Movies With All-White Casts in Non-White Historical Settings

The history of cinema includes many instances where major productions depicted non white historical settings using casts comprised primarily of white actors. These films often focused on narratives set in ancient Egypt the Middle East or various regions across Asia and Africa. While these casting choices reflected the industry standards of the time they have since become subjects of significant discussion regarding cultural representation. The following list explores several prominent examples of this phenomenon in movie history.

‘Cleopatra’ (1963)

Elizabeth Taylor stars as the titular Queen of Egypt during her complex political and romantic involvements with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. This historical epic follows the downfall of the Ptolemaic Kingdom as it transitions into the Roman Empire. The production utilized massive sets and elaborate costumes to recreate the grandeur of ancient Alexandria. It remains one of the most expensive and visually striking films ever produced in Hollywood history.

‘The Ten Commandments’ (1956)

Cecil B DeMille directed this sprawling narrative based on the biblical Book of Exodus. The story focuses on Moses who discovers his Hebrew heritage and leads his people out of Egyptian slavery. Charlton Heston portrays the prophet in a production that features iconic sequences like the parting of the Red Sea. The film utilizes a cast primarily consisting of American and European actors to depict ancient Middle Eastern figures.

‘Exodus: Gods and Kings’ (2014)

Christian Bale portrays Moses in this Ridley Scott interpretation of the biblical liberation of the Hebrews. The plot centers on the rivalry between Moses and the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses played by Joel Edgerton. It depicts the ten plagues and the subsequent flight across the Red Sea with heavy use of modern visual effects. The casting choices for the Egyptian royalty sparked significant public discourse regarding historical representation in cinema.

‘Gods of Egypt’ (2016)

This fantasy film is set in an alternate ancient Egypt where deities live among mortals. The story follows a mortal thief who teams up with the god Horus to save the world from the god of darkness. Nikolaj Coster Waldau and Gerard Butler lead the production as powerful mythological figures. The movie received criticism for featuring a predominantly white cast in a setting inspired by North African history.

‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ (2010)

Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Dastan who is a street urchin adopted by the King of Persia. He eventually discovers a magical dagger that can reverse time and must protect it from those who seek its power. The narrative blends elements of action and adventure within a stylized version of the ancient Persian Empire. Despite the Middle Eastern setting the principal roles are portrayed by actors of European descent.

‘The Good Earth’ (1937)

Paul Muni and Luise Rainer play Chinese farmers struggling to survive through poverty and natural disasters. The film is an adaptation of the Pearl S Buck novel which explores the lives of rural workers in early twentieth century China. It utilizes makeup techniques to transform the lead actors for their roles as Asian characters. This production won multiple awards for its performances and technical achievements during the Golden Age of Hollywood.

‘Dragon Seed’ (1944)

Katharine Hepburn stars as a Chinese woman who leads her village in a peaceful resistance against invading Japanese forces. The story is set during the Second Sino Japanese War and depicts the resilience of a farming family. Like many films of its era the production cast established white stars in the leading Asian roles. The movie aimed to generate American sympathy and support for the Chinese war effort through a relatable narrative.

‘The Conqueror’ (1956)

John Wayne stars as Temujin who eventually becomes the legendary Mongol leader Genghis Khan. The plot focuses on his efforts to unite the various tribes of the Mongolian Steppe while dealing with internal betrayals. It is famously remembered for being filmed in a radioactive test site in Utah which later caused health issues for the cast. The movie is frequently cited as a prominent example of miscasting in historical cinema.

‘Genghis Khan’ (1965)

Omar Sharif portrays the young Mongol leader as he rises from a slave to the ruler of a massive empire. The film tracks his conquests across Asia and his interactions with rival tribal leaders and foreign monarchs. It features a diverse range of European actors playing historical figures from across the Mongolian and Chinese territories. The production focuses on the strategic brilliance and brutal warfare that defined the Mongol expansion.

‘Noah’ (2014)

Russell Crowe plays the titular biblical figure who receives a divine message about an impending global flood. He must build a massive ark to save his family and the animal kingdom from the coming destruction. The film reimagines the ancient Near Eastern landscape with a mix of fantasy and biblical elements. The entire main cast of this ancient Mesopotamian story consists of white actors.

‘The Passion of the Christ’ (2004)

Mel Gibson directed this intense portrayal of the final twelve hours of Jesus Christ in Roman occupied Judea. The film uses Aramaic and Latin dialogue to enhance the feeling of historical authenticity. Jim Caviezel leads the cast as Jesus alongside other actors of primarily European and American backgrounds. It focuses heavily on the physical suffering and spiritual significance of the crucifixion.

‘The Greatest Story Ever Told’ (1965)

Max von Sydow stars as Jesus in this large scale production depicting the life and teachings of Christ. The film covers significant events from his birth in Bethlehem to his resurrection. It features a long list of famous Hollywood actors in various supporting roles set within the holy land. The narrative attempts to create a reverent and cinematic experience of the foundational stories of Christianity.

‘King of Kings’ (1961)

Jeffrey Hunter portrays Jesus in this epic film that follows his ministry and the political turmoil of first century Judea. The story contrasts the peaceful message of Christ with the violent rebellion of the Jewish people against Roman rule. It provides a broad look at the historical context of the era including the reign of King Herod. The production is known for its wide screen cinematography and dramatic musical score.

‘Sodom and Gomorrah’ (1962)

Stewart Granger plays Lot who leads his people to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah in search of a better life. The film explores the moral decay of these ancient cities and the divine judgment that eventually falls upon them. Pier Angeli and Stanley Baker join the cast in this retelling of the biblical narrative from the Book of Genesis. It combines historical drama with the spectacle typical of midcentury biblical epics.

‘Land of the Pharaohs’ (1955)

Jack Hawkins stars as a Pharaoh who is obsessed with building a magnificent tomb that will protect his treasures for eternity. The plot follows the construction of the Great Pyramid and the political intrigue within the royal court. Joan Collins plays a seductive princess who schemes to take power for herself. The movie features thousands of extras to depict the massive scale of ancient Egyptian engineering projects.

‘The Egyptian’ (1954)

Edmund Purdom plays a physician in ancient Egypt who becomes involved in the religious reforms of Pharaoh Akhenaten. The story tracks his travels through various kingdoms of the ancient world before returning to the royal court. It is based on the popular novel by Mika Waltari and explores themes of faith and social change. The film features a cast of established Hollywood stars portraying the inhabitants of the Nile valley.

‘The King and I’ (1956)

Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr star in this musical adaptation about a British schoolteacher in the court of the King of Siam. The narrative focuses on the clash of cultures and the developing relationship between the teacher and the monarch. While the setting is nineteenth century Thailand the principal roles were filled by actors from Western backgrounds or non Thai origins. The film is celebrated for its musical numbers and lavish set designs.

’55 Days at Peking’ (1963)

Charlton Heston and Ava Gardner star in this historical drama set during the Boxer Rebellion in China. The story follows a group of foreign diplomats and soldiers trapped inside the legation quarter during a siege. It portrays the intense conflict between the foreign powers and the Chinese nationalists at the turn of the century. The lead roles representing the various international delegations are played by white Western actors.

‘The Inn of the Sixth Happiness’ (1958)

Ingrid Bergman portrays a British missionary who travels to China to spread her faith and assist the local population. She eventually leads a large group of orphans to safety during the Japanese invasion of the country. Curd Jürgens plays a Eurasian army officer who becomes her romantic interest and ally. The film depicts the landscape and culture of early twentieth century China through a Western lens.

‘Lost Horizon’ (1937)

Ronald Colman stars as a British diplomat who survives a plane crash and discovers the hidden paradise of Shangri La in the Himalayas. The residents of this mysterious community live for centuries in a state of peace and wisdom. While the setting is a remote region of Tibet the main characters and the high lama are played by white actors. The film explores the contrast between the chaotic modern world and a secluded utopian society.

‘Lawrence of Arabia’ (1962)

Peter O’Toole stars as T E Lawrence who is a British officer who unites various Arab tribes to fight against the Ottoman Empire during World War I. The film follows his journey across the desert and his complex involvement in the Arab Revolt. While Alec Guinness and Anthony Quinn play major Arab leaders the central focus remains on the British perspective. The production is renowned for its sweeping cinematography and exploration of personal and political identity.

‘Ben-Hur’ (1959)

Charlton Heston plays a Jewish prince who is betrayed by a Roman friend and forced into slavery. The story tracks his quest for revenge and his eventual spiritual transformation after encountering Jesus Christ. The film is set in the Roman provinces of Judea and features a cast of primarily British and American actors. It is famous for its high stakes chariot race and its massive scale as a biblical epic.

‘Alexander’ (2004)

Colin Farrell stars as the Macedonian king Alexander the Great who conquered much of the known world including Egypt and Persia. The narrative explores his personal life and his military campaigns into the heart of Asia. Angelina Jolie and Val Kilmer play his parents in a production that depicts various ancient cultures through a Western cast. The film covers his journey from his childhood in Greece to his death in Babylon.

‘Troy’ (2004)

Brad Pitt stars as Achilles in this retelling of the Trojan War based on the classic Greek epic. The story focuses on the conflict between the Greeks and the city of Troy located in modern day Turkey. The cast features major Hollywood stars as the legendary heroes and royalty of the ancient Mediterranean. It emphasizes the personal rivalries and large scale battles that define the historical myth.

‘Agora’ (2009)

Rachel Weisz plays the philosopher Hypatia who lives in fourth century Roman Egypt during a period of religious upheaval. The film depicts her struggle to preserve scientific knowledge in the Great Library of Alexandria as tensions rise between pagans and Christians. The cast portrays the diverse population of ancient Egypt using primarily European actors. It explores the intersection of science and religion during the decline of the classical era.

‘Kingdom of Heaven’ (2005)

Orlando Bloom stars as a blacksmith who travels to Jerusalem during the Crusades of the twelfth century. He becomes a knight and eventually leads the defense of the city against the forces of Saladin. The film depicts the conflict between Christian and Muslim armies in the Levant. While Edward Norton and Liam Neeson play key roles the production focuses on the European experience in the Middle East.

‘The Son of the Sheik’ (1926)

Rudolph Valentino stars in this silent film as an Arab prince who falls in love with a dancing girl in the desert. The story follows the romantic complications and betrayals that arise within his tribal community. Valentino portrays both the father and the son in this sequel to his previous hit movie. The production utilized stylized Middle Eastern settings and costumes to create an exotic atmosphere for audiences.

‘The Thief of Bagdad’ (1924)

Douglas Fairbanks plays a clever thief who falls in love with the daughter of the Caliph of Bagdad. To win her hand he must embark on a magical quest to find the rarest treasures in the world. The film is a landmark of silent cinema known for its imaginative special effects and massive sets. It presents a fantasy version of the Middle East with a cast of Western actors in the primary roles.

‘Kismet’ (1955)

Howard Keel stars as a poet who becomes involved in the royal intrigues of ancient Bagdad over the course of a single day. The musical film follows his rise from a beggar to a man of influence while his daughter catches the eye of the Caliph. It features vibrant musical numbers and elaborate production design inspired by the stories of the Arabian Nights. The cast consists of American singers and actors portraying the inhabitants of the historic city.

‘Aida’ (1953)

Sophia Loren portrays an Ethiopian princess who is captured and enslaved in ancient Egypt. She falls in love with an Egyptian general and must choose between her feelings and her loyalty to her homeland. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the famous opera by Giuseppe Verdi and features recorded operatic performances. Loren leads the production which uses a primarily white cast to depict the ancient African conflict.

‘Othello’ (1965)

Laurence Olivier plays the titular Moorish general in this filmed stage production of the William Shakespeare tragedy. The story centers on the jealousy and manipulation orchestrated by the villainous Iago against Othello and his wife Desdemona. Olivier used dark makeup to transform into the North African character for the performance. The film is a direct recording of the National Theatre Company stage version of the classic play.

‘Khartoum’ (1966)

Charlton Heston stars as General Charles Gordon who is sent to the Sudanese city of Khartoum to evacuate inhabitants during a religious uprising. He faces off against the Mahdi who is played by Laurence Olivier in dark makeup. The film depicts the historical siege that occurred in the late nineteenth century as British forces clashed with Sudanese rebels. It focuses on the strategic standoff between the two leaders in the desert heat.

‘Zulu’ (1964)

Michael Caine stars in his breakout role as a British officer defending a small outpost in South Africa against thousands of Zulu warriors. The film is based on the historical Battle of Rorke’s Drift and emphasizes the military discipline of the British soldiers. While the Zulu warriors are portrayed by members of the Zulu people the narrative and lead performances are centered on the British experience. It is noted for its realistic depictions of colonial warfare in the nineteenth century.

‘Seven Years in Tibet’ (1997)

Brad Pitt stars as Heinrich Harrer who is an Austrian mountain climber who becomes a tutor to the young Dalai Lama. The story is set during the mid twentieth century and follows Harrer as he escapes a prisoner of war camp and enters the forbidden city of Lhasa. The film explores the friendship between the European traveler and the spiritual leader of Tibet. It depicts the cultural life of the region and the eventual invasion by Chinese forces.

‘The Sand Pebbles’ (1966)

Steve McQueen stars as an American sailor stationed on a gunboat patrolling the Yangtze River in China during the 1920s. The film follows the crew as they navigate the political instability and growing nationalism of the era. It explores themes of isolation and the complexities of foreign intervention in a distant land. The lead characters are members of the American navy operating within a tumultuous Chinese setting.

‘Tai-Pan’ (1986)

Bryan Brown stars as the head of a powerful British trading company in mid nineteenth century Hong Kong. The plot focuses on the intense competition between merchants and the establishment of the territory as a British colony. It is based on the novel by James Clavell and depicts the cultural interactions between the European traders and the local population. The film highlights the strategic and commercial interests that shaped the history of the region.

‘The Garden of Allah’ (1936)

Marlene Dietrich stars as a woman who travels to the North African desert in search of spiritual peace and adventure. She meets a disillusioned monk who has fled his monastery and they begin a secret romance amidst the dunes. The film is notable for its early use of three strip Technicolor to capture the vibrant colors of the Sahara. The production features European leads portraying characters in a remote Algerian setting.

‘Samson and Delilah’ (1949)

Victor Mature and Hedy Lamarr star in this biblical epic about the legendary hero with supernatural strength. The plot follows his doomed romance with the Philistine woman who eventually betrays him to his enemies. Directed by Cecil B DeMille the film features the grand scale and visual spectacle associated with his work. It depicts the ancient conflict between the Israelites and the Philistines using a cast of Western movie stars.

‘David and Bathsheba’ (1951)

Gregory Peck stars as the second King of Israel who falls into a scandalous affair with the wife of one of his soldiers. The film explores the moral consequences of his actions and his eventual quest for redemption. Susan Hayward portrays Bathsheba in this production that focuses on the personal lives of the biblical figures. The narrative is set against the backdrop of ancient Jerusalem and the surrounding kingdoms.

‘Solomon and Sheba’ (1959)

Yul Brynner stars as King Solomon who must lead his people while resisting the temptations of the Queen of Sheba played by Gina Lollobrigida. The story focuses on the romantic and political challenges faced by the wise king of Israel. It features large scale battle sequences and lavish sets meant to represent the ancient Near East. The production cast two major international stars from Russia and Italy in the lead Middle Eastern and East African roles.

‘Barabbas’ (1961)

Anthony Quinn stars as the criminal who is released by Pontius Pilate in place of Jesus Christ. The film follows his life after the crucifixion as he struggles with guilt and seeks a new purpose in a changing world. It depicts his experiences in the mines of Sicily and the gladiator arenas of Rome. The production is a deep exploration of faith and redemption set in the early years of the Christian era.

‘Esther and the King’ (1960)

Joan Collins plays the Jewish woman who becomes the Queen of Persia and saves her people from a genocidal plot. Richard Egan stars as King Ahasuerus in this retelling of the biblical Book of Esther. The film depicts the luxury of the Persian court and the political intrigue that surrounds the royal family. It is one of several midcentury epics that cast Western actors in central roles of ancient Middle Eastern history.

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ (1999)

Donny Osmond stars as the biblical son of Jacob who is sold into slavery in Egypt by his jealous brothers. The film is a direct to video adaptation of the stage musical and features vibrant costumes and diverse musical styles. It tracks Joseph’s rise to power as an advisor to the Pharaoh due to his ability to interpret dreams. The production features a primarily white cast in the roles of the ancient Hebrew and Egyptian characters.

‘One Night with the King’ (2006)

Tiffany Dupont stars as Hadassah who later becomes Queen Esther of Persia in this modern retelling of the biblical story. The narrative focuses on her journey to win the heart of King Xerxes and her courage in protecting her people. Luke Goss and John Rhys Davies are featured in the supporting cast of this historical drama. The film emphasizes the romantic and heroic elements of the ancient Persian setting.

‘Jesus of Nazareth’ (1977)

Robert Powell stars as Jesus in this extensive miniseries that chronicles his life from birth to resurrection. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli the production features an international cast of well known actors in various biblical roles. It is noted for its reverent tone and detailed recreation of first century Judea and Galilee. The cast is primarily composed of actors from Britain and other parts of Europe.

‘The Robe’ (1953)

Richard Burton stars as a Roman tribune who is tasked with overseeing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. After winning the robe of Jesus in a dice game he is haunted by his actions and eventually converts to the new faith. The story is set in Jerusalem and follows his journey as he becomes a protector of the early Christian community. It was the first film released in the wide screen CinemaScope format and features a cast of prominent Western actors in Middle Eastern roles.

Please share your thoughts on these casting choices and their impact on film history in the comments.