Scarlett Johansson Responds To Backlash Over ‘Rub & Tug’ With A Defiant Statement

Just a few days ago, it was announced that Scarlett Johansson would be teaming up with filmmaker Rupert Sanders for a new film titled “Rub & Tug.” The film is said to follow the life of a criminal woman who dressed in suits, had short hair, and preferred to be called “Mr. Gill.” Gill then went on to become the mastermind behind a series of illicit massage parlors and a steroids ring in the ‘70s. However, when it was announced that Johansson would play Gill, many were outraged.

You see, while many people, in history, have referred to Gill as a “crossdresser” or a woman posing as a man, that wouldn’t be the term used today. It’s clear, decades later that Gill would have been referred to as a trans man. So, when people found out about Johansson’s casting, they attributed it to another instance to a cis person taking the role of a trans person, which is fairly prevalent in Hollywood.

In response to this outrage, Johansson, through her reps, released a statement (via Bustle) saying, “Tell them that they can be directed to Jeffrey Tambor, Jared Leto, and Felicity Huffman’s reps for comment.” Of course, the actress is referring to three actors known for taking on trans roles in the past, with all three winning awards for their work, including Tambor’s multiple Emmy wins and Leto’s Oscar win.

However, Johansson’s comments were further upsetting to people after her recent role in “Ghost in the Shell.” In that film, the actress portrayed a character that has a Japanese name, and throughout the history of the franchise, has been shown to be an Asian character. Combine this with the fact that “Rug & Tug” director, Sanders, also helmed ‘Ghost,’ you can see why people would be concerned.

Ultimately, it doesn’t appear that the actress, or the director, will be deterred by the outcries of members of the trans community that are upset over the casting announcement. One such voice is Trace Lysette, a trans actress who appeared on the show “Transparent,” with the aforementioned Tambor. Lysette took to Twitter to voice her frustrations by saying, “Oh word?? So you can continue to play us but we can’t play y’all? Hollywood is so fucked… I wouldn’t be as upset if I was getting in the same rooms as Jennifer Lawrence and Scarlett for cis roles, but we know that’s not the case. A mess.”

As of now, there’s no word on a release date for “Rub & Tug,” however, production is said to begin soon.

https://twitter.com/tracelysette/status/1014313678441668608