Netizens aren’t the only ones appalled by a particular casting choice for the upcoming movie. Alina from Cuba, where James Franco is set to take on the role of Cuban revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro. The story of Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernandez, played by the actress Ana Villafane, will be followed in the film, according to the screenplay written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz.
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Take to Instagram, John Wick Actor John Leguizamo who played the role of Aurelio, resonated with many people’s opinions on the internet and voiced his criticism of Hollywood for their exclusion from much-needed representation and disrespect towards Latino actors.
John Leguizamo questions James Franco on the role of Fidel Castro
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News from Deadline about Golden Globe winner James Franco playing Fidel Castro has left the internet at a loss for words. The actor has been, from time to time, the center of attention over the years, but in recent days his presence has drawn a lot of reactions after the cast of director Miguel Bardem’s next project was revealed. Alina from Cuba. Among those who have voiced criticism about it, actor John Leguizamo was one of the first celebrities to point out Hollywood’s cultural appropriation and flippant ignorance of Latinos.
The Colombian-born actor has been a strong proponent of wanting the industry to represent the stories of Latinos on the big screen. In his position, Leguizamo, best known for his role in Super Mario Bros. film as Luigi, asked the following to his audience on Instagram:
“How is it still going? How does Hollywood exclude us but also steal our stories? No more Hollywood appropriation and streamers! Boycott!”
Elaborating on his position, Leguizamo also mentioned how the story of Fidel Castro would be a story difficult to explain without “enlargement”which would also be quite “Wrong.”
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Twitter’s opinions on the matter
While Leguizamo reinstated the fact that James Franco is not Latino and being cast as Fidel Castro is ridiculous, he also pointed out how he “I have no problem with Franco.” However, people on Twitter expressed their unbiased opinions about the actor and his role in Alina from Cuba.
Here’s what they had to say:
Oh yes. Who else can’t wait to watch the Fidel Castro biopic starring the famous Latino actor…I hope I pronounce that right…James Franco?
— Davy Perez ☕️ (@davyperez) August 4, 2022
I am so disturbed by the lack of respect the industry continues to give Latin artists. Now James Franco has been chosen for Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro, everyone.
— Jenni Ruiza (@RuizaJenni) August 4, 2022
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why would tf choose JAMES FRANCO to play FIDEL CASTRO?😭 like latinos are unavailable or??
— tony (@catrussy) August 5, 2022
James Franco will play Fidel Castro in a movie pic.twitter.com/kXjGwfVBry
— Ahmed/INeedHer.eth 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) August 4, 2022
While the collective verdict remains against Franco, it remains to be seen if there is a change in the casting or if filmmaker Miguel Bardem will continue with what has already been proposed.
The film Alina from Cuba is set to begin filming on August 15 and will also feature performances from Mía Maestro, Maria Cecilia Botero and Alanna de la Rosa, to name a few.
Source: Variety
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