KDTime: The Issues with Casting Non-Authentic Actors in Jamaican Roles
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Episode 109 Jamaica’s rich culture, vibrant accent, and charismatic characters have long captivated filmmakers and audiences alike. From heartwarming dramas to outrageous comedies and action-packed thrillers, Jamaican roles have found their way into Hollywood and beyond. But more often than not, these roles aren’t played by actors of Jamaican descent. Whether for star power or creative direction, the casting of non-Jamaican actors in Jamaican roles has been a common Hollywood trend—sometimes appreciated, sometimes criticized. Let’s take a look at a range of examples across genres and reflect on what these portrayals have meant for representation, accuracy, and storytelling. 🎿 "Cool Runnings" (1993) – A Feel-Good Favorite with American Accents One of the most iconic Jamaican-themed films ever made, Cool Runnings tells the story of the first Jamaican bobsled team to compete in the Winter Olympics. While the characters are based on real Jamaicans, the cast mostly consisted of ...