Here's How Natalie Portman Responded to 'Annihilation' Whitewashing Questions

Natalie Portman was asked about the allegations of whitewashing in her new movie Annihilation.

It’s revealed in the second book in the “Annihilation” series that Natalie‘s character is of Asian descent.

“Well, that does sound problematic, but I’m hearing it here first,” Natalie responded when asked by Yahoo.

“We need more representation of Asians on film, of Hispanics on film, of blacks on film, women and particularly women of color, Native Americans — I mean, we just don’t have enough representation,” Natalie continued. “And also these categories like ‘white’ and ‘nonwhite’ — they’re imagined classifications but have real-life consequences. … And I hope that begins to change, because I think everyone is becoming more conscious of it, which hopefully will make change.”

“It’s probably a valid criticism. I didn’t know that,” Jennifer Jason Leigh, Natalie‘s co-star, added.

Annihilation opens in theaters on February 23.