“It’s just the dumbest thing”: Jeffrey Wright addresses “racist” backlash over his role as Jim Gordon in The Batman

Actor Jeffrey Wright is seemingly upset over the remarks he received for his role in The Batman. He will be seen in the film's sequel, which is set to begin work next year. While speaking to Collider, he touched upon the perception of black characters and his own experience. Wright said:

“I really find it fascinating the ways in which there's such a conversation, and I think even more of a conversation now, about Black characters in these roles.”

Seemingly frustrated, Jeffrey Wright said:

“It's just so f*cking racist and stupid. It's just so blind in a way that I find revealing to not recognize that the evolution of these films reflects the evolution of society, that somehow it's defiling this franchise not to keep it grounded in the cultural reality of 1939 when the comic books were first published. It's just the dumbest thing. It's absent all logic.”

Jeffrey Wright said he liked their version of Batman because it felt more real and detailed. He explained that Gotham City in the movie was inspired by New York City in the 1970s, which had a dark and gritty style. Since New York was, and still is, multicultural, he felt that any modern Batman movie needed to show Gotham as a true reflection of a big American city.

Reflecting on his work, Wright said:

“The thing is, as well, I feel that I own these stories as much as anyone. Perhaps now, because I'm a part of them, I have the most skin in the game.”

Jeffrey Wright shares his thoughts about Westworld and The Last of Us

During the conversation with Collider, Jeffrey Wright looked back on his work on Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy’s 2016 sci-fi show, Westworld. To him, the show was like a documentary. He said that although the show revolved around the idea of technology, it was more about its proper usage. Wright said the show reflected the idea of how power as a tool was used by a minority over the majority.

In this regard, the actor said:

“That’s the thing that’s most concerning to me — the distillation of power and wealth into the hands of an increasingly small circle of individuals. That’s super dangerous.”

Jeffrey Wright said he thought it was both interesting and worrying how strict political control around the world seemed similar to the control big tech companies wanted to have. He found it surprising but also scary, and what worried him most was how powerful technology had become.

The actor was also seen in The Last of Us. He said the reason he agreed to take up the role was his son, Elijah. Wright said that Shannon Woodward and Halley Gross, who wrote for the show, were working on the game by the same name.

Israeli actor Neil Druckmann suggested he could be part of the game. Shannon and Halley also encouraged him. Then, Jeffrey Wright asked Elijah what he thought about The Last of Us, and his son got super excited.

Trending

Also Read: "Always been excited": When Robert Pattinson shared his feelings about starting a new chapter with The Batman

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback