Mark Strong Calls Out New Casting Rules: “It’s a Shame!”
In an interview with The Times, Strong talked about how actors are now often chosen based on their real-life backgrounds
Mark Strong shares his views on new casting rules that stop actors from playing characters who are different from them, saying it makes acting less interesting.
Mark Strong is a famous actor, and he recently shared his thoughts about casting in movies and TV shows. He thinks it’s a "shame" that actors can no longer play characters from different backgrounds. At 61 years old, Strong is known for his roles in many films and shows, including The End We Start From.
In an interview with The Times, Strong talked about how actors are now often chosen based on their real-life backgrounds. This is called authentic casting. It means casting actors who have similar traits to their characters. For instance, if a character comes from a specific culture, they would prefer to cast someone from that culture.
Strong mentioned that he has played many different characters in the past. He was a Jewish villain named Harry Starks in the 2004 miniseries The Long Firm.
He also played a Jordanian secret service leader in the 2009 movie Body of Lies, where he acted with Leonardo DiCaprio.
Strong pointed out that today, a young actor from north London would likely not get cast in such roles anymore.
While he understands why this change happened, he feels it limits actors' chances to explore different characters. He said, "It’s a shame because you don’t really get to play the parts that you’re not, which is what makes the thing interesting." He believes acting is about becoming someone else, and that has become harder with the new rules.
Many actors support authentic casting. They say it helps avoid misunderstandings and leads to better performances. They also argue it gives more chances to actors from minority backgrounds.
However, Strong is not the only one questioning this practice. Earlier this year, actor Stanley Tucci spoke out too. He believes that actors should be free to play any role, no matter their own background.
Tucci said he feels honored when gay men come to him about his roles in movies like The Devil Wears Prada and Supernova. He believes all actors should have the freedom to play different characters. He stated, "You’re supposed to play different people. You just are. That’s the whole point of it."
In his interview, Strong also talked about his history of playing villains. He has played bad guys in movies like Robin Hood, Kick-Ass, Shazam!, and Cruella.
Even though he often plays dark characters, Strong is not worried about being typecast. He said, "Hopefully, I’ve got 50 or 60 years in this business, so even if everyone I play is dark for five or six years, that’s not going to be a problem." He finds these characters the most interesting to play.
Mark Strong is set to star in a new production of Oedipus at Wyndham’s Theatre in London. He keeps amazing audiences with his performances and thoughts on acting today.
