Color Blind Casting

When books, games, historical events or television shows are transformed into movies or shows, the actors portraying the characters, are often very different from what the characters "originally," looked like. Broadway's Hamilton, and J.K Rowling's Harry Potter, are great examples of "color blind casting." This form of casting is often frowned upon with the audience. People complain that the actors should look exactly like they originally looked to avoid confusion. There are also complaints about casting calls in these situations, they sometimes exclude a certain racial group in hopes for a specific look for a character. According to CNN, the play Hamilton,"has come under fire for a casting call that sought "NON-WHITE" performers." The show's creator responded by saying, "the point is the cast is supposed resemble America now: "It looks like what you see when you get on the A train to go to work."" Color blind casting, although controversial, allows actors from all different backgrounds to have a chance to be in the spotlight. 

Hamilton Play Bill Photo Credit: Steve Jurvetson