In the light of white actors playing Asian roles, such as Scarlett Johansson as Major Motoko (oops, I mean, "The Major") in "Ghost in the Shell" and Tilda Swinton as the Ancient One in "Doctor Strange," there are many conversations talking about lack of diversity in Hollywood, specifically Asian American actors. Since 2001, only one percent of Oscar nominations have gone to Asian actors.
Hollywood has had whitewashed, also known as Yellowface, Asian characters since 1940s including legendary actors, such as Marlon Brando, Katherine Hepburn, and Mickey Rooney. While there are strong articles addressing Hollywood's lack of diversity, no one has taken the conversation of bringing Asian actors to attention quite like #StarringJohnCho.
You read it right: #StarringJohnCho.
John Cho is an Asian American actor, best known for his work in "Harold and Kumar" series, "Star Trek," and NBC's short-lived TV series "Selfie." That same show made him the first Asian American to play the main love interest.
Like any actor, Cho is a versatile actor and carries himself gracefully as a lead actor. However, he does not receive the same attention he deserves compared to white actors.
If you're wondering, no.,Cho does not run the website or the social movement.
How does Cho relate to that hashtag?
#StarringJohnCho is "a social movement that literally shows you what it would look like if today's Hollywood blockbusters cast an Asian-American actor—specifically, John Cho—as their leading man" (#StarringJohnCho official site). It re-images already-established films such as "The Avengers," "Jurassic World," and "Spectre" using the magic of Photoshop.
Many people online, including Angry Asian Man, praise the movement to call everyone's attention on Hollywood whitewashing Asian characters.
I mean, how can they not?
These are fantastic.
Come on.
Come on!
Meet Captain (Asian) America.
Bond. James Bond. Yes!
He is a nice guy, and he doesn't finish last.
(Clearly I saw the film).
Happy late Mother's Day indeed.
I'll just leave this here.
If you want to learn more, go to their official website or follow them on Twitter for more John Cho movie posters.
PS: John Cho (yes, the John Cho) follows them on Twitter. How meta is that?
