Actor Mads Mikkelsen recently voiced worry that his controversial 2012 film, The Hunt, might not be created today due to societal shifts. Thomas Vinterberg directed this drama about a teacher who becomes the target of a manhunt after being wrongly accused of s*xually assaulting a student.
There were complaints that the film may incite further violence when released during a heated discussion over gun regulation in the United States. After the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012, Universal Pictures canceled the film’s release.
Mads Mikkelsen Knows How Not To Get Canceled
A recent interview with GQ revealed that Mads Mikkelsen believes The Hunt would not have been created in the present environment due to its potential to hurt sentiments.
“The Hunt might not have been made in today’s culture of debate. There’s just this desire now to make everything political – everything, every film you make. You’re always being asked: ‘Is this a comment on this?’ No, it’s not!”
He further suggests there are “a lot of films that couldn’t be made today” and that it’s “OK.”
“I think there’s probably a lot of films that couldn’t be made today, and that’s OK. We have to respect that people have different opinions and feelings, and we have to respect that they can be hurt. But at the same time, we can’t stop making art because we’re afraid of hurting people’s feelings.”
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Mads Mikkelsen continued by saying that “art” can be controversial but must be done responsibly. He further says that one must “respect that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed.”
“You can be provocative and you can challenge people’s beliefs, but you also have to respect that there are lines that shouldn’t be crossed. You can’t just say whatever you want and then be like, ‘Oh, it’s just art.'”
The Hunt isn’t Mads Mikkelsen’s only controversial work; he’s also produced and directed The Square and The Square 2. Meanwhile, in Doctor Strange, another film from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, he played a villain that was criticized for its stereotypical representation of Asians.
Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige addressed the backlash by saying the company was dedicated to increasing diversity and inclusion in its films. Mads Mikkelsen has also spoken out in defense of the picture, saying he finds the criticism baseless.
Mads Mikkelsen’s Captivating Talent
It doesn’t change that Mads Mikkelsen is still a top Hollywood actor despite the controversy following his career. As a result of his impressive acting chops, he has gained critical praise and a devoted fan base.
In addition to his major appearances in the Marvel films and the Harry Potter series, Mads Mikkelsen has been featured in various supporting roles in feature films and television series, demonstrating his flexibility as an actor. In 2021, he received acclaim for his role in the Danish film Another Round, for which he was nominated for an Oscar Award.
Mads Mikkelsen, who played Gellert Grindelwald instead of Johnny Depp in the film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, was undeterred by fans’ strong feelings for the new villain. Mads Mikkelsen further believes his success can be attributed to his ability to disappear into roles in smaller productions, giving them nuance, character, and even a bit of surprise.
Famous for humanizing even the most ruthless villains, like Hannibal Lecter, his reputation precedes him. Mads Mikkelsen’s commitment to his profession is seen by his desire to tackle difficult parts and explore new ground in his work. The actor is a fascinating performer because of his propensity to tackle taboo topics. His art is never boring or safe but always makes you think.
Source: GQ
