Gollum actor chimes in on Scarlett Johansson trans role debate

Andy Serkis says he "vehemently disagrees" with the notion that trans roles should be reserved for trans people.

Andy Serkis says that actors should be able to play any role they choose. Source: Getty Images North America

Actor and director Andy Serkis has, for some reason, weighed in on the debate surrounding Scarlett Johansson being cast in a transmasculine role.

Speaking to Variety, the director of Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, said that he "vehemently disagreed" with the notion that trans and non-binary roles should prioritise trans and non-binary actors.

“I absolutely disagree. I really, vehemently disagree,” Serkis said of the criticism Johansson faced after signing on to play Dante ‘Tex’ Gill in the upcoming film Rub & Tug (she has since withdrawn her attachment).

The Gollum actor continued: “Actors should be able to play anything, and that’s why I love this [performance capture] technology."

"What should be the point is that whatever colour your skin is, whatever shape you are, whatever height you are, whatever your makeup is as an actor, you should have the ability to play anything."

Australian actor Cate Blanchett spoke in a similar vein earlier this year, saying she would “fight to the death for the right to suspend disbelief and play roles beyond my experience.”