Potential White-Washing in ‘Runaways?’

First there was The Last Airbender, and now the live action film based on Runaways comic books? The award winning series created by Brian K. Vaughn and Adrian Alphona represented an almost too-good-to-be-true ensemble of diverse teenagers who become superheroes in order to overcome the evil done by their super villain parents. We had the African American Alex Wilder leading the team, the Japanese American Nico Minoru (complete with Goth garb) and the minority of all minorities, Karolina Dean who is not only from another world but also dealing with her sexuality. Seriously, could they have given her any more identity issues?

I was a big fan of the series until Joss Whedon took over the writing from Brian K. Vaughn, because the originality of the storyline–and the diverse cast–sparked my interest. These were angsty kids dealing with their adolescence and the shock that their esteemed parents were not who they thought they were. They banded together for survival, defying their parents’ legacy for the good of humanity. Even if Nico donned the stereotypical Gothic Lolita garb (and this was way before Tina on Glee), she was still a strong young woman determined to right the error of her family’s ways.  And now they’re going to turn this into a big Hollywood movie!

Anyone excited at the opportunity for an Asian actress playing a lead role in a hyped-up comic book movie should be aware that the entertainment industry may not be so compliant. Our friends over at Racebending took note of Runaway‘s casting breakdown, which was released earlier this month. Though the characters were not specified, it was easy to figure out who each casting call was meant for based on the descriptions from the comics, including this one for Nico.

Girl 1: Uniquely beautiful, nurturing but guarded
Female, must play 16-18
Must be at least 16 by January 2011
(Name not listed, assumed to be casting call for Nico Minoru)

Wait, hold up. Is that the only description provided for her character? As Racebending pointed out, “the breakdown for Nico–who is explicitly featured in the comics as a several-generations Japanese American–does not mention that the character is Asian, or that Asian American actresses should submit.” Not cool, Marvel!  I’m not too experienced with the casting process, but I do know that Nico’s ethnicity is undeniable. Failing to reflect her race would change her entire character.  But the casting call’s lack of specifically requesting API talent shouldn’t deter the number of aspiring Asian American actors out there looking for their big break.

Japanese American goth girl Nico Minoru is the leader of the Runaways. If the character remains Asian, she will be Marvel’s first Asian American movie hero! Remember to research the character before taping your audition, and follow all submission directions carefully!  Break a leg!

Actually, wouldn’t that be the oft-forgotten Jubilee? Her mutant powers to generate electric sparks were totally underrated. Regardless, I’ve still got faith in Hollywood for a strong adaptation of Runaways and no one (as of yet) has been given the role of Nico. But it doesn’t hurt to spread the word about this potentially white-washed casting to hopefully inspire Asian American actors, agents and managers to audition for the role. Marvel, we’ve got our eyes on your casting and as we did with The Last Airbender, we’re ready to speak out and protest.