Scarlett Johansson Will Play a Trans Man in New Movie

First Scarlett Johansson was criticized for playing an Asian character in Ghost in the Shell, and now the same director is casting her to play a trans man in his new movie. That casting decision is causing controversy, but Johansson is having none of it. Read on for her answer to the complaints.

Via Page Six.

Actress Scarlett Johansson is in hot water once again for her recent choice to play massage parlor owner Dante “Tex” Gill in the upcoming mob drama “Rub & Tug.” The real-life Gill was born as Lois Jean Gill, but identified as a man — which is a detail in the role that has sparked backlash.

April Reign, who is known for the #OscarsSoWhite campaign, tweeted about the news: “Scarlett Johansson received considerable backlash for Ghost in the Shell, when she played a whitewashed Asian character. The movie tanked. Undeterred, she has teamed up WITH THE SAME DIRECTOR to play a trans male character in ‘Rub & Tug.’”

Reign’s tweet also includes a statement from Johansson via her representative that was featured on Bustle which addressed the backlash — in her own special way. She said: “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.”

‼️ GIVEAWAY WINNERS ‼️ Sorry for the delay! I had a concert last night (shook from Halsey, Dua Lipa & Bazzi etc. in 1 night), I burned my arm in fire like 2 hours ago, and I'm preparing to travel to Pennsylvania on Friday... #forgiveme THANK YOU to everyone who entered, it was such hard picks! 😫 But I read every single entry and I could tell that you guys would all be able to make Scarlett's heart melt. 💕 • @annabella.palmer When I was reading your entry, I kept saying "Same. Same. YES. I relate" 😂 I love how you were able to cope with self-love; being comfortable in your own skin. You also seem to really understand Scarlett's passion from acting to music and for this, I'd LOVE to give you the Apart bundle... (Once it comes in...) Yours will be a bit delayed since I haven't even received mine yet! It should arrive in July but either way, you're getting a CD and autographs from Scarlett & Pete! • @sxndrineee You gave me the longest message, but it wasn't just you "rambling". You started from the beginning and every reason you gave had so much meaning. I enjoyed your little stories and visual aid you sent with it! Because you're such a sweet, dedicated Scarlett fan and are all the way in the Philippines, I am giving you access to my online video archive! ❤ Keep a look out in your DMs, I need to discuss things with you. • @insanityfandoms I wanna thank you for getting so personal in your message. I love that Scarlett inspires you in many ways. I'm treating you to a movie & popcorn with a limited edition Black Widow Fandango gift card, a TimesUp pin to keep your head up and stay strong, and a Blu Ray "Under The Skin" DVD as a surprise add-on! Please check your DMs so I know if you'll be able to use the gift card!

A post shared by Scarlett Johansson (@seriouslyscarlett) on Jun 24, 2018 at 9:06pm PDT

Deadline broke the news that Johansson would be re-teaming with director Rupert Sanders for “Rub & Tug.” The two previously worked together on the adaptation of “Ghost in the Shell,” another movie which was the center of controversy as many saw Johansson’s role as the film’s version of the film’s lead Major Motoko Kusanagi as a form of whitewashing of a character that is seen as Asian. In the case of “Rub & Tug,” she is being called out for “transface,” as one person on Twitter commented. Another said this is a case of “ciswashing.”

Get the rest of the story at Page Six.

Do you think Scarlett is wrong for the part? Let us know in the comments below.