Regé-Jean Page has spoken out after he was allegedly denied a role in the DC comics TV series Krypton because of his race.
According to a damning report published by The Hollywood Reporter, the 31-year-old Bridgerton star was denied the part of Superman's grandfather due to the objections of Warner Bros. executives.
THR reports that Page was denied the role because DC Films co-founder Geoff Johns allegedly did not want the character to be played by a person of color.
Page himself has now reacted to the news of the casting choice in a statement made to his 213,000 followers on Twitter, writing:
"Hearing about these conversations hurts no less now than it did back then.
"The clarifications almost hurt more tbh. Still just doing my thing. Still we do the work. We still fly."
On Twitter, a number of the actor's fans have expressed their support for him over the rejection from Warner Bros.
For instance, one person wrote: "Whoever was in charge needs to take a hard look at themselves and their racism.
"Sad that we are still dealing with race being an issue that such a talented actor as yourself was not cast in a role because of race. We love you Rege-Jean and you are a star!"
Another person added: "Hey Rege, these people don’t deserve your attention, you are an amazing actor, and an incredible person.
"We’re grateful for having you as our Simon, you will always be loved by us, go ahead and live your dreams, we’ll be cheering or you."
Meanwhile, someone else wrote: "Every show that you have been on, you have brought the heat. You were a standout in Roots, For the People and now Bridgerton.
"Any executive that does not see your universal appeal is denying themselves the chance to have you enhance their project, both with talent & viewers. [sic]"
Finally, another fan chimed in: "It's come as a shock and huge disappointment for us as well. But it's just fueling our resolve.
"I got to become acquainted with your work from 'Bridgerton', but I'm sad they took away your opportunity to be in the DCU. We're angry and fighting for you too. [sic]"
Warner Bros. has also since responded to the allegations of racism from the studio, claiming that journalists have misrepresented Geoff Johns' casting choices.
A spokesperson told People magazine that: "The role was for Superman's grandfather – which came after the Justice League movies.
"The decision was made that the role was supposed to mirror Henry Cavill and his father which was played by Russell Crowe in the movie.
"The actor being cast as such was supposed to resemble either actor. This is being twisted to be something that it is not and someone throwing a name out there to get headlines."
