Tom Hanks has said that diversity in modern cinema is “a hallmark of our social and professional responsibilities” and that it is important that films “reflect the times” in which they were made.
The Hollywood star said there was “no reason” people of color shouldn’t be playing big roles, and the filming process was done “in an improved way…for who we are now.”
Hanks will star alongside Cynthia Erivo and Luke Evans as puppeteer Geppetto in Disney’s upcoming film, Pinocchio, which is set to release on Disney+ on Thursday.
The film is a live-action remake of the classic 1940 animated film, based on the 1883 Italian children’s novel Carlo Collodi’s Adventures of Pinocchio.
At the world premiere of the event in Burbank, Calif., Hanks said it was “boring” to make the film “the same for each cast member.”
“I think it is important to reflect the times in which we are making films. told PA News Agency.
“There’s no reason why the Blue Fairy can’t be played by an African-American actor…so throughout the process of making the film, we’re trying to do it in an improved way just because of who we are now.” I was always aware of how good I was.
Make a wish upon a star…⭐
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“I think it would be boring if we were going to go back and do the same shot after shot, cast member after cast member.
“I should have done it this way.”
Erivo, who plays the Blue Fairy in the film, said it was “thrilling” to see the diversity on screen grow and that the industry is now “a bigger space for all of us to participate in”. .
“I think it’s really important…I grew up not seeing myself in this sort of thing or seeing us in fantasy or playing fairies,” she told PA.
“When I was there (for the premiere), there was a brown girl dressed as a fairy.
“We’re not excluding anyone right now, so it’s great to say, ‘This is a larger space for all of us to be a part of.'”
The British actress and singer added that she “loved the process” and was able to showcase her musical talents singing her famous song “When You Wish Upon a Star”.
“It’s the sweet spot role…I feel really lucky,” she said.
Pinocchio also stars Benjamin Evan Ainsworth as the voice of the puppet of the same name, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt as insect sidekicks Jiminy Cricket, Keegan-Michael Key, and Soprano star Lorraine Bracco.
Directed by Academy Award winner Robert Zemeckis and written by Zemeckis and Chris Weitz.
