Eddie Redmayne revealed that he took a workshop with trans actors after receiving backlash for his role in The Danish Girl.
Back in 2015, the Les Misérables actor made waves when he starred in the controversial and critically acclaimed film.
The movie, which Tom Hopper directed, follows the life of transgender painter Lili Elbe and her journey as one of the first trans individuals to receive gender reassignment surgery.
Redmayne’s portrayal of the historical figure earned him numerous nominations, including one for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.
However, many LGBTQ+ activists and members of the transgender community criticised the film for a casting a cisgender man to portray the trans trailblazer.
Over the last few years, Redmayne has remained an open book regarding his regret for taking the role.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, The Theory of Everything star reflected on attending a workshop led by trans actors after the backlash.
“A few years ago, I did a workshop with trans actors at the Central School of Speech and Drama. A lot of them were quite rightly interrogating me about my choice to do The Danish Girl,” he said.
“[They pointed] out that many trans actors don’t go to drama school because they don’t see it as an opportunity. Unless there are parts that you think are possible for you to play, why would you?”
Towards the end of his interview, The Good Nurse star said he wouldn’t take on “certain parts” until openly LGBTQ+ actors get “a seat at the table.”
“I believe everyone wants to be able to play everything. That’s what we dream of as actors and should do,” he said.
“No one wants to be limited by their gender or sexuality, but, historically, these communities haven’t had a seat at the table.
“Until there’s a levelling, there are certain parts I wouldn’t play.”
Redmayne’s recent comments come two years after he admitted to The Sunday Times that taking The Danish Girl role was a “mistake.”
“I wouldn’t take on [the part] now. I made that film with the best intentions, but I think it was a mistake,” he said.
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