Part 7/9:
A core issue highlighted by this saga is the hypocrisy within Hollywood’s social justice debates. For example, many argue that actors should be able to portray characters outside their own identity if they demonstrate the ability to embody the role convincingly. Ian McKellen, for example, has publicly stated that he believes restricting roles based on sexuality is limiting and ultimately unfair.
However, many factions in Hollywood push the idea that only trans actors should play trans roles, or only gay actors should portray gay characters. Critics see this as a form of discrimination disguised as progress. It prioritizes identity over merit and skill, creating a paradoxical situation where traditional acting principles are discarded in favor of identity politics.