A BBC ADAPTATION of The Elephant Man has been the subject of considerable criticism in recent days following the announcement that Stranger Things star, Charlie Heaton, had secured the lead role.

DPA / PA Images DPA / PA Images / PA Images

Charlie, who will play Joseph Merrick, has said he thrilled to be given the opportunity to play the much-loved character, but not everyone is pleased with the casting.

According to NME, Scope, a disability charity, has expressed regret over the fact that an able-bodied actor was given the role over a disabled performer.

The charity’s Head of Communications, Phil Talbot, said: 

It’s disappointing that a disabled actor has not been cast in the remake of The Elephant Man, as it’s one of the most recognisable films to portray a disabled character.

Phil argued that the creative industry is overlooking disabled actors and is failing to ‘embrace and celebrate’ difference and diversity.

Disabled actors still often face huge barriers to break in to the business, not only are the roles few and far between, but castings and locations are often not accessible.

The BBC have acknowledged the controversy and stated that a variety of key roles in the production will be played by disabled actors.

The Elephant Man is an iconic drama that has had an important role to play in highlighting changing attitudes to disability and we are currently in the process of casting disabled actors in a variety of key roles.

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The debate has made its way to Twitter (obviously) and has continued to rage on today, with some social media users siding with the BBC and others reinforcing the points made by Scope.

i’m disabled and i think this is getting silly now 🙄

— Robin weston (@robincharlesw67) August 30, 2018

Acting 1.
the art or occupation of performing fictional roles in plays, films, or television.

— rp anderson (@frankenhooker75) August 30, 2018

Ridiculous discussion. It’s called art. Remember the fantastic performance of David Bowie as The Elephant Man. A man of utter beauty convincingly embodied the disabled John Merrick.

— Christa Kurzweil (@KurzweilC) August 30, 2018

Ah the familiar story of a non disabled actor getting 2 tell story of a real disabled man.. We cant get a foot in the door 4 so called non disabled roles & we also aren't allowed to tell our own stories #depressing #disabilityasacostume #Crippingupagainhttps://t.co/BKIPRxZQ1Y

— lisa hammond (@lisahammondwhop) August 26, 2018

I'm shocked that Adam Pearson hasn't been cast. A well known actor with a proven track record & who lives with a similar condition as John Merrick.
By casting a Disabled person not only would it be a positive step but the press would lap it up.

— Mik Scarlet (@MikScarlet) August 26, 2018

The BBC adaptation will air in 2019.

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