American Society of Magical Negroes is PANNED online after trailer that joked ‘uncomfortable white people’ are ‘the most dangerous animals on the planet’
- The film starring Rupert Friend and Justice Smith will be released next year
- Trailer was released this week much to the disappointment of movie fans
The trailer for the controversial new satire, The American Society of Magical Negroes, has been removed online.
The film, starring Justice Smith and Rupert Friend, aims to poke fun at the magical Negro – a role common in historical American cinema whose sole purpose is to serve a white character.
The plot revolves around the fictional society of black Americans who want to put white people at ease in their daily lives. There were high expectations for the film, with many thinking it would be a comedic spin on a 'black Harry Potter'.
Justice Smith and David Alan Grier appear in the trailer for The American Society of Magical Negroes. Grier jokes in this scene that the most dangerous animal on earth is an “awkward white man.”
“White people being uncomfortable precedes a lot of bad things for us,” one character says as a white police officer is shown next to a dial measuring “white tears”
Film director Kobi Libii said: 'I hope this is a nourishing and joyful space where everyone can feel a little more valued'
Those hopes were dashed by the movie's trailer released this weekend, which reveals a rom-com plot that sees black protagonist Aren trying to win the affection of An-Li Bogan's character.
It also includes the joke that “awkward white people” are the “most dangerous animals on earth.”
“White people being uncomfortable precedes many bad things for us. That is why we combat white discomfort every day.
'Because the happier they are, the safer we are!' Grier's character explains.
The theme did not sit well with many and angered others, who said it further fueled division.
“Imagine another Hollywood movie, influencer, journalist or public figure saying something like that about another race of people while still pretending to be the good guy in the story,” raged the conservative group Based Latinos.
The film's plot revolves around a secret society of black wizards dedicated to protecting white people from feeling uncomfortable
The opening scenes of the controversial trailer feature a lineup of white actors
Others said they were disappointed that the main character's goal seems to be not only to make white people's lives easier, but also to win over a girl.
Actor Rupert Friend also stars in the film
Friend, who along with David Alan Grier is the best-known actor in the film's cast, has not commented on the criticism.
The film is the directorial debut of Kobi Libii, an actor who previously appeared in the series Madam Secretary.
Libii said in an interview with BET this week, “This movie is about learning to be seen the way you deserve to be seen.
“That's something that a lot of Black people can relate to, but I think there are a lot of people who maybe feel pushed aside or not considered as fully as they deserve.
“So I hope this is a nourishing and joyful space where everyone can feel a little more valued than in some of the films I criticize.”
The film from Focus Features – the same production house behind Asteroid City, the Fifty Shades franchise and Promising Young Woman – is scheduled for release in March 2024.
