Gods of Egypt director apologises for lack of diversity in casting

GODS of Egypt director Alex Proyas has apologised for whitewashing his upcoming film based on Egyptian mythology.

GODS of Egypt director Alex Proyas has apologised for whitewashing his upcoming film based on Egyptian mythology.

Proyas and studio Lionsgate issued separate statements on Friday acknowledging the controversy sparked by the release of the film’s first trailer two weeks ago, featuring a cast led by Gerard Butler, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Brenton Thwaites.

Gods of Egypt was immediately slammed on social media following the trailer’s release with celebrities leading the call for more diversity in casting.

“Movie, #GodsOfEgypt in which everyone is white? Egyptians, in history and today, have NEVER been white. BRING BACK GEOGRAPHY! It’s Africa!,” actor Bette Midler wrote on Twitter.

Director Alex Proyas has apologised for casting mostly white actors in the movie.

Gerard Butler plays one of the main Egyptian characters.

Gods of Egypt was shot at Sydney’s Fox Studios in 2014. It also stars Australian actors Australians Abby Lee, Bryan Brown and Emma Booth.

Australian director Proyas, who was born in Egypt, said in his statement the casting choices should have been more diverse. “The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse. I sincerely apologise to those who are offended by the decisions we made,” Proyas said.

In their statement Lionsgate said they are deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of their audiences and pledged to do better.

Actors filming Gods Of Egypt in Centennial Park, Sydney. Picture: Adam Taylor

“We recognise that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed. In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologise. Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.” The statements, issued well in advance of the film’s February 26 release, come after similar controversies surrounding films such as Exodus: Gods and Kings and Aloha.

The apologies have not gone down well on social media with users saying they amount to a “fauxpology”.

““Apology” for white #GodsOfEgypt Process of casting a movie has many complicated variables” Really? Seems kinda easy #UPickedAllWhiteFolks,” Lizz Brown wrote on Twitter.