From the ugly side of Marvel, racist people of the world found it offensive that James Gunn changed a character’s skin tone in his movie to what was originally in the comic books. Having cast Chukwudi Iwuji in the role of High Evolutionary, people demanded that a white person be cast to maintain the originality of the comic books.
In his retributive reply, James Gunn simply stated that he did not care what ethnicity Chukwudi Iwuji belonged to. Stating that he is one of the best actors out there, Gunn shut the mouth of racist people quite well as he replied to fans on Instagram.
James Gunn Claps Back At Racist Comments
What appeared to be a practical decision started grabbing attention as the people started hurling accusations of race-swapping at James Gunn. Talking about a particular casting choice the people found it odd that the role of High Evolutionary was given to Chukwudi Iwuji.
With the character of the High Evolutionary being of a different color than what Gunn will portray in his film, several people took to Instagram to hurl racist comments at the co-head of the DC Studios. In an Instagram post, Gunn gave a retributive reply to a person who was disappointed that another white character was turned into a person of color to make up for the fake “wokeness” that the studios have been after since recent times.
“Damnit… another white guy they made into a black guy. Why couldn’t they just leave him white or i dont know…pick a different minority? How about Asian or gasp! A Latino? (how many Latinos and Asians in MCU? Like total of 5??) Or make him an Indian or something… because they don’t and won’t, that makes them ‘woke’. Next time, a major character (hero/villain)will be a trans or homosexual or non-binary (when in comics they are not). Sad and pathetic. They’re picking based on race and whats PC and not on acting and whats established.”
This made James Gunn get so angry that the director preceded to write an answer that shut the racist people up.
“I chose the best actor, period, and the best person for the role. I don’t give a shit what ethnicity Chukwudi Iwuji is, so stop with your racist presumptions on WHY he was chosen. (And, by the way, he’s playing a guy who’s almost always purple in the color.)”
This wasn’t the first time that James Gunn had to defend Chukwudi Iwuji since the director had to defend the actor in December 2022.
James Gunn Loves Working With Chukwudi Iwuji
James Gunn has previously worked with the Nigerian actor before getting the role of the High Evolutionary in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Iwuji portrayed the character of Clemson Murn in the first season of the HBO and DC show Peacemaker which was directed by James Gunn.
In his statements, Gunn has reiterated many times that “Chuk is the best actor I’ve ever worked with, that’s why. Has zero to do with race.” With Hollywood dealing with wokeness and inclusivity, there are bound to be some people that would not leave their racist ways in the past.
With Chukwudi Iwuji and the rest of the Guardians gang returning, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is slated for a release date of 5th May 2023 in theaters across the U.S.
Source: Instagram
