However, not recasting the role is shitty as hell. It relegates a really cool character that helped people more than racists used it badly, and removes a very important source of representation.
The fact that there were dozens of Indian Subcontinent heritage American comedians saying they’d love the role, but they didn’t even get to audition for it really drives home how much of this was for PR over doing right for the character and the Indian subcontinent heritage American community.
It really could have been a total win. But, hey, why do something great with a small risk when you can do something meh and lower risk while also spending less money.
Eh, I gotta respect him for his decision.
However, not recasting the role is shitty as hell. It relegates a really cool character that helped people more than racists used it badly, and removes a very important source of representation.
The fact that there were dozens of Indian Subcontinent heritage American comedians saying they’d love the role, but they didn’t even get to audition for it really drives home how much of this was for PR over doing right for the character and the Indian subcontinent heritage American community.
That’s my opinion as well.
It really could have been a total win. But, hey, why do something great with a small risk when you can do something meh and lower risk while also spending less money.