The movie was an adaptation of the famous biblical story starring Christian Bale and helmed by Ridley Scott. The biblical film has come under criticism for casting white actors in the film’s main roles as Egyptians. The film also starred Joel Edgerton, Breaking Bad actor Aaron Paul, Sigourney Weaver, and John Turturro.
However, Oscar-winning actor Christian Bale backed director Ridley Scott following controversy over the casting of white actors in roles even though the film is being set in the Middle East and Africa.
Christian Bale defends the Exodus: Gods And Kings White-washed Casting
Exodus: Gods and King Star Christian Bale gave his opinion in response to the film’s controversial casting. Viewers thought the casting of ethnic actors would be more appropriate instead of white actors.
However, actor Christian Bale supported his director Ridley Scott. Bale claimed he was taken aback when Scott suggested casting him as Moses.
“Then I did some research and just found it to be too fascinating to pass it up,” he said.
“I don’t think fingers should be pointed, but we should all look at ourselves and say, ‘Are we supporting wonderful actors in films by North African and Middle Eastern filmmakers and actors, because there are some fantastic actors out there. “If people start supporting those films more and more, then financiers in the market will follow. The audience has to show financiers that they will be there, and [then] they could make a large-budget film.” Bale said.
Christian Bale portrayed the character of Moses in Ridley Scott’s Exodus: Gods And Kings.
Ridley Scott’s Comment on Casting
Immediately dismissing the notion of “color-blind casting,” Ridley Scott claimed that he had never even considered it. Casting Colour-blind casting, non-traditional casting, or integrated casting is the practice of casting a role without considering the actor’s ethnicity.
Ridley Scott had a message for those trying to boycott the film: “I say get a life.”
On a “budget of this scale,” Scott said, he had to bring together the best possible cast for the movie. This indicates that investors prefer established actors over local international stars.
“I can’t mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such. I’m just not going to get it financed. So the question doesn’t even come up,” Scott said.
Exodus: Gods and Kings cost an estimated $140 million dollars.
Watch Exodus: Gods and Kings on Apple TV.
Source: The Guardian
