Netflix’s ‘whitewashed’ Death Note teaser fails to impress
March 23, 2017
Netflix has come under fire once again after it dropped the teaser trailer of its latest project, Death Note, which is based on popular Japanese manga.
The manga, written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata, follows the escapades of a high-school student Light Yagami who finds a mysterious notebook which grants him the ability to kill anyone by writing their name in the book.
Since its release in 2003, Death Note became an instant hit across the world. After the success, an anime series, four live-action movies, a TV drama and even a musical have been made and released in Japan.
The latest installment, which is be released on August 25, is directed by Adam Wingard, and features Nat Wolff, Margaret Qualley, Keith Stanfield, Paul Nakauchi and Shea Whigham.
Other than the blatant whitewashing of the protagnist, Light, a major change has been made to one of most beloved characters of the manga, L.
L will be played by an African-American actor in the series. While the casting comes as a surprise but only time will tell if the actor is able to retain the charm, humour and complexity of original character.
However, fans of the manga were not impressed with the new ‘whitewashed’ trailer and were quiet vocal about it.
And even making L Black still gets a no from me. #DeathNote
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) March 22, 2017
#DeathNote follows Light Turner, descendant of Timmy Turner. He turns to the Death Note after being declined fairy godparents of his own.
— Raphael (@SirSpinky) March 22, 2017
when you see the new death note trailer... #DEATHNOTE pic.twitter.com/YHedih8f6f
— Kirk Iverson (@kirkiversace) March 22, 2017
#Deathnote
— BLIИKTWIƆE™ (@MINACHAEYU) March 22, 2017
Light Yagami: Handsome, charismatic, talented, a perfect student and son
American version: pic.twitter.com/DDmIvoHVKF
the deed is done #deathnote pic.twitter.com/8FAv8BoKRO
— (@angeIchild) March 22, 2017
The trailer ends with Light coming face-to-face with Ryuk, original owner of Death Note, saying “Shall we being?” in his creepy voice. However, we are not sure if we are really ready for Netflix’s adaptation of the manga.
Here is the teaser trailer of the show.
