Christian Bale, ‘Exodus’ Cast Defend Film: ‘Religious Adaptations Always Get Heckled’

In response to mounting criticism of the controversial cast of Exodus: Gods and Kings, Christian Bale spoke candidly with The Hollywood Reporter. 

Bale, who is playing the role of Moses, spoke about the film and the critical perception by some of Caucasians portraying Ancient Egyptians. 

“No doubt it would have been a melting pot between Europe and the Middle East and North Africa,” Bale said of ancient Memphis. 

The actor went on, even hinting that he was eager to see a future adaptation of the story of Moses played by minorities: 

It would absolutely be a wonderful day of celebration if, within a few decades, we have another Moses and he’s a North African or Middle Eastern actor, what a wonderful thing. 

Bale also commented on his portrayal of Moses in Scott’s film, in comparison to previous adaptations: 

In other portrayals, fantastic as they are, they really are absolutely wonderful–there was a sense of inevitability that he would succeed and become a prophet. 

We wanted to take a look and be in the moment, with the man, and try to experience just, for instance, how terrifying it must have been to be in the presence of God. 

Some have called for a boycott of the film through a variety of Internet campaigns, reports Fox News. 

Director Ridley Scott had a message for those seeking to boycott the picture. 

Scott defended his casting choices at a Brooklyn premiere on Sunday, saying he had to assemble the “best possible cast on a budget of this scale.” 

The director further vocalized his thoughts on potential boycotters, stating, “I say get a life.” 

Other actors associated with the film have spoken out in its defense, including Ben Mendolsohn and John Turturro. 

“I don’t think you can make any religious adaptation without heckles being raised somewhere, that’s the nature of it,” said Ben Mendolsohn, who is playing the role of Hegep. 

John Turturro, who is representing Seti I said, “It’s a little less of Moses as the religious figure and more as a general, a liberation-type fighter.” 

Exodus has been under fire for its mostly Caucasian cast, even leading 21st Century Fox executive Rupert Murdoch to come to the film’s defense on Twitter a week ago. 

Exodus: Gods and Kings cost an estimated $140 million and is set for release Dec. 12 in the United States.