John David Washington Says Hollywood Still Needs More Diversity

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As a seasoned movie enthusiast who has watched countless films and witnessed the evolution of the cinematic landscape, I must say that 2024 has truly been a remarkable year for movies and television. The recent five-day Thanksgiving Weekend Box Office numbers are a testament to this fact, breaking all previous records. However, as we celebrate these achievements, it’s essential to remember the need for progress in various aspects of filmmaking, particularly diversity.

2024 has proven to be an extraordinary year for movies and TV shows, even amid concerns about labor disputes and efforts to improve working conditions in the film industry potentially affecting upcoming releases. Yet, this hasn’t stopped us from setting new records – as evident by the historic five-day Box Office earnings over Thanksgiving Weekend, surpassing all previous highs. However, while the film industry and cinema visits are thriving, there’s always room for improvement, according to a notable Hollywood actor.

In an interview with Deadline, the star of Tenet and The Creator, John David Washington, was asked about his perspective on the film industry, given the evolving terrain influenced by advancements in technology such as AI. In his initial response, Washington emphasized the importance of diversity within the filmmaking sector, offering a thoughtful explanation:

“I’m seeing diversity, especially in the streaming space. That being said, we’re still behind. I think we still need more diversity. I think we need to accelerate the opportunities for us, by us. I also think we’re seeing directors making films. Whether it’s Darren Aronofsky or Paul Thomas Anderson, he’s got some coming out.
Jordan Peele
is cooking up, and Ryan Coogler’s new trailer is out. That looks phenomenal. So people are working. It’s hard to say where the industry is, though, I guess because of streaming and AI. But look at the Wicked and Gladiator numbers. People are showing up to the theater still. People still want storytelling. I believe in the power of storytelling, and I think people still want to be entertained. So if there’s a market for that, if people still want to enjoy movies and a communal sense, I think we’re always going to have a place and opportunities to tell stories.”

Diverse and Celebrated Filmmakers Will Help to Accelerate Inclusion

According to Washington’s perspective on the subject, it’s not just about increasing diversity in the industry, but also encouraging a greater number of unique directors to produce their own blockbuster movies rather than sticking to adaptations, sequels, or remakes. In fact, the answer could lie with well-known creators who possess influence and reputation, using them to tell more diverse tales.

Jordan Peele and Ryan Coogler have exciting upcoming projects, with Coogler’s original movie, titled “Sinners“, starring Michael B. Jordan, slated for release next year, signaling a promising trend. Additionally, Denzel Washington achieved a personal milestone as his film, “Gladiator II“, became the highest-grossing of his career at the box office. Similarly, the highly anticipated sequel to “Moana 2“, featuring a diverse cast, is poised to break its own box office records.

Though some artists might think the industry has room for improvement, the impressive strides taken in many blockbuster films this year offer a promising outlook. In spite of the numerous hurdles the movie-making world currently faces, there remains optimism that the industry will continue to grow and improve.

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2024-12-04 20:02