Netflix under fire for whitewashing after remaking Monkey with non-Chinese cast
Netflix is the latest producer to be accused of whitewashing, for remaking the ancient Chinese tale of ‘Journey To The West’ – also known as ‘Monkey’ – without using a single Chinese actor.
New series ‘Legend of the Monkey’, an Australian/New Zealand co-production, stars Thai-born actor Chai Hansen in the lead role, with Josh Thomson playing Pigsy, Emilie Cocquerel playing Sandy, and Luciane Buchanan playing Tripitaka.
But as none are Chinese, things have got a little heated.
Something's missing from the cast of Legend of the Monkey King, based on the Chinese fable. But what ???? pic.twitter.com/aPH5ggsSdB
— That's McClearious™ (@syxseed) April 20, 2017
"Netflix Gets Accused Of Whitewashing Again With 'Legend of the Monkey' Casting"
it's not merely an accusation it's a damned fact????— Pure???? Royal☕ | 張軒瑋 (@theshenners) April 26, 2017
I'm loath to call #whitewashing yet, but here's the cast of the new #Monkey remake next to the original. Why?#tv https://t.co/jmP5l5TnKq pic.twitter.com/2tfv47jqAY
— Gwyn Campbell (グウィン) (@GwynCampbell) April 20, 2017
@wenleima There's an angle you should have covered in the story on The Legend of Monkey – blatant whitewashing.
— James Scullin (@JamesScullin) April 20, 2017
My childhood fave gets #whitewashing #reboot. MASSIVE SIGH… > Monkey Magic reboot on its way https://t.co/O1ebYxGFVK via @EssentialKids pic.twitter.com/xyYF0Wi2Aw
— Fooi-Ling Khoo (@oofarchitecture) April 21, 2017
Someone's telling me that the Monkey Magic remake isn't whitewashing because Maori people are asian. All my Maori friends identify as Maori.
— Kelamity Ryder (@KelAskaniSon) April 22, 2017
‘Journey To The West’ was published in the 16th century, thought to have been written by Ming dynasty poet and author Wu Cheng’en, and is considered one of the four great classical novels in Chinese literature.
It follows the travels of a Buddhist monk, who is accompanied by three fallen gods – a monkey king, a half-man half-pig and an exiled general called Sandy.
Though it is frequently re-adapted for TV and film in China, it is perhaps best known thanks to the 70s and 80s TV series known as ‘Monkey’.
Sold around the world, its surreal storylines ensured that it fast became a cult classic.
However, it’s worth noting that that show also failed to employ any Chinese actors, with its cast being entirely Japanese.
It comes after other recent, high-profile accusations of whitewashing, notably Scarlett Johansson’s casting in the remake of ‘Ghost In The Shell’, and Matt Damon in ‘The Great Wall’.
Read More:
Release dates announced for Avatar sequels
Fast & Furious: Dwayne Johnson/Jason Statham spin-off confirmed
Batman V Superman: Diane Lane addresses ‘Martha’ moment