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Mythology's Casting Calls Spark Outrage
20 Sep
Summary
- Diverse casting in Greek mythology adaptations faced criticism.
- Critics accused producers of 'blackwashing' ancient stories.
- Show's lead actor received praise despite controversy.
The 2018 television series "Troy: Fall of a City," a collaboration between Netflix and the BBC, faced significant backlash prior to its airing. The controversy stemmed from the casting of Black actors in prominent roles, including David Gyasi as Achilles and Hakeem Kae-Kazim as Zeus. Critics accused the production of 'blackwashing' Greek mythology and culture.
Defenders of the casting highlighted the historical diversity of ancient Greece and noted that the broader cast comprised actors from various nationalities. Despite the controversy, "Troy: Fall of a City" proceeded, though it did not achieve widespread critical acclaim, receiving mixed reviews overall. However, David Gyasi's portrayal of Achilles was notably praised by some critics for its powerful, reserved performance.
