Daniel Dae Kim might be giving βHellboyβ the authenticity itβs been looking for.
The Korean-American actor is reportedly in talks to take over the role of Ben Daimio in the new βHellboyβ reboot. Ed Skrein, known for his work in βGame of Thronesβ and βDeadpool,β opened up the opportunity after he learned of the characterβs Asian roots.
βI accepted the role unaware that the character in the original comics was of mixed Asian heritage,β Skrein posted to Twitter in August. βThere has been intense conversation and understandable upset since that announcement, and I must do what I feel is right.β
Rather than take part in Hollywoodβs problem with whitewashing ethnic characters, Skrein stepped down, opening the role for an Asian actor.
Kim made headlines over the summer as well when he walked away from his role on βHawaii Five-0β after seven seasons due to a pay dispute with CBS. Kim and co-star Grace Park were negotiating with the network to receive salaries equal to their white co-stars.
The actors and CBS never came to an agreement.
βAs an Asian American actor, I know first-hand how difficult it is to find opportunities at all, let alone play a well developed, three dimensional character like Chin Ho,β Kim wrote in a statement in Facebook in July. βI will miss him sincerely. What made him even more special is that he was a representative of a place my family and I so dearly love.β
Entertainment Weekly confirmed Kim was in negotiations with Lionsgate and Millennium to play Daimio. Kimβs rep did not immediately reply to HuffPostβs request for comment.
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