The latest film to receive backlash over its diversity problem is Gods of Egypt, starring a predominantly Caucasian cast that includes Gerard Butler, among others. People quickly criticized the casting choices (considering where the film is set), which ultimately lead to Lionsgate and director Alex Proyas issuing apologies. The statements caught the attention of Selma director Ava DuVernay who responded on Twitter.
This isn't the first time a movie in which race plays an important role has received backlash. (Does Ridley Scott's Exodusring a bell?) According to Vulture, Proyas admitted he could have done a better job with the casting. "The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse," he said. "I sincerely apologize to those who are offended by the decisions we made."
Lionsgate noted they had a "responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed." The apologies released by the studio and director received a lot of attention, including notice from DuVernay. She responded to their statements on social media, describing them as an "unusual occurrence worth noting."
DuVerynay not only brought attention to the fact that apologies from directors or huge studios "never happens—for something that happens all the time," she also noted that films like Gods of Egypt "make her value" films with a diverse cast like J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Wars: The Force Awakens film.
