Following the recent news of James Franco being cast as former Cuban leader Fidel Castro, it rightfully caused controversy across the Latinx community as well as Hollywood. Many Latinx actors and workers in the industry called out the negligence of Hollywood, which that continues to cast white actors in non-white roles.
Franco’s past sexual misconduct allegations only add to the bad publicity surrounding the casting.
Encanto star John Leguizamo has been one of the most vocal since he took to Instagram to express his disbelief and disappointment.
“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!” Leguizamo wrote in a post.
Latin exclusion in Hollywood is real—Don’t get it twisted! Long long history of it! And appropriation of our stories even longer! Why can’t Latinxers play Latin roles? Why can’t we play lead roles? Why can’t they flip white roles to Latin guys and gals?” he continued.
The film, Alina of Cuba: La Hija Rebelde from director Miguel Bardem, cast Franco based on Portuguese roots found on his father’s side and because of similar facial features and structure to Castro.
Leguizamo has been a long time advocate for Hispanic and Latinx inclusion in the acting industry.
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