Scarlett Johansson drops out of transgender man role in ‘Rub & Tug’

Scarlett Johansson has pulled out from portraying a transgender man in the upcoming film “Rub and Tug.” The decision came following massive outcry over the casting of a cisgender to play massage parlor owner Dante “Tex” Gil.

In an exclusive statement to Out Magazine on Friday, the 33-year-old American actress said she now understood why many feel that the role should be played by a transgender man.

“In light of recent ethical questions raised surrounding my casting as Dante Tex Gill, I have decided to respectfully withdraw my participation in the project. Our cultural understanding of transgender people continues to advance, and I’ve learned a lot from the community since making my first statement about my casting and realise it was insensitive,” she said in a statement. “While I would have loved the opportunity to bring Dante’s story and transition to life, I understand why many feel he should be portrayed by a transgender person, and I am thankful that this casting debate, albeit controversial, has sparked a larger conversation about diversity and representation in film.”

When the casting was first announced, Johansson was heavily criticised for taking on the role. As roles available for transgender people are scarce, a cis actor taking on a role that specifically calls for a transgender character is seen as insensitive.

Her first response to the backlash of her casting also didn’t help. Her representative said, ‘Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comments,” referring to her fellow actors who have played transgender men and women in films and TV.

This isn’t Johansson’s first controversial role acceptance. She also played the protagonist in the anime-based 2017 “Ghost in the Shell” film. The main character was expected to be given to an Asian actress, because the material was Japanese. But Johansson starred in it instead, prompting critics to accuse the film of whitewashing.

It hasn’t been revealed yet if there’s already a replacement actor for Johansson in “Rub and Tug” or if they are looking for a transgender male actor.