Mark Ruffalo Responds to Critics on Casting Matt Bomer as Transgender
"I hear you," the Oscar nominee wrote.
— -- Mark Ruffalo said he hears the concerns from the transgender community on the casting of Matt Bomer in a new movie, "Anything," and is sympathetic to those who would have wanted a transgender actor in the film.
The movie focuses on a transgender sex worker, according to Entertainment Weekly, and Ruffalo is executive producer on the project. According to Ruffalo, the movie has already been shot.
The acclaimed actor tweeted about casting Bomer, who played his romantic interest in "The Normal Heart."
"To the Trans community. I hear you. It's wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time," he wrote.
In another tweet he added, "In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making 'The Normal Heart.'"
The response comes after leaders in the transgender community wanted a trans woman to play the role.
A column from trans musician Mya Byrne for The Huffington Post read, "Your new movie ... forgot the most important part of these kinds of stories: actual trans women."
"There are many qualified trans actors and writers who could have played in and advised on the construction of the scenes you're about to edit into a motion picture," she continued.
Other trans activists have commented on Twitter, as well. Most users tweeting at Ruffalo have been constructive, sending messages likes, "These roles should be given to actual trans actors and i hope you listen to them" and "As a trans person i want a trans person to represent me."
Some have come to Ruffalo's defense and appreciate his candor in his tweets.
"Mark played a gay man although he's not gay. Matt is an amazing actor and he can play a trans woman," read a comment to one of Ruffalo's tweets.
Bomer, who is openly gay and is married, has not yet commented publicly.
