Dwayne Johnson sparks backlash over Netflix’s black hero folk movie

The actor's revelation left fans feeling uneasy
Awkward: Johnson was met with criticism
HBO
Safeeyah Kazi10 October 2018
The Weekender

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Dwayne Johnson is facing a backlash over his casting as African-American folk hero John Henry in an upcoming Netflix film.

The Baywatch actor, who is mixed race – his father is black and mother Samoan - took to social media to share the news that he will play his “childhood hero.”

Sharing a snippet of the film, Johnson wrote: “When the man comes around.. Honored to play a childhood hero of mine, JOHN HENRY & his disruptive band of fellow folklore legends from around the world.

“Netflix are the perfect partners and platform to build. Directed by Jake Kasdan (JUMANJI). JOHN HENRY & THE STATESMEN.”

While many congratulated the 46-year-old on landing the role, others raised queries over Johnson’s casting, blasting the actor over the fact that folklore depicted Henry as a dark-skinned black man.

One user wrote: “H*ll freaking no. John Henry is a large muscular dark skinned black man and his love is a black woman.

“Terry Crews? Michael Jai White? Winston Duke...They need to stop the madness before it even begins. Woe betide them if they put him in a tanning bed and add makeup.”

Another added: “Representation matters. I love @TheRock but I hope you consider darker skinned actors.

“This is major Black American folklore and these were people who worked in the sun all day. Dark like my mom or grandmom. Celebrity is fine but our history is getting lightened by the sec.”

A third commented: “Hmmmm I have always thought of John Henry as a post-slavery dark skinned black man The Rock is awesome, but this is a weird casting choice for a classic story.”

Standard Online has contracted representatives of Johnson for comment.

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