There was understandable outcry when Ed Skrein was cast as Japanese-American Major Ben Daimio in the new Hellboy. Skrein bowed out of the gig and now Daniel Dae Kim is in talks to play the role instead.
The Korean-American actor, still best known for Lost, walked away from his most recent job in June, resigning from TV's rebooted Hawaii Five-0 following a salary dispute after seven years in the main cast. The new Hellboy gives him both a chance to find new employment and play an Asian-American character.
Daimio is a rugged sort who was a consultant with Big Red's employers the Bureau for Paranormal Research that eventually scored a full-time job. And his credentials go further than his Marine Corps training: after a supernatural encounter, he turns into a were-jaguar when he's in pain or suitably angry.
With Neil Marshall in the director's chair, David Harbour is playing Hellboy, joined by the likes of Ian McShane, Milla Jovovich, Sasha Lane and, assuming he makes a final deal, Kim. The film hasn't set an official release date, but may be ready in time for release next year.
Ed Skrein Drops Out Of The New Hellboy Over Casting Concerns