Mark Ruffalo defends decision to cast Matt Bomer as transgender sex worker
THE producer took to Twitter to address the controversy
EARLIER this week, it was announced that actor Matt Bomer had landed the leading role in upcoming movie Anything and would be playing a transgender sex worker.
But while the Magic Mike actor might have been happy about the casting, the trans community certainly weren't and many people expressed their outrage on social media.
Mark Ruffalo, who is producing the film, has taken to Twitter to respond to the criticism days after the barrage hit him and Bomer.
"To the Trans community. I hear you," Ruffalo wrote. "It's wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time. [sic]
"In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making 'The Normal Heart'."
Someone hit back, "Especially given how he has handled interactions with actual trans women, I would suggest a recast. now," to which he replied, "The movie is already shot and Matt poured his heart and soul into this part. Please have a little compassion. We are all learning."
Trans actress and writer Jen Richards admitted she had auditioned for the part and blasted the team behind the film for the casting.
"I auditioned for this," she tweeted. "I told them they shouldn't have a cis man play a trans woman. They didn't care."
Meanwhile Jamie Clayton, who stars in Netflix's Sense8, claimed she'd been blocked by Bomer after expressing her outrage on social media.
The film, which will be based on Timothy McNeil's play of the same name, joins a long list of Hollywood films that have straight men playing trans characters.
Let's hope this sparks a change.