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Ridley Scott Accused Of White-washing 'The Martian'

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‘The Martian’ may be getting great reviews from critics, but it’s now being accused of 'white-washing’.

The Ridley Scott sci-fi, in which Matt Damon plays an astronaut stranded on Mars, is based on the book of the same name by American author Andy Weir.

But pressure group Media Action Network for Asian Americans has slammed the movie for replacing the character of Mindy Park in the movie with a white actress - Mackenzie Davis - rather than the Korean-American she is in the book.

“This insulting practice of white-washing has got to stop,” said Aki Aleong, president of the group.

“Alarmingly, it has been increasing in frequency.”

They are also upset about the casting of British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor in his role as Vincent Kapoor too, an Indian man - Venkat Kapoor - in the book.

“So few projects are written specifically with Asian-American characters in them, and he’s now changed them to a white woman and black man,” added MANAA founding President Guy Aoki.

“This was a great opportunity to give meaty roles to talented Asian American actors - and boost their careers. This feel-good movie, which has attracted Oscar buzz, shouldn’t get any awards for casting.”

MANAA also had much to say earlier this year on the release of Cameron Crowe’s 'Aloha’, which saw Emma Stone somewhat inexplicably cast in the role of a half Hawaiian, half Chinese role.

Sony later refuted the claims, saying: “While some have been quick to judge a movie they haven’t seen and a script they haven’t read, the film ‘Aloha’ respectfully showcases the spirit and culture of the Hawaiian people.

“Filmmaker Cameron Crowe spent years researching this project and many months on location in Hawaii, cultivating relationships with leading local voices. He earned the trust of many Hawaiian community leaders, including Dennis ‘Bumpy’ Kanahele, who plays a key role in the film.”

While that film bombed at the box office, it’s less likely that 'The Martian’ will do the same, with a haul of well over $100 million already.

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Image credits: Fox