Cross-Cultural Casting: Noteworthy For Hollywood, But Not Exactly New

Jodie Turner-Smith in Anne Boleyn. Mindy Kaling in Scooby Doo. Dev Patel in The Green Knight, and last year's David Copperfield.

It seems like Hollywood gatekeepers are opening up more traditionally white parts to other performers. But as NPR film critic Bob Mondello explains, cross-cultural casting isn't new — and it's always raised eyebrows.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brent Baughman, Jason Fuller and Kelli Wessinger. It was edited by Sami Yenigun, Bilal Qureshi and Lee Hale. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.