'Iron Fist' Release Date, Latest News: Finn Jones Addresses White-Washing Controversy
The Marvel series "Iron Fist" will be arriving on Netflix next month. While other Netflix shows about Marvel heroes – such as "Daredevil," "Luke Cage," and "Jessica Jones" – have exceeded the expectations of many fans, things have not been smooth-sailing for the forthcoming Marvel series when a white British actor Finn Jones was cast in the lead role.
Amid the white-washing controversy surrounding "Iron Fist," lead actor Finn Jones has recently responded to criticisms over his casting as Danny Rand.
In an interview with Buzzfeed, Jones was asked about the reputation of "Iron Fist" in perpetuating the "White Savior" trope often utilized in film and television. In response, he admitted that he understood where the critics are coming from while also defending the true essence of the upcoming Marvel series.
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"You know, here is what I'm going to say about it. I get where that frustration comes from. I get the need for diversity and equality in television and film... well, actually in every aspect of life," Jones said.
The British actor acknowledged that there is inequality "in politics, in economics, and in culture." He also mentioned that the television and film industry needs to have "more diversity," particularly for Asian actors.
"Danny Rand is not a white savior. Danny Rand can hardly save himself, let alone an entire race of people. He is a very complicated, vulnerable individual," Jones explained.
"Actually, it's the complete opposite. He's gone through and suffered immense trauma and he is struggling to claim his own sanity and identity back," he added.
In the original 1970s comic book series, the hero of "Iron Fist," Danny Rand, is a master of martial arts and is white. The character was introduced at the height of the Kung Fu craze popularized by proponents like Bruce Lee. However, according to We Got This Covered, Danny Rand was given blonde hair and blue eyes because of the assumption that a comic book series with an Asian protagonist will not be welcomed by comic book audiences at the time.
At present, it is widely believed that the lead character of "Iron Fist" would make a lot more sense if he were Asian. Hence, when a white actor was cast in the lead role in the Netflix series, some fans were left very disappointed.
"Iron Fist" is scheduled to be released on Netflix on March 17.
