‘The Batman: Part II’ Star Jeffrey Wright Addresses Racism and Identity in Recent Interview

Jeffrey Wright has spoken out against the racist attacks directed at football star Kylian Mbappé, defending the French player and condemning those who seek to undermine his accomplishments. During a roundtable interview at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, the actor addressed the abuse Mbappé faced online following France’s victory over Paraguay in the World Cup.

After France’s win, Paraguayan senator Celeste Amarilla made racist comments about Mbappé on social media. Wright firmly rejected these remarks, emphasizing that Mbappé’s talent and influence in the sport are undeniable.

“Look at this bullshit. What is she talking about?! I mean, here’s this guy who’s one of the greatest football players in the world,” Wright stated during the interview. “It’s obvious to anyone who’s not a fucking idiot just by watching the man on the field, how significant he is as a player, how significant his contributions are to this game that the world loves.”

Wright pointed out that such attacks often stem from individuals attempting to gain attention or power by targeting successful people. “They think they can somehow diminish how powerful he is on the field with their stupidity. It’s just remarkable,” he remarked.

He also noted that France’s victory serves as evidence that criticism cannot detract from someone’s achievements. “But the thing is, France won 2-0 yesterday, and this is the key. If who you are is powerful, there’s nothing they can do to stop you,” he explained. During the conversation, Wright shared his views on identity, stating that for him, being Black is more about history and society than biology.

“I’m Black and for me, it’s a political term. It’s not a biological term,” Wright expressed. He also reflected on his connection to the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whom he portrayed in Julian Schnabel’s 1996 film ‘Basquiat.’ Wright praised Basquiat’s creativity and the way his work embodied individuality and freedom.

Wright is set to return to Basquiat’s world in the upcoming film ‘Samo Lives,’ directed by Julius Onah. In this film, he will portray Basquiat’s father, Gerard Basquiat, while Kelvin Harrison Jr. will take on the role of the renowned artist. “We finished shooting last fall. Jean-Michel Basquiat is played by Kelvin Harrison Jr., and I just saw the film. He’s astounding in the movie,” Wright shared.

He explained that Basquiat’s legacy remains significant due to his ability to express himself freely. “He represented many things but at its core, he represented the power of freedom. The power of creativity. The power of being genuinely oneself and express that,” Wright noted.

In addition to discussing identity and art, Wright provided updates about his upcoming return as Commissioner Gordon in ‘The Batman: Part II.’ He praised director Matt Reeves’ vision for the franchise, stating that the filmmaker brings a richer narrative to the superhero genre.

“The screens have gotten oversaturated with comic book stuff, and some of it I found unwatchable, frankly. But this is different than most of it,” Wright remarked.

According to Wright, Reeves’ dedication to filmmaking and his appreciation for classic cinema have resulted in a more nuanced portrayal of Batman. The actor believes that the depth of these characters is rooted in the profound themes they explore, including morality, identity, and human struggles.

From defending Mbappé to discussing art, race, and superhero storytelling, Wright continues to leverage his platform to emphasize the significance of creativity, respect, and individuality.

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