast with a Black actor to continue the character’s story.

Peter Sellers

In the comedy film ‘The Party,’ Peter Sellers portrayed Hrundi V. Bakshi, an Indian actor, using makeup to darken his skin and a deliberately exaggerated accent for laughs. Although the film was well-received when it came out, it’s now widely criticized for its disrespectful and stereotypical depiction of Indian people. The character is frequently used as a key example of the damaging stereotypes that were once common in movies and television. While Sellers was a talented and diverse actor, this role remains one of his most debated performances.

Rob Schneider

In the movie ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry’, Rob Schneider played a Japanese minister using makeup and an exaggerated accent. This performance was widely criticized for relying on old and hurtful stereotypes. Many people felt the character wasn’t needed and was damaging to the Asian community, adding to concerns about how Schneider has portrayed different ethnicities in his work.

Adam Sandler

The movie ‘I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry’ featured Adam Sandler playing a straight man who pretends to be gay. While intended as a comedy about domestic partnerships, the film received criticism from the LGBTQ+ community. Many felt it relied on stereotypes and used gay identity for simple laughs, and that it didn’t treat the topic with enough sensitivity. The decision to cast straight actors in roles about gay rights also drew criticism.

John Travolta

Okay, let’s talk about John Travolta in ‘Hairspray’. He took on the role of Edna Turnblad, a part traditionally played by a man in drag, and while it was a big box office draw, it definitely got people talking. The core of the debate, for me, isn’t just about drag, but about representation. Why cast a male actor in a prominent female role when there are so many talented plus-size women who could truly become Edna? Some critics felt Travolta’s performance leaned into caricature, losing the nuance of a real person. It was a commercially successful choice, no doubt, but it still feels like a missed opportunity and a conversation worth having about who gets to play these roles.

Billy Crystal

Billy Crystal once performed in blackface on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as part of a recurring sketch where he portrayed Sammy Davis Jr. Though meant as a tribute to his friend, the performance is now widely considered insensitive and problematic due to its use of racial makeup. Many viewers today see it as a sign of the show’s limited diversity during the 1980s. Crystal has received criticism over the years for this sketch and other similar performances.

Armie Hammer

Armie Hammer played the title role in ‘The Lone Ranger,’ alongside Johnny Depp. Although the Lone Ranger character is traditionally portrayed as white, the film received criticism for how it handled Native American culture. Many felt the movie focused too much on a white point of view and didn’t give enough importance to Native American perspectives. The film struggled financially and with critics who were looking for more diverse representation. It ultimately sparked important conversations about inclusivity in classic Hollywood storytelling.

Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston famously played a Mexican police officer named Miguel Vargas in the classic film ‘Touch of Evil’. To do so, he used makeup and hair dye to darken his appearance. This casting is now widely considered a prime example of whitewashing in film. Despite the movie being praised for its direction, many viewers see Heston’s casting as a significant problem, demonstrating Hollywood’s history of choosing white actors for roles depicting people of all backgrounds.

Share your thoughts on these controversial casting choices in the comments.

2026-01-04 11:52