The netizens are not the only people appalled at a particular casting choice for the upcoming film Alina of Cuba, where James Franco is set to assume the role of Cuban revolutionary and politician Fidel Castro. The story of Castro’s daughter, Alina Fernandez, played by actress Ana Villafañe, will be followed in the movie, as per the script written by Jose Rivera and Nilo Cruz.
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Taking to Instagram, John Wick actor John Leguizamo who played the role of Aurelio, resonated with the opinions of many people on the internet and expressed his criticism towards Hollywood for their exclusion of much-required representation and the lack of respect towards Latino actors.
John Leguizamo Questions James Franco Being Cast As Fidel Castro
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The news from Deadline about the Golden Globe winner James Franco playing the role of Fidel Castro 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 the past few days, his presence has garnered quite the response following the casting reveal for director Miguel Bardem’s upcoming project Alina of Cuba. Among the people who voiced criticism over this, actor John Leguizamo has been one of the first celebrities to point out Hollywood’s cultural appropriation of and casual ignorance towards Latino people.
The actor who is of Colombian descent has been a strong proponent of wanting the industry to represent the stories of Latino people on the big screen. In his post, Leguizamo, best known for his role in the Super Mario Bros. film as Luigi, had the following to ask his audience on Instagram:
“How is this still going on? How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott!”
To elaborate on his stance, Leguizamo also mentioned how the story of Fidel Castro would be a narrative that is difficult to explain without “aggrandizement”, which would also be quite “wrong.”
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Twitter’s Opinions On The Matter
While Leguizamo reinstated how James Franco is not Latino and him being cast as Fidel Castro is ridiculous, he also emphasized how he “don’t got a prob with Franco.” However, people on Twitter have expressed their unbiased opinions about the actor and his role in Alina of Cuba.
This is what they had to say:
Ah yes. Who else can’t wait to watch the Fidel Castro biopic starring the celebrated, Latino actor… hope I pronounce this right… James Franco?
— Davy Perez ☕️ (@davyperez) August 4, 2022
I'm so confused by the disrespect the industry continues to give Latine performers. Now James Franco has been cast as Fidel Castro. Fidel Castro, everyone.
— Jenni Ruiza (@RuizaJenni) August 4, 2022
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why tf would they cast JAMES FRANCO to play FIDEL CASTRO?😭 like were the latinos unavailable or??
— tony (@catrussy) August 5, 2022
James Franco gonna play Fidel Castro in a film pic.twitter.com/kXjGwfVBry
— Ahmed/INeedHer.eth 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) August 4, 2022
While the collective verdict remains against Franco, it is to be seen whether there is any change in the casting or whether filmmaker Miguel Bardem will proceed with whatever has already been put forth.
The film Alina of Cuba is set to start shooting 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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