Ana de Armas Slams Hollywood For Stereotyping Latina Roles In Knives Out Casting

Actress Ana de Armas Initially Turned Down The Role Of Marta Cabrera In The Oscar-nominated Film “Knives Out” Due To Concerns About Harmful Stereotypes Perpetuated

By Akshay Sharma
May 4,2023
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Ana de Armas, known for her roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Knives Out, initially refused the role of Marta Cabrera in the latter film due to the character’s stereotypical portrayal of Latinas as caretakers. Despite Knives Out’s nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and its worldwide earnings of over $312 million, de Armas initially declined the offer twice.

The Stereotypical Latina Role

 

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In an interview with AnOther Magazine, de Armas disclosed that she was offered a role in a “secret project” with a character described as a “Latina” and “caretaker.” Given the negative connotations associated with those words in cinema, de Armas was unimpressed and declined the offer.

De Armas feared that her casting would perpetuate the Hollywood norm of giving Latina characters less screen time and depth. “For a Latina in a setup like this, with a wealthy family and this cast, all I thought was, ‘What am I going to do here?’ I’ll probably be standing in a corner, not having much to say.”

Ana de Armas’ Role In Knives Out

 

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Marta Cabrera, the protagonist of Knives Out, is the daughter of an undocumented worker and a nurse for the affluent Thrombey family. Throughout the film, she investigates the circumstances surrounding the death of her boss and friend, Harlan Thrombey, and is embroiled in a web of deceit and lies. Marta’s intelligence and quick thinking play a key role in the film’s resolution, making her a central figure in the Thrombey family drama.

Many reviewers praised De Armas for portraying Marta, noting how well she portrayed the character’s complexity. By subverting the expectations associated with her character, De Armas proved that Latina characters can have depth and substance in Hollywood films.

Taking A Stand For One’s Values

 

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De Armas’ decision to initially turn down the role of Marta Cabrera shows the importance of taking a stand and standing up for one’s values. By doing so, she sent a message to Hollywood that actors are not willing to play roles that perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

In conclusion, Ana de Armas’ experience with the role of Marta Cabrera in Knives Out highlights the importance of taking a stand and refusing to play roles that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. By portraying Marta with depth and complexity, de Armas proved that Latina characters can have substance in Hollywood films.

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