This is a breath of fresh air.
Casting directors are looking for a Native Hawaiian actor to play the role of King Kamehameha and other roles, reports KHON.
The movie Islands will explore Hawaii from Captain Cook’s arrival to King Kamehameha and the overthrow of Queen Liliuokalani’s monarchy.
“Whoever plays King Kamehameha will be one who is authentic and will truly know the history and share the blood,” said Albert Mossman, a Native Hawaiian adviser to the movie.
Non-actors may apply too.
“We totally understand that some Native Hawaiians are not in the industry, yet could possess great acting ability,” said a spokesperson for RiverRain Studios.
One can hope that’s a sign that other roles in the movie will be opened up for Native Hawaiians as well.
The casting call comes after Zach McGowan was cast to play real-life Native Hawaiian hero Ben Kanahele in the upcoming film NI’IHAU.
That announcement set off a swarm of protest from Pacific Islanders.
The internet backlash included suggestions from many about who could have been cast for the role besides a White actor.
The people behind Island may want to check out some of the names on this list too.
Island is scheduled to be released in November of 2018
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RE: No Whitewashing for Upcoming Island Movie: ?