“How come he gets to play Fidel Castro while I get drug-dealer role?”: Jeff Torres Fumes Over James Franco Getting Revolutionary Cuban Leader Fidel Castro While Latin Actors Typecasted For Generic Drug Dealers
James Franco used to be one of Hollywood’s top stars before he was accused of sexual abuse by several women, the majority of which were minors. The star was known for his role in films such as the Spider-Man trilogy, City by the Sea, 127 Hours, and Oz The Great And Powerful. Now, three years after the accusations, the actor is making a comeback and has been cast as Cuban leader Fidel Castro in the upcoming film Alina of Cuba. The film will be directed by Miguel Bardem and will also star Mía Maestro and Ana Villafañe. However, not everyone is happy with the actor being cast to play the Cuban leader.
Jeff Torres is not happy with James Franco being cast as Fidel Castro in Alina in Cuba
Actor Jeff Torres, who is known for his roles in films such as Night Sky, Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, and S.W.A.T., took to Twitter to express his anger towards the actor being cast in the role.
I’m auditioning for another generic Latin-American drug dealer and James Franco is dead ass playing Fidel Castro. Latinos gettin’ done dirty af out here and everywhere. Damn lol
— Jeff Torres (@iamJeffTorres) August 5, 2022
The actor called out the entertainment industry’s double standards regarding the casting process. Popular actors are often cast in the main roles despite not belonging to the character’s ethnic background. On the other hand, actors who belong to the character’s ethnic background are often cast in stereotypical roles.
Also Read: Johnny Depp’s Lawyer Camille Vasquez Mimics Amber Heard, Exposes Affair With James Franco
John Leguizamo also criticizes the casting of James Franco as Fidel Castro
James Franco is a white man, and thus, his being cast to play a Cuban character is likely to receive criticism, and for a good reason. This is because it takes away the opportunity for Hispanic actors to play the role. Moreover, it reduces the authenticity of the character.
Actor John Leguizamo also criticized the casting and took to Instagram to call out the industry. The actor shared a screenshot of Deadline’s article and wrote,
“How is this still going on? How is Hollywood excluding us but stealing our narratives as well? No more appropriation Hollywood and streamers! Boycott! This F’d up! Plus seriously difficult story to tell without aggrandizement which would b wrong! I don’t got a prob with Franco but he ain’t Latino!”
Fans have not forgotten James Franco’s past
Several Twitter users shared their opinion on the actor’s casting and also highlighted the sexual abuse charges against the actor.
https://twitter.com/borgposting/status/1555696297457471489?s=20&t=yWDPO9g4sdg1ck3XiJXuXQ
https://twitter.com/itsmehaleyyyyy/status/1555560580915892224?s=20&t=yWDPO9g4sdg1ck3XiJXuXQ
The producers justifying why they cast James Franco as Fidel Castro: "Sure he isn't Latino but he IS an asshole so we got that part totally right."
— Joanna Hausmann Jatar (@Joannahausmann) August 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/ibelieveamber/status/1555339174831656960?s=20&t=yWDPO9g4sdg1ck3XiJXuXQ
https://twitter.com/willowhalliwell/status/1555309286007472128?s=20&t=yWDPO9g4sdg1ck3XiJXuXQ
It seems like the actor cannot escape his problematic past no matter how hard he tries.
Source: Buzzfeed
Also Read: Did an Angry Amber Heard Really Stab James Franco With a Fork in Pineapple Express?