Harry Potter is one of the most successful fantasy franchises in the world ever since the first movie of the series, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone first came out back in 2001. The franchise is led by Danielle Radcliffe who portrays the role of the titular character along with Rupert Grint and Emma Watson who portray the role of Ron Weasley and Hermoine Granger in the movies respectively.
Although the books and movies of the series are absolute masterpieces, the franchise has a big representation problem as there are no significant non-white characters in the series, and last year MCU star, Anthony Mackie spoke up about the same.
Anthony Mackie lashes out at Harry Potter for not having any major black characters
Anthony Mackie is also working on his directorial debut movie, Spark which is based on the life story of Claudette Colvin, a Civil Rights activist. While talking about the movie in an interview with Inverse, the MCU star opens up about the racism that is still prevalent in the industry and society. He said,
“Harry Potter had no f*cking Black friends. Frodo walked across the entire universe and never met a Black dude. I want to see Frodo in the hood, which if I ever do Saturday Night Live is going to be a skit I’m going to do.”
Mackie’s statements about the Harry Potter series were not wrong though as Dean Thomas and Kingsley Shacklebolt were the only black prominent characters in the series and even they did not have a significant role in the plot.
The Twisted Metal actor talks about his directorial debut movie, Spark
Anthony Mackie once revealed that he first heard about Claudette Colvin when he visited the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Claudette Colvin was only a 15-year-old girl when she stood up to racism back in 1955 after she was asked to vacate her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. While talking to Deadline, Mackie said,
“Not only was I moved but I was inspired. It’s great to be a superhero in movies but she’s a real live one living amongst us and I’m honored to tell her story.”
No date has been announced for the release of the movie, Spark as Anthony Mackie has a jam-packed schedule and the filming of the movie has not continued as such. The Captain America: The Winter Soldier actor has even said that he would selflessly give up the seat of the director if someone else decides to take up the project as he just wants Claudette Colvin to watch her movie.
