Scarlett Johansson will not be rubbing any tugs.
Earlier this month, the Avengers: Infinity War actress was cast in the forthcoming film, Rub & Tug, which tells the story of transgender male, Dante “Tex” Gill, who was a crime kingpin who used his massage parlor as a front for prostitution in the ’70s and ’80s.
The casting of Scarlett in the role drew condemnation from various transgender groups who wondered why a female actress had been selected to play the part when transgender actors and actresses are present in Hollywood.
Trace Lysette, known for Transparent, wrote on Twitter: “Oh word?? So you can continue to play us but we can’t play Y’all?”
Oh word?? So you can continue to play us but we can’t play y’all? Hollywood is so fucked… I wouldn’t be as upset if I was getting in the same rooms as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles, but we know that’s not the case. A mess. https://t.co/s8gBlBI1Sw
— Trace Lysette (@tracelysette) July 4, 2018
While Sense8 actress, Jamie Clayton, tweeted: “Actors who are trans never even get to audition FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN ROLES OF TRANS CHARACTERS.”
Actors who are trans never even get to audition FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN ROLES OF TRANS CHARACTERS. THATS THE REAL ISSUE. WE CANT EVEN GET IN THE ROOM. Cast actors WHO ARE TRANS as NON TRANS CHARACTERS. I DARE YOU #RupertSanders @NewRegency #ScarlettJohansson https://t.co/RkrW8MeGcG
— Jamie Clayton (@MsJamieClayton) July 4, 2018
At the time, a representative for Scarlett said, “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment,” in reference to other actors who have played trans characters.
The 33-year-old has now withdrawn from the Rupert Sanders-helmed project, telling Out Magazine, “While I would have loved the opportunity to bring Dante’s story and transition to life, I understand why many feel he should be portrayed by a transgender person, and I am thankful that this casting debate, albeit controversial, has sparked a larger conversation about diversity and representation in film. I believe that all artists should be considered equally and fairly.”
