<p>No one criticized the casting of those two because of race.. The casting choices were criticized for not being accurate to the comics. </p><p>Flash Thompson is a stereotypical high school jock, while Ned Leeds is a 20/30 year old reporter. But MCU Flash and Ned seem to be a normal high schoolers. </p><p>It had nothing to do with their race, only their roles. </p>

<div class="quote"><i>SonOfAres1 wrote:
No one criticized the casting of those two because of race.. The casting choices were criticized for not being accurate to the comics. <p>Flash Thompson is a stereotypical high school jock, while Ned Leeds is a 20/30 year old reporter. But MCU Flash and Ned seem to be a normal high schoolers. </p><p>It had nothing to do with their race, only their roles. </p> </i></div>
<p>Flash Thomspon could easily be a high school jock even in this version. It doesn't have to be a tall blonde dude to be it, that some stereotype that was promoted mostly in the latest version of the character (like in the Ultimate Comics, or in the lastest movies). </p><p>Ned Leeds is basically Ganke Lee with a different name. To be fair, the original character was not that interesting. They probably changed it in that way because the Spectacular Spider-Man version of the character is Korean-American, and so they added Ganke to the mix. The all Homecoming trailer reminded me more of a Miles Morales story than a Peter Parker's story.  </p>

<p>To answer your question, Vin13ish , i don't think i would like to see Thompson or Leeds became superpowered individuals in this version. The good thing of the MCU is that everyone could be Venom/Hobgoblin, they can try different path from the comics. </p>

<div class="quote"><i> <p>Elledy92 wrote: Flash Thomspon could easily be a high school jock even in this version. It doesn't have to be a tall blonde dude to be it, that some stereotype that was promoted mostly in the latest version of the character (like in the Ultimate Comics, or in the lastest movies). </p><p>Ned Leeds is basically Ganke Lee with a different name. To be fair, the original character was not that interesting. They probably changed it in that way because the Spectacular Spider-Man version of the character is Korean-American, and so they added Ganke to the mix. The all Homecoming trailer reminded me more of a Miles Morales story than a Peter Parker's story.  </p> </i></div>
<p>Joe Manganiello's Flash Thompson wasn't blonde. What I meant was: a stereotypical jock is big, buff, wearsa letterman jacket and has an intense, mean look. Being blonde or white had nothing to do with it; just those aforementioned characteristics. </p><p>And I would actually like to see Flash as Agent Venom, but not Ned as Hobgoblin. </p>

<div class="quote"><i>SonOfAres1 wrote:
<div class="quote"> <p>Elledy92 wrote: Flash Thomspon could easily be a high school jock even in this version. It doesn't have to be a tall blonde dude to be it, that some stereotype that was promoted mostly in the latest version of the character (like in the Ultimate Comics, or in the lastest movies). </p><p>Ned Leeds is basically Ganke Lee with a different name. To be fair, the original character was not that interesting. They probably changed it in that way because the Spectacular Spider-Man version of the character is Korean-American, and so they added Ganke to the mix. The all Homecoming trailer reminded me more of a Miles Morales story than a Peter Parker's story.  </p> </i></div>
<p>Joe Manganiello's Flash Thompson wasn't blonde. What I meant was: a stereotypical jock is big, buff, wearsa letterman jacket and has an intense, mean look. Being blonde or white had nothing to do with it; just those aforementioned characteristics. </p><p>And I would actually like to see Flash as Agent Venom, but not Ned as Hobgoblin. </p> </div> <p>Yeah, again: it wasn't always like that. Steve Ditko's Flash Thompson was a bully, but it was not a tall, buff guy with a letterman jacket, it was just a guy like Peter, but far more popular and with a more aggressive attitude. Joe Manganiello's was already more stereotypical of the original character. </p><p>I think that what they want to do with Flash Thompson is making more similar to the character of John Bender in Breakfast Club (but less of an outsider). </p>

<div class="quote"><i>Uskok wrote:
#Why do you think that anyone here would post racist comments?</i></div>
<p>
</p><p>Well, it's not outside the realm of possibility. Remember all the racist comments that were aimed at Michael B. Jordan when he was cast as the Human Torch, calling him the n-word and the like? Likewise, a lot of people complained about the rumor of Zendaya's character Michelle secretly being Mary Jane Watson, since she's not a red-haired white girl. </p><p>Hell, I remember when Finn Jones was cast as Iron Fist we still had comments sections on the articles and one particular user (I won't say who) said "Thank God" they didn't cast an Asian actor. </p>

<div class="quote"><i> <p>Greater good wrote: </p> <div class="quote">Uskok wrote:
#Why do you think that anyone here would post racist comments?</i></div>
<p>
Hell, I remember when Finn Jones was cast as Iron Fist we still had comments sections on the articles and one particular user (I won't say who) said "Thank God" they didn't cast an Asian actor. </p> </div> <p>I thought our little community was free from such people. I guess I was wrong. </p>

<p>Listen, this thing is blown out of proportion. I use a term called 'Mirror Asthetics' when thinking about casting for comic movies. When you have a front an center character, you need a good match physically for it to get that come alive feel. There of course exceptions to this. Such as second or third teir characters. Or, they are simply trying to make the character cooler than it has been. Like Ronin being Aquaman. </p><p>Also, lets remember that when directors are trying to be PC or sensitive they can still mess up. Like making Tilda Swinton the Ancient One when Michelle Yeoh would had been great. </p><p>So, let's just back off about the race part of casting criticism being truly about racism. It's about recreation and brand recognition. </p>

<p>You hit it spot on. Of course, there is no excuse for slurs or insults, but simply wanting a character to look like the source material is not racism. </p>

<div class="quote"><i>SinSaber2016 wrote:
Listen, this thing is blown out of proportion. I use a term called 'Mirror Asthetics' when thinking about casting for comic movies. When you have a front an center character, you need a good match physically for it to get that come alive feel. There of course exceptions to this. Such as second or third teir characters. </i></div>
<p>That's a good point, it makes sense that the change on the character shouldn't effect its core, especially if a succesfull one, with a solid backstory. </p><p>That did not apply on the Ancient One, or Ned Leeds. That's not being said that they don't have a backstory, but it simply doesn't work in the way the MCU is reinterpreting some character. </p><p>From the point of view of the Doctor Strange lore, Mordo is a pretty important character, but it made sense to change it from the comics simply because his origin story from the comics was pretty outdated. </p>