Actors and a leading charity are calling on the film and television industry to move away from portraying characters with scars and visible differences solely as villains. The campaign, spearheaded by the charity Changing Faces, aims to promote more positive and diverse representation on screen.
Robert Rhodes, an actor who has appeared in productions like "Silent Witness" and "House of the Dragon," stated that the media industry needs to better reflect the experiences of individuals with visible differences. "We can't wait for action any longer," Rhodes said. "Yes, there is often trauma associated with a scar, but we experience joy, love and success just like everyone else. More neutral and aspirational characters on screen will improve real perceptions of the whole visible difference community."
Research conducted by the Centre for Appearance Research (CAR) at the University of the West of England indicates that exposure to visible difference through villainous characters can lead to more negative real-world perceptions of individuals with such differences, according to Changing Faces. The charity has launched a petition advocating for increased positive roles for performers with scars and other visible distinctions.
Bailey Frances, from Shakyra Dowling Casting, noted that while visible differences are often used as a narrative shortcut to signify villainy, these casting briefs can be challenged. "Villains are often written with visible differences (eg facial scars) as shorthand, but asking whether a character could be interpreted differently, or whether that difference is essential to the story, leads to better, more truthful storytelling," Frances explained. Casting directors, she added, are uniquely positioned to broaden casting searches and initiate discussions with writers and directors to challenge initial briefs.
Fellow actor Beau Bradfield emphasized the importance of seeing complex characters with visible differences on screen. "I want children growing up with visible differences to see characters who look like them being heroes, friends, parents and love interests – not just villains," Bradfield said.
Approximately 4.9 million people in the UK have a visible difference, the charity reported. Changing Faces has collaborated with the Creative Diversity Network to incorporate visible difference into diversity data monitoring and reporting within the industry.
Louise Wright, chief executive of Changing Faces, highlighted the impact of on-screen narratives on real-world treatment. "For years we've asked the industry to think about the stories it tells about visible difference. Now, for the first time, we have proof that those stories don't stay on screen – they shape how people with visible difference are treated in real life," Wright said. "Halloween is the moment this is impossible to ignore, which is why we're asking industry, and the public, to help us change it."