Glenn Close says directors should cast the ‘best person’ following Scarlett Johansson’s casting
Johansson caused controversy after being cast to play Dante 'Tex' Gill in the film 'Rub & Tug'
By Steve Brown
Glenn Close believes filmmakers should be able to cast the “best person” following the Scarlett Johansson controversial casting.
Johansson was cast to play the lead role in Rub & Tug, which tells the true story of Dante ‘Tex’ Gill, a trans man in 1970s Pittsburg who became on of the city’s most infamous crime bosses after running brothels disguised as massage parlours.
However, following fierce backlash, the Avengers starred pulled out of the film with the hopes a more suitable actor would take on the role.
Now Close – who starred in a similar role in the 2011 Albert Nobbs where her character could be seen as transgender – says she “understands the frustration” but filmmakers should be able to cast the “best person”.
Glenn Close as Albert Nobbs
The actress, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Albert Nobbs, told The Hollywood Foreign Press Association: “My thinking right now is that people who are producing and directing properties like that need to go out of their way to get trans actors jobs.
“But they also should have the opportunity to cast the best person. Acting is a craft… I think personally that anyone should be able to play anyone.
“But I do understand the frustration.”