‘Thor’casting of Idris Elba under attack by white supremacists
Hollywood has a history of taking creative liberties with comic book mythology as they translate the material to the big screen. Marvel’s film “Thor” is already under attack (the release date is May 2011), but this time the attack comes from an unusual source: Council of Conservative Citizens.
The organization is now directly supporting “Boycott Thor” websites and Facebook pages and post statements: “It’s not enough that Marvel attacks conservatives values, now mythological Gods must be re-invented with black skin”, and “The relentless attack on European heritage has been expanded to mythology. Hollywood isn’t just re-writing recent history, they want to re-write European mythology and folklore with a left-wing multi-cultural slant.”
So what is all the fury about? To quote the Council one last time: “The God Heimdall is played by a black man.”
Shocking, isn’t it.
The role of Heimdall will be played by actor Idris Elba from “The Wire” and “The Office”.
A search in the website’s database yielded no such outrage over Halle Berry portraying “Catwoman”. In 2003, “Daredevil” casting had Michael Clarke Duncan as the caucasian mob boss Kingpin – no boycotts in sight.
Heimball first landed in comic book lore back in 1962, in “Journey into Mystery #85”, but has remained a relatively obscure character, known mostly to Thor fans alone. The character was revamped in the comic “Thor: Mighty Avenger #6” and, unlike the previous depiction, was portrayed as a black shape-shifting Norse with superior powers to Thor.
The “left-wing multi-cultural slant” irritates those seeking it out, but seems hollow in this case. The was more outrage over the horrible adaptations of “Catwoman” and “Daredevil” than the skin colors of the main characters.
Let’s hope this “Boycott” is ignored just as skin color should be.
My first effort at “blogging” before it was called “blogging” was a Pop Culture, Comic Book column at CrazedFanboy.com.
A lot sure has changed since these days.
Due to the support/pressure from my DOB comrades, Splash Page was resurrected to publish Pop Culture topics and the “State of the Nation” will continue to deal with politics and heavy issues.
Beginning in December of 2010, I began writing on Examiner.com, check out my articles there: http://www.examiner.com/comic-books-in-tampa-bay/brandon-jones
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