# Scarlett Johansson Drops Out Of Transgender Role In 'Rub And Tug' **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 13, 2018, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867 "2018-07-13T22:26:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/141 "2018-07-17T14:51:04Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > His point was that only white people seem to be “color blind”. Yes, subtle it was not. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/142 "2018-07-17T15:07:05Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > The weight of that sarcasm is clearly crippling you. I’m so sorry, I had no idea sarcasm was something only “some people” get to do: > [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > It is \*pretend \*you see. I thought I’d fit in better with the privileged by speaking like them. Seems I suck at passing. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_lining](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aca169/32.png) [@Silver\_lining](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_lining)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/143 "2018-07-17T15:17:52Z")
> [@aldiboronti](#): > > [Here’s the story.](https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/scarlett-johansson-pulls-out-of-transgender-drama-rub-tug-after-backlash_us_5b48ea59e4b0e7c958fb12ac) > > She’d been taking heat from the transgender community for the role. She clearly felt the game just wasn’t worth the candle. I guess in future she’ll have to play only straight females. OK, that’s a reductio ad absurdum but there is a question of some importance here. Must actors confine themselves to roles of their own gender, sexuality, race, etc? Must Othello be played by a Moor, the hero of My Left Foot by a disabled person, and so on and so forth? The problem is that if we go down that road it’ll be even harder for minorities. “Sorry, the character is a white heterosexual male. You’re gay. Next, please!” Should an actor or actress be forced to take a role or shamed if they decline it? I say no way and don’t judge them unless you read the script and know what they are asked to do on screen. Featured film roles are tough to come by these days. With one door closing, and another opportunity opens. ---
**Author:** ![Silver\_lining](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aca169/32.png) [@Silver\_lining](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silver_lining)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/144 "2018-07-17T15:25:05Z")
> [@Dale\_Sams](#): > > I wonder if he/she means “No one bitched that a woman was taking a mans role away” > > …and I’m glad this was brought up cause Margaret Cho can kiss my ass. Oh no. Boo-hoo. This ‘traditionally asian role was taken by a white woman.’ Yeah, I’m sure The Ancient One is a REALLY well-known role. Right up there with Fin Fang Foom and Postman Willie. > > Besides Margaret…in that context YOU’RE the racist for lumping all Asians together. If he was Tibetan, being played by a Chinese actor wouldn’t be cool. You wouldn’t particularly want a Japanese actor playing a Korean one. > > As for Nina Simone…Monstro makes some good points…but lemme just say, in other places, the arguments I’ve seen are made by some people who definitely did not see School Daze. The fans of Doctor Strange and Marvel comic in general know who the Ancient One is. It’s like your favorite Pizza joint. When you go there you expect the pizza the way you like it. Instead, your force feed pineapple on the pizza. The role of the ancient one should have gone to an Asian Male. Most Americans do not understand the politics of Asia anyway Japan and Korea really don’t like each other. China doesn’t like Japan, and their leaders might have had issues with a powerful character from Tibet. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/145 "2018-07-17T15:25:11Z")
Once again - Scarlett wasn’t just auditioning for a role - it was her own damn production company. So all talk of “roles are hard to come by” and “forced to take a role” is irrelevant. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/146 "2018-07-17T15:45:52Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I’m so sorry, I had no idea sarcasm was something only “some people” get to do: > > I thought I’d fit in better with the privileged by speaking like them. Seems I suck at passing. Oy vey. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/147 "2018-07-17T15:50:32Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I’m so sorry, I had no idea sarcasm was something only “some people” get to do: Something I neither said nor implied. You are free to use whatever rhetorical device you want. Sarcasm can be very useful when used sparingly but it just becomes tedious to me when it takes up the whole post. You’ll note that my sarcasm was one, little throwaway, three-word sentence. > [@](#): > > I thought I’d fit in better with the privileged by speaking like them. Seems I suck at passing. Whatever “privilege” might be it doesn’t manifest itself on a discussion board. You are genderless, colourless and classless as am I. Just speak for yourself and make your points as you see fit. ---
**Author:** ![Jasmine](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jasmine/32/2964_2.png) [@Jasmine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jasmine)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/148 "2018-07-17T15:51:58Z")
Were I in her shoes, I would want the role for two reasons: 1. It would truly test my mettle as an actress and, if I pulled it off big time, markedly increase my stature in the entertainment industry. 2. It would give me a real chance at an Academy Award because Hollywood loves to show the world that they truly value movies with substance and meaning despite the fact that they actually make huge amounts of money from big screen action films which, ironically, virtually never win Best Picture or Best Actor awards. That’s why actors like Schwarzenegger, Willis, Eastwood, the Rock, Denzel, etc, have such a hard time getting one. ---
**Author:** ![Dale\_Sams](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/779978/32.png) [@Dale\_Sams](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dale_Sams)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/149 "2018-07-17T16:01:37Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > I’m so sorry, I had no idea sarcasm was something only “some people” get to do: > > I thought I’d fit in better with the privileged by speaking like them. Seems I suck at passing. So you’re the ‘sarcastic guy’ from Kids in the Hall? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke5BKi2uBpU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ke5BKi2uBpU) I’m kidding mods (who i suspect will shut the thread down soon). Justtelling a KITH joke. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/150 "2018-07-17T16:07:02Z")
> [@E-DUB](#): > > I never heard anyone objecting to Halle Berry being cast as Catwoman, especially given the Ertha Kitt precedent. (Now, her actual performance was another matter.) Also, I never hear anyone complaining about a white woman being substituted for an Asian man in the role of “The Ancient One” in the “Doctor Strange” movie. > [@asterion](#): > > Oh, there was a ton of complaining about Doctor Strange. I love Tilda Swinton and I complained about it; she was just wrong for the part. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/151 "2018-07-17T16:17:49Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > it just becomes tedious to me when it takes up the whole post. Well, as long as the world is arranging itself to suit your needs, then… > [@](#): > > You’ll note that my sarcasm was one, little throwaway, three-word sentence. I \*do \*beg your pardon, I’m new at this. So you’re saying a lighter hand is called for? > [@](#): > > Whatever “privilege” might be it doesn’t manifest itself on a discussion board. That is, completely unsarcastically-speaking, _pure_ bullshit. Privilege manifests itself every single time a White person posts “Well, _I_ don’t see skin colour,” for one thing. ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/152 "2018-07-17T16:44:25Z")
At the end of the day, there are very few transgender actors and even fewer roles as a transgender person. I can’t think of a transgendered actor who’s even on the B-list though I welcome correction. If movie studios hold out for a transgendered star for any movie that portrays a transgendered person, the movie will likely never get made. The same can’t be said about black roles, black people being if anything slightly overrepresented in SAG, or even Latino roles, who are markedly underrepresented in SAG. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/153 "2018-07-17T17:03:01Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > I can’t think of a transgendered actor who’s even on the B-list though I welcome correction. Laverne Cox? ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/154 "2018-07-17T17:32:43Z")
Yeah, she’s verging on A-list even. Definitely slipped my mind. Not suitable for his particular role, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/155 "2018-07-17T17:33:02Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Well, as long as the world is arranging itself to suit your needs, then Nope, it was neither request nor an expectation. Merely an observation > [@](#): > > …I \*do \*beg your pardon, I’m new at this. So you’re saying a lighter hand is called for? No, read carefully. > [@](#): > > That is, completely unsarcastically-speaking, _pure_ bullshit. Privilege manifests itself every single time a White person posts “Well, _I_ don’t see skin colour,” for one thing. We disagree clearly. I don’t think ascribing a position based on skin colour is fair or helpful ---
**Author:** ![CarnalK](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnalk/32/486_2.png) [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/156 "2018-07-17T17:38:26Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > We disagree clearly. I don’t think ascribing a position based on skin colour is fair or helpful In this case, it is probably both fair and helpful. If almost every person who says “I don’t see skin color” is white, how is it either fair or helpful to ignore that fact? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/157 "2018-07-17T17:39:06Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#): > > Nope, it was neither request nor an expectation. Merely an observation > > No, read carefully. > > We disagree clearly. I don’t think ascribing a position based on skin colour is fair or helpful God, get a room you two. ---
**Author:** ![Novelty\_Bobble](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/158 "2018-07-17T20:31:50Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > God, get a room you two. You are right (and have perfect comic timing…tricky on a text based medium) An unnecessary diversion so I’ll end my hijack there. ---
**Author:** ![Larry\_Borgia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/larry_borgia/32/156_2.png) [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Post date:** [July 17, 2018, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/159 "2018-07-17T21:12:50Z")
[Now it looks like the movie might not get made at all.](https://www.sfgate.com/entertainment/the-wrap/article/Future-of-Rub-Tug-Film-In-Limbo-After-13079877.php) ---
**Author:** ![Drunky\_Smurf](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drunky_smurf/32/449_2.png) [@Drunky\_Smurf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drunky_Smurf)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2018, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867/160 "2018-07-18T02:59:42Z")
> [@CarnalK](#): > > In this case, it is probably both fair and helpful. If almost every person who says “I don’t see skin color” is white, how is it either fair or helpful to ignore that fact? As a white, I’ve been told my whole life that I shouldn’t see skin color. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlett-johansson-drops-out-of-transgender-role-in-rub-and-tug/817867.md?page=9)