Connie nielson and Harry lennix up for roles in MOS

Regardless of the reason, either character being black was pointless. I understand the network trying to have a diverse cast, but changing or creating a character just to fit or entice a demographic is ridiculous.

BHoward wrote:Regardless of the reason, either character being black was pointless. I understand the network trying to have a diverse cast, but changing or creating a character just to fit or entice a demographic is ridiculous.

Oh yeah?

http://twitchfilm.com/news/2011/06/is-thomas-jane-too-white-for-headshot.php

IS THOMAS JANE TOO WHITE FOR HEADSHOT?
by Todd Brown, June 13, 2011 12:37 PM


It looked like a pretty perfect matchup. Back in April actor Thomas Jane let spill on a JoBlo podcast that he had been cast opposite Sylvester Stallone in the Walter Hill directed Headshot. Fans were happy, Jane was happy, Stallone and Hill were reportedly happy so nothing could go wrong, right?

Well, it looks like something has and that something is the color of Jane's skin.

The first sign that something was up was the simple fact that although Jane talked about being on board there was never an official announcement. Just silence. And then producer Joel Silver came out talking about how he wanted to make the core partnership in the film some sort of mixed-race affair to broaden out the film's appeal as wide as possible. And it would appear he's done just that.

Though nobody is saying for sure what the character being played will be, it has just been announced that Fast And Furious franchise star Sung Kang has joined the film and the widespread belief is that Kang now has the co-lead part originally offered to Jane.

Now, don't get me wrong here, the lack of decent roles available to minorities in Hollywood - and I would say especially to Asians in Hollywood - is shocking and completely misrepresents the actual cultural makeup of the country. There are a lot of talented people out there who deserve a shot and a lot of stories that really deserve to be told. So I certainly don't begrudge Kang the opportunity to star in a major film like this. It's good for him and good for the industry as a whole. It just kind of stings that it appears to be coming at the expense of Jane, who is a great actor who has been stuck doing work well below his potential for a good long time now. I had hoped this would be a break out part for him but apparently not. Sigh.

BHoward wrote:Its obvious that WB changed the character of Pete Ross to provide the show with its black character to fill some sort of quota, along the part-Asian Lana Lang. As a black man I was offended by that. While I don't think hiring Lennix to play PW is the same kind of tokenism, I'd like to think that if that is the character he is playing, he's just that good of an actor and won the job. I wouldn't look at this as the same situation. I can see why the network would want to add some "flavor" to an ongoing series, whereas this motion picture wouldn't need that to capture "the Black audience". There are plenty of us who will see a Superman movie without having to have a black actor as a major character. I just don't see Snyder or Nolan making this character change just for general purpose. They are not Singer wanting a gay Jimmy Olsen.

If it's a choice between changing Perry's race but otherwise keeping the character in tact (which I'm assuming is the case here) and reinventing, say, Ron Troupe and turning him into the most hand-wringing, white guilt-exemplifying, PC, liberal apology that he is... I'll take the former for $5,000, Alex.

Let's face it, your average 40's, 50's and 60's comic book's supporting cast wasn't terribly unlike a KKK rally. As long as we avoid Ron Troupe type of shit, I'm okay with changing an ethnicity or two. If nothing else, Metropolis is supposed to be stand in for Chicago or New York or something. Those cities have two or three minority residents in 'em these days.

EDIT- And something else, as your mod, I'd like to head a potential bullshit argument off at the pass. I realize nobody here is stupid enough to argue that someone else is racist. But just in case it doesn't go without saying... nobody here is racist. If you have to play that card in order to bolster your argument, you have no place around here because we rely on facts, logic and intellectual honesty to make our points. So no accusations of racism, mmmkay?

Apologist Puncher wrote:

BHoward wrote:Its obvious that WB changed the character of Pete Ross to provide the show with its black character to fill some sort of quota, along the part-Asian Lana Lang. As a black man I was offended by that. While I don't think hiring Lennix to play PW is the same kind of tokenism, I'd like to think that if that is the character he is playing, he's just that good of an actor and won the job. I wouldn't look at this as the same situation. I can see why the network would want to add some "flavor" to an ongoing series, whereas this motion picture wouldn't need that to capture "the Black audience". There are plenty of us who will see a Superman movie without having to have a black actor as a major character. I just don't see Snyder or Nolan making this character change just for general purpose. They are not Singer wanting a gay Jimmy Olsen.

Have you seen Lennix act? I'd say his character was the ONLY one who was consistent from his first appearance all the way to his last in the 'Matrix' sequels. And he was VERY 'Perry White"-ish in that role too.

So no, it wasn't about him being a "token" ANYTHING.

Yes I have, before he was in Matrix, he was mostly known for his role in "Five Heartbeats". A "black classic". He's a great actor. I agree his casting wouldn't be tokenism, just a great actor getting a job. There's just no point in changing the characters race though just to fit him in the movie. Who knows maybe he'll be an elder on Krypton.

I can somewhat see the reasoning behind a Michael Clarke Duncan getting Kingpin. For one the physical size from a guy who is a decent actor, and at that time, I believe he had just came off an Oscar nomination for Green Mile. (can't remember if he won or not). Also the additional supporting star power to a movie about a second tier hero.

I cant rationalize why they would hire Lennix for Perry.

BHoward wrote:Yes I have, before he was in Matrix, he was mostly known for his role in "Five Heartbeats". A "black classic". He's a great actor. I agree his casting wouldn't be tokenism, just a great actor getting a job. There's just no point in changing the characters race though just to fit him in the movie.

That is an assumption, and a knock on the guy's acting ability.

See what colors said right above you.

I cant rationalize why they would hire Lennix for Perry.

Why would you even have to?

I don't.

another thought what if lennix role is just some made up for film role, or a government role like mayor of city, a senator, police role etc....?

webhead2006 wrote:another thought what if lennix role is just some made up for film role, or a government role like mayor of city, a senator, police role etc....?

Why would they even mention it, if that was the case?

Maybe I should have said rationalize in my mind or get an understanding as to why they would need to change the race of this character that has been around for decades. Lennix is a great actor, but he could easily fill a role, the same way Trevor Howard, Maria Schell, Ned Beatty or Larry Hagman did in S:TM. (I was going to put Lee Quigley, but ultimately he does have a significant part in the movie).

AP, your original statement was that he'll probably play Perry White, which I doubted as a personal opinion. As my thoughts have developed further on this, I think he is just a great actor getting a role. He doesn't have to play Ron Troupe or any other character in the mythology. Just a guy.

Apologist Puncher wrote:

webhead2006 wrote:another thought what if lennix role is just some made up for film role, or a government role like mayor of city, a senator, police role etc....?

Why would they even mention it, if that was the case?

He is significant enough as an actor to get the press release.

well i only brought it up cause it would be like how that guy from lost was mayor in the batman films, or that bank manager guy from the tdk. I am blanking on those actors names. Are good actors and ended up doing a small role/bit role for film.

BHoward wrote:He is significant enough as an actor to get the press release.

Maybe if he was actually cast. This was a double-rumor with the other being for Lara.

How does an un-named role fit in?

BHoward wrote:AP, your original statement was that he'll probably play Perry White, which I doubted as a personal opinion. As my thoughts have developed further on this, I think he is just a great actor getting a role. He doesn't have to play Ron Troupe or any other character in the mythology. Just a guy.

Actually, my original post said I was PREDICTING he would play Perry White. And I stand by that.

Hey colors, how is my track-record so far when it comes to predicting 'round here?

If BatManuel (cant remember the actors name) and Anthony Michael Hall got press releases for The Dark Knight, I'm sure Harry Lennix and Connie Nielsen are worthy enough actors to get releases as well.

BHoward wrote:If BatManuel (cant remember the actors name) and Anthony Michael Hall got press releases for The Dark Knight, I'm sure Harry Lennix and Connie Nielsen are worthy enough actors to get releases as well.

Except, AGAIN, these are NOT press-releases.

It's a R-U-M-O-R.

Well I've never been one to let facts get in the way of a debate.

Has anyone thought that Lennix may be up for the role of JOHN HENRY IRONS AKA STEEL? Or just John Henry Irons sans Steel? Since Nolan does have his hand in this film, then Steel would be what he would consider a 'realistic' character. I really don't know much about Lennix. I've seen the Matrix trilogy before but it's been so long that I may have to dig out the DVDs & watch them again. I don't really remember him in the film but I also don't really even remember his name before today! Just trying to figure out though who he could play but I tend to agree with BHoward. I don't think they should change Perry White 'just because' it's the PC thing to do or whatever, & no, I don't consider myself a racist either. I did accept Pete Ross on Smallville because it worked for Smallville's dynamic. However, Perry White is such a major character it would be better to go traditional.

Although I think someone mentioned him being on Krypton or something, has one considered that he may be one of the bad guys, along with Shannon's Zod? Kind of like on Smallville?

non_amos wrote:Has anyone thought that Lennix may be up for the role of JOHN HENRY IRONS AKA STEEL? Or just John Henry Irons sans Steel? Since Nolan does have his hand in this film, then Steel would be what he would consider a 'realistic' character. I really don't know much about Lennix. I've seen the Matrix trilogy before but it's been so long that I may have to dig out the DVDs & watch them again. I don't really remember him in the film but I also don't really even remember his name before today! Just trying to figure out though who he could play but I tend to agree with BHoward. I don't think they should change Perry White 'just because' it's the PC thing to do or whatever, & no, I don't consider myself a racist either. I did accept Pete Ross on Smallville because it worked for Smallville's dynamic. However, Perry White is such a major character it would be better to go traditional.

Although I think someone mentioned him being on Krypton or something, has one considered that he may be one of the bad guys, along with Shannon's Zod? Kind of like on Smallville?

I made a prediction, and I'm standing by it.

Other people can think what they want, but my track-record is pretty good so far.

thecolorsblend wrote:EDIT- And something else, as your mod, I'd like to head a potential bullshit argument off at the pass. I realize nobody here is stupid enough to argue that someone else is racist. But just in case it doesn't go without saying... nobody here is racist. If you have to play that card in order to bolster your argument, you have no place around here because we rely on facts, logic and intellectual honesty to make our points. So no accusations of racism, mmmkay?

I don't even see why this even needed to be said. If anyone, ANYONE, made that claim here, they would be gone faster than BJ Routh's "leading man" status.

Plus, it's a cowardly train of thought to entertain in the first place.

Ya know, I hadn't really even thought of this until I saw some idiot post this at duh Homopage:

http://www.supermanhomepage.com/news.php?readmore=9905#comments

#59 | Jor-L5150 on June 16, 2011 10:20am EST
harry lennix as mr. president?

wow. he's a great actor, but soobviously an obama look-alike. i think it'd be better to keep "mr. president" more vague- so as not to date the movie.

(in the long cut of STM the air force one crew makes a joke about "eating peanuts"- a joke about jimmy carter- it was wisely cut)
in the reeve movies they avoided making the president look like reagan.
i don't know if its a rumor or what the motive is for casting lennix.
he's a really good actore though, and very handsome. as long as the movie isn't politicised we should be fine.

I can't believe it but I think the prick may have a point! We're aware that in Superman films we usually have a generic President, like in Superman 2. However, I believe it was in the film CONTACT starring Jodie Foster that Bill Clinton actually appeared as the President in the film & was actually the President in real life at the time. Nevertheless most films would either have their generic President or, say in the case of George W. Bush, have some comedic actor look-alike playing the role, such as in HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANIMO BAY.

Interestingly, doing a quick Google search, I come up with this site:

http://dearleaderblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/casting-call-08-election-pt-i.html

Since this isn't Superman related there's no sense in copying & pasting all that info, plus it's from April 2009. Nevertheless, suffice it to say that this guy was suggesting that Lennix portray OBAMA in some proposed HBO film about the 2008 election, a film I have no idea if it ever saw the light of day or not & don't care to continue to search for that. However, if you visit that site, you'll see a 'side-by-side' comparison of Lennix & Obama in similar attire. Now, Lennix is not Obama's clone any more than BJ is Reeve's but..........you can also see the point that he's making, & this guy is just some 'Blogspot' dude.

Now consider that Nolan & Snyder naturally make reference to 'Mr. President' in THE MAN OF STEEL. Even though the 2012 election will already be over by the time that comes out, Obama will still have been the President for the last 4 years by then & may or may not get re-elected. But let's also theorize that instead of having another generic President such as E.G. Marshall, that this time they choose to 'mirror' Obama's presidency. They may reference him by name or..........he may just be like the "President David Palmer' in the 24 TV series. Either way they'd be reflecting real life current events.

I'll go out on a limb here & predict that Lennix may be up for the role of the President in the reboot. I just can't believe that an apologist caused me to think about it!

A valid thought non about lennix. I too did bring up the idea what if he was up for some govt,other supporting/minor role. It would be nice if he did end up being a real dc character likr steel or ron. Hopefully if he signs we get some word in what his role is.

Apologist Puncher wrote:

thecolorsblend wrote:EDIT- And something else, as your mod, I'd like to head a potential bullshit argument off at the pass. I realize nobody here is stupid enough to argue that someone else is racist. But just in case it doesn't go without saying... nobody here is racist. If you have to play that card in order to bolster your argument, you have no place around here because we rely on facts, logic and intellectual honesty to make our points. So no accusations of racism, mmmkay?

I don't even see why this even needed to be said. If anyone, ANYONE, made that claim here, they would be gone faster than BJ Routh's "leading man" status.

Plus, it's a cowardly train of thought to entertain in the first place.

There's only one member of this board who'd make the argument. You know who I'm talking about. The above is intended for him pretty much exclusively.

non_amos wrote:I'll go out on a limb here & predict that Lennix may be up for the role of the President in the reboot. I just can't believe that an apologist caused me to think about it!

Wow, not reaching at all....

My prediction is sounding better & better every day.

Apologist Puncher wrote:

non_amos wrote:I'll go out on a limb here & predict that Lennix may be up for the role of the President in the reboot. I just can't believe that an apologist caused me to think about it!

Wow, not reaching at all....

My prediction is sounding better & better every day.

So why do you think that mine doesn't? Wouldn't him as the President be more realistic than changing Perry White's ethnicity? Now that's reaching................................................................................

non_amos wrote:So why do you think that mine doesn't? Wouldn't him as the President be more realistic than changing Perry White's ethnicity?

Because it's fucking retarded, that's why.

Now that's reaching................................................................................

Except I laid-out reasons why based on acting ability and such, as well as it happening already to characters in the Superman Universe.

Not basing my prediction on something someone said at Duh HomoPage.

How is it retarded if it mirrors real life & real events? And even 24 had their 'President David Palmer'. It would also be considered a 'PC' move as well. Yeah, I know, I know, an apologist suggested it, but so what? I didn't just take his word for it. I thought afterwards for myself because of our own real-life politics, so a quick Google search came up with that link almost immediately, so I read a little bit of it. It seems that idea is at least 2 years old even for a non-Superman film. So yeah, apparently there are people who'd like Lennix to play the President in something. This apologist apparently suggested it for similar reasons. Now, I know we bash on duh apologists & most of the time it's even justified, but OTOH, if something is suggested that actually makes sense, should we dismiss it just because 'it was said at duh Homopage'?

If they change Perry White's ethnicity, that will really cause an uproar, both pro and con. Duh apologists will probably be generally for it while most realists will be against it, but not for racial reasons. Rather because of 'the canon'. They'll argue that the characters should not be changed just to be 'PC'. It will probably divide the fanbase as extremely as Singerman. The last thing THE MAN OF STEEL needs is a lot of unnecessary controversy. Think the idea of Lindsay Lohan in the film would've been controversial? So would this.