Rooney Mara Lands Tiger Lily Role, Stirs Controversy

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Thursday, March 13, 2014

Rooney Mara is reportedly being considered for the role of Tiger Lily in the upcoming Peter Pan film, but the possible selection has many people outraged.

Joe Wright is directing the film entitled "Pan," and reports arose Wednesday about the cast of the film. According to insiders, Mara is set to portray the famed Native American tribal princess in "Pan," according to Entertainment Weekly. While the actress has starred in films such as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Side Effects," moviegoers are complaining that Mara should not portray Tiger Lily in "Pan" without being of native descent herself.

Instead, the 28-year-old actress is a member of an affluent family whose members founded both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. Mara's sister Kate is also an actress who appeared in Netflix series "House of Cards."

Comments on social media sites such as Twitter revealed anger and confusion over Wright's selection of Mara for the part, with many accusing Hollywood of "whitewashing" films with white actors.

"Rooney Mara cast as Tiger Lily in new Peter Pan film because there are clearly no Native American actresses," Sarah wrote on Twitter. "I like Rooney Mara and am impressed with her work, it's just frustrating how so many roles are whitewashed."

Carey posted, "Person from impossibly wealthy family gets wealthier," after re-tweeting news that Mara would portray Tiger Lily in the Warner Bros film.

Another Twitter user Lauren added," Rooney Mara joins Johnny Depp in 'People I Wish Hadn't Been Cast as Native Americans.'"

The film will follow J.M. Barrie's classic tale about a boy who can fly and never grows up. "Pan" also stars Hugh Jackman and Garrett Hedlund. It will take place during WWII when Peter, an orphan, is kidnapped by pirates and taken to Neverland. It is believed that Wright is still looking for an actor to fill the role of Peter in "Pan," and that the search for an actor between the ages of 10 and 12 is on, according to EW.

"Pan" is scheduled to hit theaters on July 17, 2015.