[user104658]

Originally Posted by Dezzy

I think that's optimistic tbh, I think there would be an outcry as there always is with reboots but I don't think it would have been as bad as it was if they didn't mention they wanted a black actress to play Buffy.

It's not a perfect set of comparisons but look at the cases of Charmed and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. Both are being remade for release this year and both have had a very different reaction. Sabrina's reboot has been met with way more intrigue and interest with less backlash and they've cast a blonde white actress in the lead.

Charmed, judging from the trailers, looks about as good as the original series did yet has been met with backlash because they've gone for non-white actors to play the sisters.

I think people are just less accepting of different ehtnicities in these roles.

I don't know. It might be a factor, but it can't be taken as the only factor; Buffy and Charmed also both have a massive (and dedicated) cult following to this day whereas something like Sabrina - while loads of people loved it and of course we all remember it - is not really in that category.

In terms of the casting (as mentioned in another thread recently) I personally have no issue with "black Buffy" if it is indeed a reboot (though I don't want them to reboot at all). However, I'd have preferred if it had been an open casting in terms of ethnicity and they'd simply chosen the best person for it... even if the casting people quietly "had their eye out" for a non-white candidate... specifically announcing that they "want an ethnic minority" before even auditioning the role seems a little bit political. Exploiting the issue for headlines, almost? Like... just cast a black girl and then announce her! Don't say "we've not even looked yet but guys... she's def gunna be black!"