Bryan Cranston brands The Upside casting a 'business decision' as he defends quadriplegic billionaire role

The Breaking Bad actor leads the upcoming film 
The Upside: Bryan Cranston stars alongside Kevin Hart
David Lee/STXfilms via AP
Natasha Sporn8 January 2019
The Weekender

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Bryan Cranston has defended being cast as a quadriplegic in upcoming film The Upside, saying that it was only a “business decision” to hire him.

The Breaking Bad actor, famed for playing Walter White in the hit series, stars as a paralysed billionaire who hires a parolee – played by comedian Kevin Hart - to be his carer in his latest film.

Cranston, who is able-bodied, recently spoke out about his casting in the role as a debate continues to surround Hollywood about minority groups in the industry.

He branded the move a “business decision” but admitted the “opportunities for disabled people need to be expanded”.

The actor said: “We live in the world of criticism, if we're willing to get up and try something, we have to also be willing to take criticism.

“We're very aware of the need to expand the opportunities for people with disabilities. I think being cast in this role as a quadriplegic really came down to a business decision.

"As actors, we're asked to be other people, to play other people. If I, as a straight, older person, and I'm wealthy, I'm very fortunate, does that mean I can't play a person who is not wealthy, does that mean I can't play a homosexual?

"I don't know, where does the restriction apply, where is the line for that? I think it is worthy for debate to discuss those issues.”

Star: Charlie Heaton will play the title role in The Elephant Man
Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images

The broadcaster was criticised by disabled stars for not having a disabled lead actor in the upcoming adaption about the life of Joseph Merrick.

Responding to the criticism, a BBC spokesperson said: “The Elephant Man is an iconic drama that has had an important role to play in highlighting changing attitudes to disability and we are currently in the process of casting disabled actors in a variety of key roles.”

The Upside will be released on Friday January 11.

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