In recent years, the debate regarding accurate and authentic representation has dominated stage and screen casting. ‘Colourblind casting’ was the first solution offered, whereby productions cast actors irrespective of ethnicity. This approach soon included gender and sexual identity, with the aim being to open every role to all.
Perhaps the first major sign of the changing tide came in January 2020, when Hank Azaria announced he would be stepping down from voicing Indian shopkeeper Apu in The Simpsons. Six months later, Jenny Slate (Missy in Big Mouth), Kristen Bell (Molly in Central Park) and Mike Henry (Cleveland in The Cleveland Show) – among others – followed suit.
