Black Actors Who Played White Characters

We’re seeing more and more movies and TV shows update classic characters by casting actors of color in roles that were previously played by white actors. This opens up opportunities for a more diverse range of talent and allows us to see familiar stories told in new ways. Here are some examples of Black actors taking on roles that were originally created as white in comics, books, cartoons, or historical accounts. For each example, we’ll look at the character’s history, the production itself, and why this particular casting decision was significant.

Halle Bailey as Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’ (2023)

Halle Bailey stars as Ariel in Disney’s new live-action version of The Little Mermaid. The original Ariel, from the 1989 animated film, had fair skin and red hair. Filming Bailey’s performance as a mermaid was challenging, requiring special equipment, clever camera techniques, and visual effects to create realistic swimming scenes. Bailey also re-recorded the beloved songs and contributed to new music for the film. Disney’s marketing emphasized both the faithfulness to the original story and the fresh, updated elements of this new adaptation.

Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm in ‘Fantastic Four’ (2015)

Michael B. Jordan took on the role of Johnny Storm, a character originally depicted as white in the Marvel comics. The movie updated the Storm family’s history, making Sue his adopted sister and connecting their backgrounds to the Baxter Foundation as it’s portrayed in the film. The filmmakers aimed for a realistic portrayal of the team’s beginnings and abilities, and the Human Torch’s fiery powers were brought to life using a combination of digital effects and real-world lighting. Jordan underwent extensive stunt training, including wire work and coordinating with effects teams, to convincingly portray the character’s fast flying and fiery transformations.

Zendaya as MJ in ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’ (2017)

Zendaya plays Michelle Jones, known as MJ, a character inspired by Mary Jane Watson from the Spider-Man comics. Unlike previous versions, which depicted the character as white, this MJ is part of a more diverse high school setting in Queens. While the filmmakers updated the character for a modern audience, they kept the nickname ‘MJ’ as a recognizable connection to the original. The story also highlights MJ’s involvement in academic decathlon and her observant nature, adding depth to Peter Parker’s high school experience.

Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury in ‘Iron Man’ (2008)

Let’s talk about Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury. It’s fascinating how they took a character originally conceived as white in the comics and, even more interestingly, drew inspiration from Jackson himself for the ‘Ultimate’ version of the character. That first cameo wasn’t just a fun surprise, it cleverly laid the groundwork for the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe, hinting at the Avengers Initiative in that now-famous post-credits scene. From then on, Fury became a consistent presence, and those iconic visuals – the leather coat, the eyepatch – really helped establish a sense of a connected universe. It was smart filmmaking, using that consistent look to build crossovers and make everything feel like one big, unfolding story.

Jeffrey Wright as James Gordon in ‘The Batman’ (2022)

Jeffrey Wright portrayed James Gordon, the future police commissioner of Gotham City. This was a significant casting choice, as the character has traditionally been depicted as white in Batman comics and films. In this movie, Gordon is a key partner in Batman’s investigations, and the story focuses on realistic police work and crime scene details. The filmmakers created a believable and gritty look for Gordon, using dark colors and textures that fit the film’s noir atmosphere. This casting choice signals a new direction for the character and the franchise, while still staying true to what makes Gordon, Gordon.

Laurence Fishburne as Perry White in ‘Man of Steel’ (2013)

Laurence Fishburne played Perry White, the editor of the Daily Planet, in a fresh take on the character. Traditionally portrayed as white in Superman stories, Fishburne’s version presented a modern newsroom leader dealing with the challenges of today’s media landscape. The show focused on the Daily Planet’s role as a real, working news organization, showing how it covered crises and kept the city of Metropolis informed. Fishburne’s performance emphasized the Planet’s importance as a central point connecting Clark Kent, Lois Lane, and everything happening in the world.

Will Smith as Deadshot in ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016)

Will Smith played Deadshot, a character from DC Comics who is usually depicted as white in the original comics. In the movie, Deadshot is a highly skilled shooter with a lot of high-tech weaponry, making him a valuable member of Task Force X. His costume included his iconic eyepiece and practical armor designed for movement. The story explores both his history as a hired gun and the personal reasons driving him to work on government missions.

Candice Patton as Iris West in ‘The Flash’ (2014)

As a fan, I always loved how Candice Patton brought Iris West to life! It was so cool to see them reimagine the character – traditionally white in the comics – and make her a really strong, integral part of the show. Iris wasn’t just Barry’s love interest; she was a journalist who actually did things, driving a lot of the investigations across multiple seasons. They even built a cool, recurring set – CCPN – that really grounded those journalism storylines and showed how everyone interacted. What I really appreciated was seeing Iris grow professionally alongside all the speedsters and metahumans, and how the show kept developing her career over time.

Steve Toussaint as Corlys Velaryon in ‘House of the Dragon’ (2022)

Steve Toussaint plays Corlys Velaryon, a character who has been portrayed differently in the past – often as white in previous depictions. The show introduces House Velaryon with its own unique symbols and a strong seafaring tradition, highlighting Corlys’s impressive naval history. The costumes blend Valyrian style with nautical elements, making the family stand out. This casting choice also impacts the show’s storylines about power and who will inherit it.

Jacob Anderson as Louis de Pointe du Lac in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ (2022)

The character of Louis in Jacob Anderson’s portrayal is different from how plantation owners were typically depicted in past versions of the story. Instead of a rural setting, this version places Louis as a businessman in a city known for its criminal activity, changing the social and economic factors that drive his development. The show uses distinctive costumes, sets, and lighting to highlight ideas about memory and how stories can be told in an untrustworthy way. While the adaptation keeps the important relationships from the original novel, it updates the historical and cultural details.

Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Death in ‘The Sandman’ (2022)

Kirby Howell-Baptiste stars as Death, a character traditionally shown as white in the comics. The series brings well-known visual elements, such as Death’s ankh necklace and warm personality, to life through acting and careful camera work. Each episode focuses on Death’s interactions with people who are dying, showcasing their place in the story’s overall world. The show stays true to the main ideas of the source material while also making changes to the mood, speed, and how the story is performed.

Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie in ‘Annie’ (2014)

Quvenzhané Wallis starred in a fresh take on a classic story, a character traditionally played by white actors. This new film moves the story to present-day New York City, featuring modern technology and music. The musical numbers are updated with pop arrangements and filmed in urban settings, and while relationships between characters are reimagined, the core story remains the same.

Ayo Edebiri as April O’Neil in ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem’ (2023)

As a huge animation fan, I was really excited about the new take on April O’Neil in the movie. Traditionally, she’s been portrayed as a white, red-haired woman, but this version feels so much fresher! They’ve reimagined her as a teenage reporter, which makes a lot of sense considering the turtles are teenagers too – it creates a much more believable dynamic. The voice acting, by Ayo Edebiri, is fantastic; it’s all very natural and funny, and you can tell the actors were encouraged to improvise. Plus, they’ve really made April an active part of the story – she’s not just a damsel in distress, but a smart, investigative journalist whose reporting actually helps move things forward. It’s a really smart and welcome change!

Lashana Lynch as Miss Honey in ‘Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical’ (2022)

Lashana Lynch plays Miss Honey, a role historically portrayed by white actors. The film features elaborate dance numbers and long, unbroken shots that needed careful planning and camera work. Singers recorded their parts both on set and in the studio, with a focus on creating a polished musical experience. The way Miss Honey is portrayed highlights the differences between her gentle strength and the more controlling characters in the story.

Leah Sava Jeffries as Annabeth Chase in ‘Percy Jackson and the Olympians’ (2023)

Leah Sava Jeffries stars as Annabeth Chase, a character who was originally depicted as white in the book’s illustrations. The show brings the world of demigod training, camp life, and adventures to life using modern visual effects and set design. The casting choices reflect a move towards more diverse representation of book characters while staying true to their core personalities and connections. Because it’s a series, the show can delve deeper into storylines that were previously shortened in film adaptations.

2025-11-05 09:46