Ben Stiller criticised for his remarks on nepotism in Hollywood while defending The Rightway cast
Ben Stiller is facing backlash for his comments on nepotism in Hollywood.
On Wednesday, Deadline reported that Sean Penn’s son Hopper Penn, and Brian D’Arcy James have signed on to star in new film The Rightway directed by Destry Spielberg and Owen King.
Soon after the announcement, a Twitter account named @DiscussingFilm highlighted that most of the people involved in this project have at least one famous parent.
Spielberg is the daughter of American film director Steven Spielberg, King is the son of famed American author Stephen King, and Penn is the son of actors Sean Penn and Robin Wright.
Many people have highlighted the nepotism seemingly on display in the film industry following the post.
American film and TV producer Franklin Leonard wrote: “Hollywood’s a meritocracy”, to which 55-year-old Stiller responded: “Too easy @franklinleonard. People, working, creating. Everyone has their path. Wish them all the best.”
Hopper Penn (Sean Penn’s son) and Brian D’Arcy James have been cast in ‘THE RIGHTWAY’ from director Destry Spielberg (Steven Spielberg’s daughter) and writer Owen King (Stephen King’s son).
(Source: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/mTjJGjBrdo— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 27, 2021
Man I really gotta get me a famous parent https://t.co/XrzrJwfoOX
— Lola Blanc (@ohlalola) July 27, 2021
“Just speaking from experience, and I don’t know any of them, I would bet they all have faced challenges,” the Night at The Museum actor said while defending The Rightway cast. “Different than those with no access to the industry. Showbiz as we all know is pretty rough, and ultimately is a meritocracy.”
Leonard then questioned “the utter lack of diversity behind the camera” and the project’s “lack of merit”.
“I don’t for a second doubt that they’ve all faced challenges,” he wrote. “They’re human. I simply reject the claim that the industry is – in the short term or long term – a meritocracy. If it were, how do you explain the utter lack of diversity behind the camera? Lack of merit?”
100 percent agree. Diversity is much bigger issue. No question. And I see your point, access is access. So yes. I’m saying that untalented people don’t really last if they get a break because of who they are or know or are related to.
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) July 28, 2021
Stiller was quick to respond back. He wrote: “100 per cent agree. Diversity is much bigger issue. No question. And I see your point, access is access. So yes. I’m saying that untalented people don’t really last if they get a break because of who they are or know or are related to.”
However, many fans aren’t happy with the Zoolander actor’s comments, with some highlighting that the actor lacks “self-awareness”.
Not Ben Stiller lacking self-awareness!!! https://t.co/tPp7oiKvQP
— Marco Ramirez (@Marco_CALcub) July 28, 2021
“Thanks [Ben Stiller] for reminding everyone that your only real credit in Hollywood is due to your parents,” one person wrote.
Thanks for reminding everyone that your only real credit in Hollywood is due to your parents https://t.co/zM6vrRX330
— sharkthey and lavathem (@newasgardtours) July 29, 2021
Another person highlighted how “Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara’s son would like you to know that Hollywood ‘ultimately is a meritocracy.’”
Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara's son would like you to know that Hollywood "ultimately is a meritocracy." 🤣 https://t.co/xlfTgnpJqM
— Laura Felschow 🏳️🌈 (@LFelschow) July 28, 2021
Lol Ben Stiller, son of comedy legends Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara claims Hollywood is a meritocracy. How many Black, Latino, Native & Asian people do you think had parents who were in a position to give them their first acting gigs? https://t.co/x1Lre57j5Q pic.twitter.com/EAe4Uz73t8
— Alex Fumero (@AngryYuca) July 28, 2021
“Lol Ben Stiller, son of comedy legends Jerry Stiller & Anne Meara claims Hollywood is a meritocracy. How many Black, Latino, Native & Asian people do you think had parents who were in a position to give them their first acting gigs?” questioned another person.
The Independent has contacted Stiller for comment.
Read More
King Richard trailer: First look at Will Smith as father of Serena and Venus Williams in new biopic
Mila Kunis regrets asking Ashton Kutcher to cancel space trip: ‘It was selfish’
Dan Trachtenberg’s new ‘Predator’ movie title unveiled as film starts shooting
Stephen Dorff says he regrets comments about Scarlett Johansson and Black Widow
Johnny Depp: Director accuses studio of burying movie because of actor’s personal life
Jungle Cruise criticised over ‘blink-and-you’ll-miss-it’ gay scene featuring Jack Whitehall