Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"If we come for Michael B. Jordan with the smoke, because he's not Latino. We got to have the same smoke for Al Pacino playing a Latino." — Speaker
"It's not racial appropriation, it is. What kind of appropriation? Cultural appropriation." — Speaker
"Because I don't believe in Michael B. Jordan as an actor for this. That's the real reason I don't like it. If it was, he's not good enough at acting to pull this off." — Speaker
The podcast episode delves into the hypothetical casting of Michael B. Jordan in a new iteration of the Scarface story, sparking a debate about his suitability for the role. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on whether Jordan possesses the acting chops to embody such an iconic character, with some participants expressing doubts about his talent beyond his physical presence and likability. This leads to a discussion on the nature of attractiveness, with differing opinions on Jordan's looks and comparisons drawn to other public figures.
A central theme that emerges is the concept of cultural appropriation. The speakers question the consistency of how such issues are addressed, drawing parallels between Michael B. Jordan playing a Latino character and Al Pacino's historical portrayal of Tony Montana. They advocate for a uniform standard of criticism regarding appropriation, regardless of the actor's background or the original casting choices. The conversation also touches upon the diverse ethnic makeup of Latino communities, suggesting that the debate is more complex than a simple black-and-white issue.
Ultimately, while acknowledging Jordan's star power, some participants remain unconvinced of his acting ability to carry the role of Tony Montana effectively. The concern is not just about Jordan's performance but also the potential for a subpar portrayal to negatively impact a beloved film. The episode concludes with an open question about who would be a more suitable actor for the part, highlighting the high expectations for such a significant character.