Samuel L Jackson criticises black British actors who take African-American roles, John Boyega responds
The Kong actor spoke candidly about horror film Get Out
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Samuel L Jackson - who is currently promoting the film Kong: Skull Island - has criticised the casting of black British actors in films concerning Americans race relations.
Speaking to New York radio station Hot 97, the actor spoke candidly about the film Get Out, which stars British actor Daniel Kaluuya - best known for his role in Black Mirror episode ‘Fifteen Million Merits’ - as an African-American man who interacts with white liberal Americans.
“I think it’s great [Get Out]’s doing everything it’s doing and people are loving it,” Jackson told the station. “But… I know the young brother who’s in the movie, and he’s British.
"So, there are a lot of black British actors in these movies. I tend to wonder what would that movie would have been with an American brother who really feels that.
“Daniel grew up in a country where they’ve been interracial dating for a hundred years… What would a brother from America have made of that role? I’m sure the director helped, but some things are universal, but [not everything].”
He reasoned: “[British actors] are cheaper than us, for one thing. They don’t cost as much. And they [casting agents and directors] think they’re better trained, because they’re classically trained.”
Jackson’s comments angered Star Wars: The Force Awakens actor John Boyega, who responded on Twitter saying: “Black brits vs African American. A stupid ass conflict we don't have time for.”
Numerous black British actors have been cast in Hollywood films concerning race relations, including David Oyelowo as Martin Luther King in Selma and Chiwetel Ejiofor in the Oscar-winning 12 Years A Slave.
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