After an unprecedented apology over the lack of diversity in casting the movie, it’s full steam ahead for Lionsgate’s marketing on “Gods of Egypt.”
A new trailer offers brand new footage of the nearly all-white cast, with Gerard Butler and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau leading the way as gods whose rivalry threatens to nearly destroy the world. Brenton Thwaites also stars as a thief who gets caught in the middle.
The Alex Proyas fantasy epic came under fire for its casting choices, prompting the director and studio to issue apologies in November.
“The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse,” Proyas said. “I sincerely apologize to those who are offended by the decisions we made.”
The studio itself came out with even stronger words in its own apology.
“We recognize that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed. In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologize,” the company said. “Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.”
“Gods of Egypt” will be released on Feb. 26, 2016.