It looks like the Hellboy reboot has found their Ben Daimio.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Dae Kim is in talks to join the Hellboy reboot, filling the role previously occupied by Deadpool‘s Ed Skrein. Skrein stepped down from the role late last month, after his initial casting as the Japanese-American character created controversy online.
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Kim’s character, Ben Daimio, is described as “a rugged military member of the bureau for paranormal research and defense who, due to a supernatural encounter, can turn into a jaguar when angered or in pain.”
Kim is best known for his role as Chin Ho Kelly on Hawaii Five-O, which he stepped down from earlier this year due to a salary dispute with CBS. The Korean-American actor’s other credits include Lost, ER, and The Legend of Korra. Hellboy is Kim’s latest role in a comic book-inspired film, previously playing Raymond in Spider-Man 2.
Lionsgate and Millennium issued a statement shortly after Skrein stepped down from the role, pledging to correct their initial whitewashing and cast an Asian actor as Ben Daimio.
“It was not our intent to be insensitive to issues of authenticity and ethnicity, and we will look to recast the part with an actor more consistent with the character in the source material.”
The Hellboy reboot was the latest big-screen adaptation to draw controversy for whitewashing Asian roles. Doctor Strange and Ghost in the Shell were heavily criticized for casting white actresses in traditionally Asian characters.
Kim is the latest actor to join the Hellboy reboot, which will see Stranger Things star David Harbour in the title role. Also appearing in the film are Ian Mcshane, Milla Jovovich, and Penelope Mitchell. The film is reportedly set to begin filming later this month.
