During the world premiere of Doctor Strange, cast members took the opportunity to discuss the whitewashing controversy surrounding their new film.
The premiere was held at the TCL Chinese Theater Thursday night. Marvel fans gathered at the event to get a glimpse of Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays the lead character in the new 2016 film.
Director Scott Derrickson reportedly commented on Tilda Swinton’s Ancient One character’s description as a stereotypical Asian man. Derrickson allegedly claimed that selecting Swinton was a diversity choice itself. He also claims that he wanted to depict this wise character as a middle-aged woman who was equivalent or more knowledgeable than a man.
The director continued to comment that if they chose an Asian actress for their film, the woman would unintentionally embody the negative “Dragon Lady” stereotype. Derrickson also stated that he is sensitive to the history of the “Dragon Lady” stereotype and Anna May Wong films.
Anna May Wong was one of the first Chinese Asian actresses to gain recognition as a movie star in the early 1920’s. Many of her roles on screen embodied the “Dragon Lady” stereotype or the demure “China Doll” stereotype.
Jon Spaihta, who wrote the script to Doctor Strange, also praised the casting choice for Swinton. The writer reportedly commented that they wanted to cast a woman as a lead character or role. Spaihta commented that the original Marvel comic book world of Doctor Strange was male dominate. He commented that the production crew wanted to introduce not only ethnic diversity in their film, but gender diversity.
Benedict Wong, who portrays Master Wong, commented that the film’s producers allegedly worked hard to dispel the common Asian stereotypes around his character. The actor also stated that in the original comics, his character was depicted as a “servant/making-tea” like character. Wong commented that he was glad to know the film’s producers wanted to change that stereotypical image.
