When it comes to diversifying the characters for some of the most iconic sci-fi and fantasy franchises, the POC actors/actresses who are currently on the frontline for the big change have been faced with an insurmountable wave of backlash simply for being cast in classic roles. Some of the most high-profile examples as of late include Javicia Leslie being cast as the new Batwoman and Halle Bailey being tabbed as the latest version of Ariel for the upcoming live-action film, The Little Mermaid.
In both instances, these Black entertainers were hired to portray characters that were originally White. The latest actor to encounter a wave of harsh criticism because his Brown skin tone is not consistent with the original fictional characters from a widely popular storyline is a Puerto Rican actor named Ismael Cruz Córdova. The 35-year-old New York native plays an elf named Arondir in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, a fantasy television series that debuted on Prime Video earlier this month. In terms of the story arc and cinematography, the show has been met with favorable reviews. However, one of the few blemishes that the production has garnered is the slew of racist commentary aimed at Córdova, largely because he is portraying a member of the beloved elf race, who up until the series premiere had always been presented to the public as Caucasian, in movies, cartoons, etc.
In a recent interview with Essence, Córdova shared his thoughts on the matter by explaining what it means for him to be considered a trailblazer in Hollywood, even if there are several naysayers out there who remain very displeased with the casting directors of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for choosing him to play a pivotal role on the new series as an elf.
"This has been my lifelong journey," Córdova said. "To be a part of change and visibility, to insert myself into places that I was told I couldn't go. I know that a lot of people don't have [these] opportunities...so I'm going to do it for us. You know? And I'm going to take the lead. But, in return, I'm going to need y'all to love me and send me some [support] and good vibes to let me know that it's working. And people are, people are reacting to it...they're saying 'thank you for being there [and] thank you for representing us, thank you for being in that show. [Thank you] for letting us dream and sour, and that's all I need."
Two weeks ago, Elijah Wood (known for his role as Frodo Baggins), a veteran cast member from the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, showed his support for Córdova by posting a photo along with a caption that read, “You Are All Welcome Here,” on social media. On Monday, Orlando Bloom (known for his role as Legolas), perhaps the most popular elf from the original LOTR movies, posted a picture of himself standing next to Córdova on Instagram; the photo was accompanied by a message so solidarity for his fellow on-screen elf. Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has already been confirmed by Prime Video for a second season. It remains to be seen just how pivotal Córdova will be, on and off screen, but it looks like his supporters are starting to outweigh his naysayers.
Source: MSN
