Daniel Dae Kim has responded to the Hellboy whitewashing scandal, applauding Ed Skrein for his decision to step down from the role of Major Ben Daimo.
It was recently revealed that Daniel Dae Kim would replace Ed Skrein as Major Ben Daimo in the upcoming Hellboy remake.
Skrein gave up his role as Major Ben Daimo to not “obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the arts,” after learning that the character is Asian-American in the original comics.
Kim has now released a statement in which he thanks Skrein for his decision.
“I applaud the producers and, in particular, Ed Skrein for championing the notion that Asian characters should be played by Asian or Asian American actors,” Kim said to The Hollywood Reporter.
“He could not have addressed the issue more elegantly and I remain indebted to him for his strength of character.”
The former Hawaii Five-0 actor confirmed that his deal with the film is finalised and shooting has already begun.
“I’m excited to confirm that I’ve officially joined the cast of Hellboy. We start shooting today and I’ll be playing Ben Daimio, alongside our very talented cast, headed by David Harbour, and director, Neil Marshall. Thank you for all the supportive tweets and comments, especially in light of the recent events surrounding its original casting.”
David Harbour will play the lead character, with Milla Jovovich playing Nimue the Blood Queen, Ian McShane as Professor Broom, Sasha Lane as Alice Monaghan and Penelope Mitchell as Ganeida.
