Scarlett Johansson pulled the plug on her Rub & Tug role faster than we could say “bad casting call.” She was all set to play Dante “Tex” Gill—a 1970s transgender crime boss—until the Internet exploded over it. The question? The Avengers star isn’t trans, and the LGBTQ+ community wasn’t having it. Notice the backlash.

First, Scarlett went into full defense mode and pointed to other actors playing trans characters. “Criticism can be leveled at Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto and Felicity Huffman’s representatives,” she said. Not the best move. Trans advocates like Jamie Clayton and Transparent star Trace Lysette were not happy. Lysette tweeted, “I wouldn’t be as upset if I ended up in the same room as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles, but we know that’s not the case. A mess.”

Scar Jo eventually had a change of heart. In a statement to Out.com, she said: “I’ve learned a lot from the community since I first came out. While I would have loved to bring Dante’s story to life, I understand why many feel a trans person should portray him.” Talk about a 180.

This wasn’t Scarlett’s first casting controversy. Do you remember Ghost in the Shell? She received heat for playing a character originally written as Asian. Add Rub & Tug to the list; fans are clearly over Hollywood’s tone-deaf casting calls.

While Johansson’s exit was the right call, it opened the door for more extensive conversations about representation. She said she’s “grateful that this debate has sparked a larger conversation about diversity in film,” and frankly, same. Maybe this means Hollywood will finally get its act together.

Stay tuned to Koimoi for more Hollywood updates!

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