There are things i must consider when making judgments about films, director choices and actors. Directors choose certain characters not always for appearance but maybe for skills they have, characteristics or the current reputation they uphold.
Jesse McCartney is neither Asian, nor does he have the intimidating appearance that his character gives, but the director (M. Night Shyamalan) maybe had the intention of using McCartney's fame to widen the audience (attracting both female and teen audiences). Despite the fact Prince Zuko's part was re-cast due to conflict over the part, the director may have had previous plans to alter Jesse's appearance and bring out his darker, less all-American teen side.
Conflict Regarding the Film
Yellowface, the key conflict involves the casting of the film, specifically Yellowfacing, which is the practice in American cinema, American theatre, and American television where Asian characters are portrayed by predominantly white actors.
The casting of white actors in the Asian-influenced Avatar universe triggered negative fan reaction marked by accusations of racism, "racebending", a letter-writing campaign, and a protest outside of a Philadelphia casting call for movie extras. Rathbone and producer Frank Marshall dismissed the complaints. Movie critic Roger Ebert was one of the ones critical of the casting. In February 2009, Dev Patel replaced McCartney, whose tour dates conflicted with a boot camp scheduled for the cast to train in martial arts.
Yellowface, the key conflict involves the casting of the film, specifically Yellowfacing, which is the practice in American cinema, American theatre, and American television where Asian characters are portrayed by predominantly white actors.
The casting of white actors in the Asian-influenced Avatar universe triggered negative fan reaction marked by accusations of racism, "racebending", a letter-writing campaign, and a protest outside of a Philadelphia casting call for movie extras. Rathbone and producer Frank Marshall dismissed the complaints. Movie critic Roger Ebert was one of the ones critical of the casting. In February 2009, Dev Patel replaced McCartney, whose tour dates conflicted with a boot camp scheduled for the cast to train in martial arts.
wikipedia
Equally, Noah Ringer - although completely unknown in the film industry - is a 12 year-old regional Texas taekwondo champion, meaning he has the appropriate skills that make him suitable for the character. As well as a fan of the television show. He was supposedly nicknamed "Avatar" because he looks similar to the main character, Aang, a resemblance further heightened by the fact Noah would regularly shave his head. When asked why he keeps his hair shaved, Ringer responded "It keeps me cool when I'm doing taekwondo."
The director would have considered such skills, as this would mean Noah requires no training for the part, in fact he is skilled beyond his years.
Again, conflict sparked over the mainly-Caucasian cast but rumours say Noah Ringer is half-Asian, which could satisfy fans who want loyalty to the original cartoon series.
Although conflicts such as these are commonly unnecessary, the director must satisfy the needs of the target market - which may be why he re-cast Patel as Zuko.
It's Semiotics that encouraged a prejudice comment on my part.
When i see Jesse Mcartney, i see a Blond, American, Pop-singer "heart-throb". Of course through visual changes the director can alter our view of him. People who may have never seen him wouldn't see him in any other way than how director presented him.
But pre-judged views can't frequently be changed despite appearance.
This is reflected by myself. I first saw Jack Nicholson in The Shining where he portrays a father, halfway insane, hearing voices and having hallucinations - he finally cracks and pursues his wife and child with intentions of killing both, his crazed smile representing that. This mirrors his appearance in Batman as the Joker.
Recently i saw Jack Nicholson again with Diane Keaton in Something's Got to Give, where Jack plays a 60-something man who is convinced he's got to date younger women until he finally finds true love in a woman his age, despite the fact they are complete opposites.
Somehow, my mind cannot adjust to this Jack Nicholson, the smile he exchanges with his new love, despite being innocent - still renders me uncomfortable. He's playing a completely diverse character but my mind still thinks this guy is half-crazed and can turn at any moment - i cannot mentally adjust to a love-struck Jack Nicholson. Semiotics do this, i have linked Jack Nicholson with horror and insanity alike my link with Jesse McCartney and pop-music. Some things cannot be corrected with costume and script, which i think M. Night Shyamalan realised when he received such a hostile reaction for his choice of casting.
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