Mads Mikkelsen was surprised by a question about diversity while filming a movie set in 18th century Denmark.
Mads Mikkelsen experiences an uncomfortable moment when he is unexpectedly questioned about the absence of diversity in the cast of his movie set in 1750s Denmark.
- Mikkelsen appears in the movie The Promised Land alongside a predominantly white ensemble.
A movie set in Denmark during the 1750s has received criticism for its lack of diversity, raising concerns about its eligibility for the upcoming Oscars under new regulations implemented in Hollywood.
Mads Mikkelsen, known for his role as James Bond, portrays an army captain from the 18th century in The Promised Land. The captain faces challenges in elevating his social standing and upholding his principles amidst a growingly hostile environment.
During a recent interview, a Danish journalist questioned Mr Mikkelsen about the lack of racial diversity in the predominantly white cast, which angered the actor.
The reporter inquired, “Since the film is solely Nordic, does it lack diversity? Additionally, are there new rules being implied in Hollywood?”
After playing the role of a villain in Casino Royale, Mr. Mikkelsen shook his head and questioned, “What are you talking about?” He then turned to his director, expressing his disbelief.
The journalist proceeded to clarify that the Best Picture nominees for the Academy Awards must adhere to recently announced regulations by the Oscars committee. These regulations stipulate that movies should feature either diverse leading or supporting actors, or a significant portion of the cast should come from underrepresented groups.
He inquired if there was concern about the lack of diversity, clarifying that it was not due to artistic reasons.
Mikkelsen, who was annoyed, responded by saying, “Are you? You’re making us feel pressured, so you should answer the question.”
In an interview, a Danish journalist questioned Mr Mikkelsen about the lack of racial variety, which angered him.
Mikkelsen quickly bit back at the reporter before looking to director Nikolaj Arcel
Mr. Mikkelsen, known for his role as a villain in Casino Royale, promptly shook his head and inquired, “What are you talking about?” He then turned to his director, clearly expressing his disbelief.
Director Nikolaj Arcel then intervened and explained that the movie does in fact feature an ethnically diverse character who was victim to racism.
‘We do have a big plot line about a girl of colour who is being subjected to racism, she was probably at the time the only [person of colour] in the entire country of Denmark.
“I don’t think we ever considered it, I find it a bit strange, but that’s just how things were in the 1750s,” Mr. Arcel commented, while Mr. Mikkelsen smiled next to him.
The historical drama premiered at the recent Venice Film Festival and is adapted from a novel that takes inspiration from the life of Captain Ludvig Kahlen.
In May, the Oscars committee introduced fresh criteria for representation and inclusion that a film must meet in order to qualify for the awards. However, these standards only pertain to the best picture category.
Starting next year, the implemented standards aim to promote fair representation both on and off screen, in order to more accurately mirror the diversity of the audience engaged in movie-watching and movie-making.
They require that the film must meet the criteria of either having at least one of the lead actors or significant supporting actors, or that 30 per cent of the secondary roles, are from an underrepresented racial or ethnic group.
