"Zoolander 2" is already making hype online after a petition for boycotting the film surfaced after the movie's official trailer was released. Benedict Cumberbatch's role in the movie, All, a transphobia, clearly disappointed the transgender community and fans. Co-writer Justin Theroux recently broke his silence and clarified the issue.
Two months prior to its premiere, "Zoolander 2" is already getting a considerable amount of criticism just after the release of its first official trailer. Entertainment Weekly reports that Benedict Cumberbatch's role in the movie triggered fans to create a petition to ditch the film completely.
Jennifer Aniston's husband was clearly hurt with the issue. He said, "I take great care in the jokes I write, and the umbrage being taken is out of context of the scene." He wishes for people to watch the film first before making such conclusions.
Theroux also co-wrote "Tropic Thunder" which featured Robert Downey Jr.'s character which constantly used the word "retard" in the movie. A group of protestors called for a boycott during its premiere in Los Angeles as an objection to the word's use.
Meanwhile, Cumberbatch's role was taken as a clear insult to the androgynous populace, Washington Post reports. The petition launched on Dec. 9 has already reached more than 21,000 signatures and is close to reaching its 25,000 left. According to the petition, the film should have provided a "social commentary" instead. They also believe that there is no scarcity of transgender and androgynous models in the fashion industry.
However, Theroux stands strong with his premise that the scene was a satire and was never intended to insult the androgynous and transsexual individuals in the fashion industry.
