Mark Ruffalo, an executive producer on
the upcoming movie Anything, has responded to the uproar over
casting Matt Bomer to play a transgender woman in the film.
Based on the Timothy McNeil's play of
the same name, Anything tells the story of a despondent man
(played by John Carroll Lynch) who finds love with a transgender sex
worker after the death of his wife.
Jen Richards, the star and creator of
the web series Her Story, was among those who criticized the
decision to cast Bomer, an openly gay actor, to play the film's
transgender role.
“When @MattBomer plays a trans sex
worker, he is telling the world that underneath it all, trans women
like me are still really just men,” Richards tweeted.
In a series of tweets, Ruffalo
responded to the controversy.
“To the Trans community. I hear you.
It's wrenching to see you in this pain. I am glad we are having
this conversation. It's time,” Ruffalo messaged.
“In all honesty I suggested Matt for
the role after the profound experience I had with him while making
The Normal Heart,” he added.