BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
Following reports of the second series of BBC's Wolf Hall coming out towards the end of the year, a journalist has slammed the casting over an "absurd" decision to cast Egyptian-born Amir El-Masry, 33, as Yorkshireman Thomas Wyatt.
Originally the character was played by Slow Horse star Jack Lowden in season one, which premiered in 2015.
Petronella Wyatt who writes for The Daily Telegraph is an ancestor of the politician. In her column, she praised Amir's talent as an actor but said she felt it was "colour-blind" casting and "cultural appropriation" as the story is deeply rooted in British history.
She said Thomas Wyatt had been credited with inventing the sonnet and had “never been east of Calais”.
She wrote: "I appreciate that it is the job of actors to act, and I have no theoretical quarrel with his being played by Mr El-Masry, who is a fine actor.
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BBC Wolf Hall slammed for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor (Image: BBC)“But diverse casting, if it is to work at all, must have a logical grounding, particularly in an adaptation of a novel that prides itself on historical authenticity.”
She added: “If the logic of modern casting was followed across the board then white actors should also be given roles on the basis of colour-blindness.
"But in our cowardly new world there is no equity or freedom from moral indignation, no all-embracing tolerance, only snorts and objurgations.”
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Daminel Lewis was part of the original Wolf Hall casting back in 2015 (Image: BBC)The beloved historical drama, pulled in over four million viewers nearly a decade ago and fans are excited for the second instalment.
Filming is already well underway with the BBC recently revealing that it will shortly wrap.
The sequel to Peter Kosminsky's critically acclaimed 2015 series will conclude over six episodes which are expected to air in late 2024 or early 2025.
BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
BBC Wolf Hall criticised for 'absurd' decision to cast Egyptian-born actor as Yorkshireman
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