Mark Ruffalo has responded to outrage in the trans community over the casting of an openly gay man as a trans woman in his new film Anything.
The casting news was questioned by many in the trans community, including trans actress Jamie Clayton who challenged Bomer to “do some actual good for the trans community one day.”
Fellow actress Jen Richards explained she had auditioned for the role.
Nick Adams, GLAAD’s director of Programs, Transgender Media, has written an op-ed in The Hollywood Reporter titled, “Matt Bomer and Men Who Play Transgender Women Send a ‘Toxic and Dangerous’ Message.”
Ruffalo took to Twitter on Wednesday to offer an explanation and an apology but indicated a recast was not possible.
“To the Trans community. I hear you. It’s wrenching to you see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It’s time,’ the 48-year-old tweeted.
“In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making The Normal Heart.”
Bomer has yet to respond to the controversy.
Anything, directed by Timothy McNeil, will feature Bomer’s character befriending a suicidal man who moves from Mississippi to Los Angeles after his wife’s death. The film currently has no release date.
