In a recent revelation about the adaptability of the extravagant world of cinematography, the case of Flash Boys, a novel written by author Michael Lewis, has been highlighted. Sony acquired the rights to the work in 2014 with the hope of bringing it to the big screen. However, the project did not progress as expected, partly due to the studio’s refusal to consider an Asian protagonist for the film, despite the fact that the central character, Brad Katsuyama, is a Canadian stockbroker of Japanese descent.
Xenophobia makes you lose money, suited up
According to hacked emails from 2014, it was revealed that some Hollywood executives expressed their concern that an Asian actor would not be attractive enough to lead a high-profile finance-related film. “The story is great, but we can’t do it with an Asian actor,” is one of the quoted phrases by Lewis, illustrating the racial tensions that still persist in the film industry. This led many industry experts to wonder if audience perception was playing a disproportionate role in casting choices.
Finally, after several years without significant progress, Sony lost the rights to Flash Boys in 2018. This opened the door for Netflix, which acquired the rights with the intention of making a more respectful adaptation that honors the reality of the scandal that Katsuyama uncovered on Wall Street. With Ben Jacoby as the new screenwriter, Netflix seems to be betting on an inclusive and diverse approach, aligning with its recent trend of taking risks with global casts.
The arrival of Netflix to the project highlights a shift in cinematic storytelling, where respect for diversity and authentic stories are gaining ground in an industry that has struggled with issues of racial representation for decades.
