Hellboy reboot loses Ed Skrein after whitewashing controversy

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

It was only last week that we passed along the news that DEADPOOL's Ed Skrein was lined-up to join director Neil Marshall's upcoming HELLBOY reboot, starring STRANGERS THING's David Harbour.

Well, it looks like Skrein has chosen to drop out of the role in this new HELLBOY following some controversy that the reboot is "whitewashing". Skrein was set to play Major Ben Daimio.

Daimio is Asian in the comic books.

You can read Skrein's full statement below, but in the meantime, here is Lionsgate's statement they just released in support of Skrein's decision to step away from the project: 

Ed came to us and felt very strongly about this. We fully support his unselfish decision. It was not our intent to be insensitive to issues of authenticity and ethnicity, and we will look to recast the part with an actor more consistent with the character in the source material.

What do you think of this whitewashing news? Not that it's a new topic, but if we can be mature about it, this could make for some great discussions. Let us know what you think in the comments below or on Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram.

The HELLBOY reboot is directed by Neil Marshall and stars David Harbour, Ian McShane, and Milla Jovovich. The film starts shooting this September in the UK and Bulgaria.

Check out Ed Skrein's full statement BELOW.