Central Park recasts Kristen Bell's character with Umbrella Academy star Emmy Raver-Lampman after backlash
Apple TV+ series Central Park has announced that The Umbrella Academy star Emmy Raver-Lampman will now voice Molly, following Kristen Bell's departure from the role.
In a statement to TV Line, the show's creators Loren Bouchard, Josh Gad, Nora Smith, Halstead Sullivan and Sanjay Shah confirmed that Raver-Lampman would be joining the cast for season two.
"After an extensive casting process that brought a number of incredible contenders to the forefront of our Molly search, we could not be more thrilled, honoured, and certain that we have found the perfect marriage of character to voice in the amazing Emmy Raver-Lampman," they said.
"From the moment we heard her Molly, we knew she was the right choice."
In June, Bell stepped away from the part, saying that her taking on the role of a mixed-race character in the first place showed "a lack of awareness".
"This is a time to acknowledge our acts of complicity. Here is one of mine," Bell said in a statement.
"Playing the character of Molly on Central Park shows a lack of awareness of my pervasive privilege. Casting a mixed race character with a white actress undermines the specificity of the mixed race and Black American experience. It was wrong and we, on the Central Park team, are pledging to make it right.
"I am happy to relinquish this role to someone who can give a much more accurate portrayal and I will commit to learning, growing and doing my part for equality and inclusion."
The show's creators also released a statement saying Bell would "continue to be a part of the heart of the show in a new role".
Central Park is streaming now on Apple TV+.
Digital Spy now has a newsletter – sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox.
Looking for more TV recommendations and discussion? Head over to our Facebook Group to see new picks every day, and chat with other readers about what they're watching right now.
You Might Also Like
