Eddie Redmayne has expressed regret over his decision to play a transgender character in the 2015 film The Danish Girl, describing it as “a mistake.” The British actor, who received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Lili Elbe, one of the first individuals to undergo gender reassignment surgery, acknowledged that while he took on the role with good intentions, he would not accept it now.
Speaking to a publication, Redmayne reflected on the ongoing conversation about representation in casting. “The broader issue surrounding casting is that many people still don’t have a seat at the table,” he said, emphasizing the need for more inclusivity in the industry to avoid repeating these debates.
At the time of the film’s release, The Danish Girl received praise from some, but others criticized the casting choice, arguing that a transgender actor should have been cast in the role.
Redmayne, who won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything, admitted there has been “years of cisgender success on the back of trans stories” and expressed hope for more trans actors being cast in trans roles in the future.
However, he also added that any actor should be able to play any role, provided it is done with integrity and responsibility.
In response to his recent comments, a spokesperson from the trans advocacy group Gendered Intelligence noted that trans representation on screen has improved significantly since The Danish Girl, with an increasing consensus that trans actors should be cast in trans roles.
They highlighted that having trans actors tell their own stories brings more authenticity and ensures the portrayal of trans experiences is more meaningful for both actors and audiences.
Redmayne, who also starred in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, has previously spoken out in support of the trans community, particularly after author J.K. Rowling made controversial comments about gender identity.
He disagreed with Rowling’s remarks, stating, “Trans women are women, trans men are men, and non-binary identities are valid,” but also condemned the vitriolic responses she received, noting that abuse directed at the trans community is equally harmful.
Currently, Redmayne is performing in Cabaret at London’s Playhouse Theatre alongside Jessie Buckley. His casting as The Emcee, a role traditionally played by LGBTQ+ actors, has sparked some criticism. In response, Redmayne encouraged critics to watch the performance before forming judgments, describing the character as one that defies categorization.
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