2026.06.05
L. Nikolaou
The selection of Black actors to portray historically Caucasian figures has become a prominent contemporary artistic trend, known in Hollywood as color-blind or color-conscious casting. Concurrently, we are witnessing an increasing number of remakes of classic films and series, where originally recognizable white characters are being recast with Black actors.
While such a casting choice may not inherently be objectionable in isolated instances, the transformation of this practice into an absolute norm seems to validate the popular modern idiom: “Black is the new white.” There is something deeper underlying this practice. It stands as one of the many contemporary phenomena driven by the “Woke Agenda” and Political Correctness. From the distortion of History and the management of illegal immigration, to the deconstruction of the traditional family, the ultimate objective appears to be universal: the eradication of cultural distinctiveness and the homogenization of humanity.
For modern directors and producers, critical acclaim and awards now require strict adherence to these rules. The cinematic establishment, spearheaded by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its newly implemented criteria, now overtly rewards productions that align with this ideological agenda
Anne Boleyn (2021)
The British Channel 5 series focuses on the final months of the life of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII of England. The historically white queen of the Tudor dynasty was portrayed by Black British actress Jodie Turner-Smith. This choice sparked intense global debates regarding the boundaries of historical accuracy in fiction.
Hamilton (Musical – 2020)
Although it began as a Broadway stage play, its official filmed version was released on Disney+, achieving massive success. Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda consciously chose Black, Latino, and Asian actors to portray the white “Founding Fathers of the American Nation.”
- Alexander Hamilton: The main founding father of the US is portrayed by Miranda himself (who is of Puerto Rican descent).
- Aaron Burr: The third Vice President of the US is portrayed by Black actor Leslie Odom Jr.
- George Washington: The first President of the US is portrayed by Black actor Chris Jackson.
Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
In this historical film starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie, Sir Thomas Randolph, a 16th-century English diplomat and politician (who was white), is embodied by Black actor Adrian Lester.
The Odyssey
Famous director Christopher Nolan, for his highly anticipated new blockbuster film “The Odyssey”, cast Oscar-winning Black actress Lupita Nyong’o to play a dual role: Helen of Troy and her sister, Clytemnestra. Elon Musk reacted very strongly to this choice, launching a fierce attack against Nolan and Hollywood. Musk characteristically wrote on X that “Chris Nolan lost his integrity” and that he “profaned The Odyssey,” considering that this choice completely alters the classic work and Homer’s descriptions. “He brutally insulted the Greek people.” In fact, he made a comparison, saying that putting a Black woman to play a character traditionally described as white/fair-skinned in a foundational work of European literature is the same mistake as casting a white man to portray Shaka Zulu (the legendary leader of the Zulus in Africa).
Troy: Fall of a City (2018)
In the BBC and Netflix series based on the Iliad and the historical/mythological figures of antiquity, Homeric heroes traditionally depicted as white/Greek were given to Black actors. Specifically, Achilles was portrayed by David Gyasi and Patroclus by Lemogang Tsipa.
The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019)
Although it is an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ literary work and not a strictly historical figure, the film captures the society of Victorian England. Director Armando Iannucci chose Dev Patel (of Indian descent) for the leading role of David Copperfield, while the historically white character of the lawyer Mr. Wickfield was portrayed by Black actor Benedict Wong.
The Little Mermaid (2023)
The classic Disney animated film (1989) featuring the white, red-haired Ariel; in the live-action remake adaptation (2023), Halle Bailey took on the role of Ariel.
The Equalizer (2014)
The eponymous 1980s television series starring Edward Woodward was adapted into a feature film with Denzel Washington portraying Robert McCall (a role he kept across an entire trilogy).
Annie (2014)
The world-famous Broadway musical and the 1982 film featuring the red-haired little Annie (Aileen Quinn); in its modern adaptation produced by Will Smith and Jay-Z, Quvenzhané Wallis stars in the leading role with Jamie Foxx by her side.
The Karate Kid (2010)
The iconic 1984 film starring Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso and its modern adaptation; it was adapted with Jaden Smith (son of Will Smith) taking the place of the martial arts student alongside Jackie Chan.
I Am Legend
The Original: Based on the book by Richard Matheson, it had been adapted for cinema before as The Last Man on Earth (1964) starring Vincent Price and as The Omega Man (1971) starring Charlton Heston; in the modern adaptations (2021 & 2025), Black actor Will Smith portrays the last surviving scientist in a post-apocalyptic New York.
The Manchurian Candidate
The classic 1962 political thriller starring Frank Sinatra and its modern adaptation, where Denzel Washington takes on the role of Major Bennett Marco in Jonathan Demme’s contemporary version.
KOJAK
Kojak was a police television series in the US that aired from 1973 until 1978 on the CBS channel. The protagonist was Telly Savalas. The modern adaptation starring Ving Rhames was presented starting in 2005.
Julius Caesar
This is the poster for the production of Shakespeare’s play “Julius Caesar” staged by the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in the US, from January 12 to 29, 2012 (at the Troutt Theater of Belmont University). In the leading role of Julius Caesar, we see Eddie George. It is yet another characteristic example of “color-blind casting” in theater, where a Black actor embodies one of the most famous white historical figures of antiquity.
The knowledge of yesterday guides today and points the way for tomorrow. Those who understand the historical and contemporary course of events, define their own future.