Trans Actors Whose Roles Were Recast Post-Transition Backlash

The entertainment industry has seen a massive shift in how transgender characters are portrayed and who is chosen to play them. In the past it was common for cisgender actors to be cast in these roles which often led to significant public backlash and calls for more authentic representation. This pressure has frequently resulted in projects being overhauled or roles being recast with trans performers to ensure accuracy and respect. The following list highlights instances where trans actors took over roles or where the industry responded to transition related controversies through casting changes.

Jen Richards

She is a prominent actress and advocate who spoke out against the casting of cisgender men in trans female roles. Her critiques contributed to the public conversation that led to projects like the film ‘Anything’ facing intense scrutiny. While she did not replace the lead in that specific film she was eventually cast in major projects like ‘Mrs. Fletcher’ and ‘Clarice’ as a direct result of the industry seeking more authentic talent. Her work has been instrumental in changing the way studios approach casting trans characters.

Trace Lysette

She played a recurring role in the series ‘Transparent’ which underwent a massive transformation after its lead actor was fired following misconduct allegations. The production eventually shifted its focus toward the trans supporting cast members for a final musical special. This allowed her and her colleagues to lead a story that had previously centered on a cisgender performer. She has since used her platform to demand that trans actors be considered for all types of characters across the industry.

Jamie Clayton

She was cast as Pinhead in the ‘Hellraiser’ reboot which served as a significant recasting of a legendary horror character. The decision to cast a trans woman in a role previously played by a man was a response to the franchise’s desire for a more accurate portrayal of the source material’s themes. While some fans initially expressed concern the production stood by the choice and the performance was widely praised for its intensity. This casting proved that legacy roles can be successfully reimagined through a more inclusive lens.

Yasmin Finney

She was cast in ‘Doctor Who’ as Rose Noble which was a significant moment for the long running science fiction series. The role was a new iteration of a character name that held deep history for the show and its fanbase. Her casting was seen as a progressive move to modernize the series and provide representation for trans youth in the United Kingdom. This decision successfully integrated a trans character into a major franchise without the need for a cisgender intermediary.

Erika Ervin

She is a professional actress and model who struggled to find work after coming out as a trans woman. She has spoken about losing various opportunities and being passed over for roles because of the industry’s reaction to her identity. Eventually she found success in ‘American Horror Story’ where she was cast in roles that embraced her unique physicality and background. Her career highlights the long road many trans performers have traveled to achieve mainstream acceptance.

Michaela Jaé Rodriguez

She led the cast of ‘Pose’ which was a landmark series for featuring the largest cast of trans actors in series regular roles. The show was developed as a direct answer to the lack of opportunities for trans performers in mainstream television. By centering trans actors in trans roles the production avoided the backlash that had plagued previous projects. Her success on the show eventually led her to become the first trans woman to win a Golden Globe for acting.

Laverne Cox

She gained international fame for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ which was a turning point for trans representation in media. Before this role many trans characters were played by cisgender actors which frequently led to community protests. Her performance showed that trans actors could carry significant storylines and appeal to a global audience. This success helped pave the way for other productions to prioritize authentic casting over traditional Hollywood habits.

Elliot Page

He made headlines when he announced his transition while starring in the hit series ‘The Umbrella Academy’. Rather than recasting the role or ignoring the change the showrunners decided to have his character transition within the story. This decision was a direct response to the support from the fan community and the desire to remain authentic to the actor’s experience. The move was widely celebrated as a respectful way to handle a lead actor’s transition during a high profile production.

Josie Totah

She was a successful child actor who transitioned and then returned to the screen with a lead role in the ‘Saved by the Bell’ revival. The production worked closely with her to ensure her character reflected her identity in a positive and comedic way. This was a significant shift from older sitcoms that often used trans identities as a punchline. Her presence in the series showed how legacy franchises could be updated to reflect modern social realities.

Alexandra Grey

She has appeared in several major television shows including ‘Empire’ and ‘Chicago Med’ after a history of trans roles being given to cisgender performers. Her casting was often a response to the growing demand for trans visibility in procedural dramas. She has spoken about the importance of trans actors being allowed to play both trans and cisgender characters. Her consistent work has helped normalize the presence of trans performers in mainstream network television.

Brian Michael Smith

He became the first trans man to be a series regular on a broadcast television show when he joined ‘9-1-1: Lone Star’. His character was written as a trans man from the beginning which avoided the recasting controversies seen in other projects. The casting was a intentional move to broaden the representation of masculinity on television. His performance has been praised for bringing a nuanced perspective to the role of a first responder.

Ian Alexander

He provided the voice and motion capture for Lev in the video game ‘The Last of Us Part II’ after the developers sought an authentic voice for the character. The role was a significant part of a major franchise that had previously faced questions about its representation. By casting a trans actor the studio ensured that the character’s journey was handled with sensitivity and depth. This set a new standard for the gaming industry regarding the casting of diverse characters.

Indya Moore

They gained fame on ‘Pose’ after the industry faced years of criticism for not hiring trans actors of color. Their role allowed them to explore themes of identity and survival that were rarely depicted on television with such honesty. The success of their performance led to high profile modeling contracts and film roles in projects like ‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’. They have remained a vocal critic of productions that continue to cast cisgender actors in trans roles.

Dominique Jackson

She became a breakout star on ‘Pose’ and later joined the cast of ‘American Gods’ as a powerful deity. Her casting in the latter was seen as a way to bring a commanding trans presence to a genre often dominated by cisgender performers. The role was not explicitly written as trans which marked a step forward for her career and the industry. She has frequently discussed the need for more trans women of color to be cast in positions of power on screen.

Angelica Ross

She made history by appearing in ‘Pose’ and then moving directly into a lead role in ‘American Horror Story: 1984’. This transition between major series showed that trans actors could be versatile and hold a consistent presence in mainstream media. Her casting was part of a larger effort by creator Ryan Murphy to prioritize trans talent in his various productions. She has since used her platform to advocate for more trans representation in the tech and film industries.

Hailie Sahar

She was another key member of the ‘Pose’ cast who helped redefine what was possible for trans performers on television. Her role as Lulu allowed her to showcase a range of emotions and experiences that resonated with a broad audience. Following the show she has continued to seek out roles that challenge traditional gender expectations. Her career is a testament to the talent that was previously overlooked by the mainstream casting process.

Leyna Bloom

She became the first trans woman of color to lead a film at the Cannes Film Festival with her role in ‘Port Authority’. The casting was a deliberate choice to provide an authentic look at the ballroom culture in New York City. This project stood in contrast to earlier films that were criticized for using trans stories without involving trans actors in the lead roles. Her success at Cannes helped elevate the profile of trans cinema on the international stage.

Patti Harrison

She is a comedian and actress who has successfully transitioned into lead roles in films like ‘Together Together’. Her casting in the film was praised for not making her trans identity the central conflict of the story. This represented a major shift from the usual tropes that trans actors are forced to portray. She has become one of the most prominent trans voices in modern comedy and independent film.

Jesse James Keitel

She starred in the series ‘Big Sky’ as a nonbinary character which was a first for a major network thriller. The casting was a response to the need for more nonbinary visibility in the crime genre. Her character was central to the plot and was depicted with a level of complexity rarely seen on broadcast television. This role helped pave the way for more nonbinary and trans actors to be cast in high stakes dramas.

Leo Sheng

He was cast in ‘The L Word: Generation Q’ as a trans man who was navigating his personal and professional life. His presence in the series addressed the original show’s history of problematic trans male characters. The casting was seen as a necessary correction to provide a more authentic and respectful portrayal of trans masculinity. He has since become a visible advocate for trans men in the entertainment industry.

Garcia

They were cast in the ‘Tales of the City’ revival as a trans man who was deeply involved in the community of San Francisco. The production made a point to hire trans writers and actors to ensure the story was told from an insider perspective. This was a direct response to the earlier iterations of the series which had used cisgender actors for similar roles. Their performance was praised for its honesty and connection to the history of the source material.

Chella Man

He was cast as Jericho in the series ‘Titans’ which was a major step for both trans and disability representation. As a trans man who is also deaf his casting brought a unique level of authenticity to the superhero genre. The production worked to ensure that his identity was respected and integrated into the character’s backstory. This casting showed that major franchises are becoming more willing to hire diverse talent for complex roles.

Quintessa Swindell

They starred in the series ‘Trinkets’ and later joined the DC Extended Universe in the film ‘Black Adam’. As a nonbinary actor their casting in a major superhero film was a landmark moment for the genre. The industry has increasingly looked to nonbinary and trans performers to fill roles that were previously reserved for cisgender actors. Their success highlights the growing opportunities for gender diverse talent in big budget blockbusters.

Peppermint

She made history as the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in the musical ‘Head Over Heels’. This was a significant moment for the theater community which had often cast cisgender men in trans-coded roles. Her success on stage led to more opportunities in television and film where she has continued to advocate for trans performers. She has been a leading figure in the push for more inclusive casting in both New York and Hollywood.

Jinkx Monsoon

She joined the cast of ‘Doctor Who’ in a high profile role as a musical villain which marked a significant return to the screen. Her casting was part of a larger movement to bring more drag and trans performers into mainstream science fiction. The production embraced her unique style and background to create a character that was both campy and threatening. This decision was met with excitement from a fanbase that has long championed diverse casting.

Alex Blue Davis

He became one of the first trans men to play a recurring trans character on a medical drama in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’. His casting was a response to the show’s desire to reflect the diversity of its audience and the medical profession. The character’s transition was handled with a focus on his professional skills rather than just his gender identity. This helped shift the narrative around trans men in long running network series.

Scott Turner Schofield

He became the first trans man to have a recurring role on a daytime soap opera in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’. Soap operas have historically struggled with trans representation often relying on outdated tropes and cisgender casting. His presence on the show was a major milestone for the genre and was accompanied by an educational storyline. He has since worked as a consultant to help other productions improve their trans characters and casting practices.

Please share your thoughts on these casting transitions in the comments.