More Hollywood Remakes Cast Minorities

AP via Yahoo ^ | 8 JUNE 2005 | ERIN TEXEIRA

[hattend]

And, in a less menacing version of Gleason's perennial threats to his wife, Cedric tells Union with a flirty smirk, "I'll take you to the moon, Alice."

Good Grief! For chat and FYI

[Sloth]

Halle Berry starred in "Catwoman,"

Silly example. Eartha Kitt was playing her ~40 years ago (and doing it better, I bet).

[EveningStar]

When Jackie Gleason was growing up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in the 1930s, many of his neighbors resembled his family, Irish and working-class. Today, the residents remain mostly working-class, but almost all are black.

Perhaps, then, it makes sense that a film remake of Gleason's classic TV comedy "The Honeymooners" would feature a mostly black cast, with Cedric the Entertainer as the new face of loudmouthed Ralph Kramden.

I admit that when I first heard about the new Honeymooners, I rolled my eyes. However, this does make sense.

[Hi Heels]

*shrug* I thought we were way past caring what color anyone is.....

[cyborg]

I think it'll be funny. Cedric is a hoot. Was pretty good in Barbershop.

[subterfuge]

Well I don't know about all of this. I think maybe everyone in the US is brainwashed including me.

Whenever I see only white faces in a television show, even if there are only two characters, it seems weird, creepy and not real. But alas, in real life I see pairs of white folks talking by themselves all the time!

[AgThorn]

I'm waiting for Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson to do "black chicks"!!

[Sonny M]

I admit that when I first heard about the new Honeymooners, I rolled my eyes. However, this does make sense.

I'm not so sure, I'm way to young to have been around for the honeymooners prime, though I did watch episodes as a kid.

A neighbor near my job who is african american is downright angry about it and really ticked off, he is a much older guy so it might just be a traditional thing.

Then again, he may also be jumping to conclusions, he hates most of the african american comedians and entertainers today for being obscene and cursing and stuff.

He also was no fan of Richard Pryor either back in the day either.

[llevrok]

Perhaps, then, it makes sense that a film remake of Gleason's classic TV comedy "The Honeymooners" would feature a mostly black cast, with Cedric the Entertainer as the new face of loudmouthed Ralph Kramden.

Do something real edgy. Martin Short and Robin Williams as Amos and Andy

[Rushgrrl]

market research showing that whites are no less likely to buy a product if a person of color pitches it — but that minorities are much more likely to use it Ugh so sick of this - and WHOM is perpetuating this white vs black thing???? yeesh!! What a bunch of dookie!!!

[Rushgrrl]

you can't do that!!! That's racially insensitive by recreating a black-face situation that will only damage the progress they've made in the industry!! /sarcasm....leading to, again..."market research showing that whites are no less likely to buy a product if a person of color pitches it — but that minorities are much more likely to use it"

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Colorblind casting in remakes,

What is going on isn't colorblind casting. It is a reversal. The producers are very color conscious. They are also very conscious of the consequences of not doing it.
How well would a remake of "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?" be if the races of the actors were left the same as the original? Not very well. Follow the money. Their actions are far from altruistic.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Do something real edgy. Martin Short and Robin Williams as Amos and Andy

Exactly. Can you imagine the catterwalling that would ensue when that film was announced?

[llevrok]

Martin Short and Robin Williams as Amos and Andy?

Steve Martin as Mantan Moreland?

Rosie O'Donnell as Moms Mabely?

[EveningStar]

Amos 'n' Andy was originally a radio program voiced by 2 white guys. Of course, when it came time to do the TV program they realized that they would have to recast. ;)

[llevrok]

I forgot about that. You are correct!!

[Charles Wickman]

"Guess Who's Coming To Dinner?"
Recently remade as "Guess Who" with Ashton Kutcher and Bernie Mac.
Maybe you were aware of this recent remake?
I thought it was almost funny, but not close to original in terms of thinking about racial issues.
More of a date movie than a "thinker", Mac is a very funny comedian!

[EveningStar]

Radio show

TV show

[x]

More Hollywood Remakes Cast Minorities

Does that mean we'll see headlines like this if things change:

"Hollywood Decides to Make Better Movies;
Women, Minorities Most Hurt"

[weegee]

Didn't Ted Danson already try out for the part?