The last year or so has seen a clear divide in terms of what it means to be accountable when it comes to the portrayal of certain races and characters on the big screen or on television. One of the clearest examples of this was with Ray Fisher, who has played Cyborg in the DCEU. For over a year he has been voicing issues that he had with Geoff Johns, Joss Whedon, Walter Hamada, and more who turned the theatrical cut of Justice League into what it became, and voices on both sides have weighed in on the matter. Including former Cyborg writer David F. Walker.
Now, in an exclusive interview with David F Walker, we discuss not just why he stands with Ray Fisher and what he personally has heard from him about his time during the reshoots of Justice League, but how he personally has dealt with racism across many elements of his career. From how the word “Booyah” was forced upon him when he wrote the Cyborg comic, to how many in the higher-ups of various companies told him “how black people talk” despite himself being African-American.
Topics of racism, sexism, bias, and more are discussed as David F. Walker doesn’t hold back on the truths that he’s experienced. As well as what people across the entertainment industry need to do in order to ensure that characters like Cyborg are represented fairly and truthfully and how many voices need to be heard and not just have things done because of “entertainment purposes” or calling back to a “popular kids TV show”.
A WARNING, there is strong language used in the chat, so please be ready for that. And also, regardless of whether you believe the issues being presented, we ask that you at the very least keep an open mind and hear them out.
