NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Peter Dinklage was already a famous actor long before landing his much-loved part on 'Game of Thrones'. He's now at a level of superstardom that few people can match because of his time in Westeros. The 53-year-old actor has established himself throughout the years owing to his legendary roles in hits like 'Game of Thrones' and 'Ice Age: Continental Drift'. Dinklage is now prepared to voice Decepticon Scourge once more in the upcoming 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts', scheduled to release on June 9.
In the past, having achondroplasia would have prevented someone from having a successful acting career. However, Dinklage is tremendously skilled, so perhaps the moment was right for the situation to change. That said, there are many deplorable depictions of small people in existence. Dinklage once criticized Disney for its "backwards" plan to remake 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', originally released in 1937 as an animated blockbuster.
Peter Dinklage defended Gary Oldman in ‘Tiptoes’
Most people would anticipate Dinklage to be the lead in a film about little people with him in it. However, in 'Tiptoes', Dinklage plays Gary Oldman's character's best buddy, who is also a small man in the film. Oldman spent the majority of the movie walking on his knees to get into the character.
In a 2012 interview with the New York Times, Dinklage defended 'Tiptoes'. Dinklage claimed that when director Matthew Bright was involved, the movie was very different. "It was sort of an amazing idea for a movie, but the result [of the new cut] was what we were fighting against — the cutesiness of little people."
Dinklage acknowledged that Oldman walking on his knees for the entire film was an issue but not unpardonable. "Why would you put Gary Oldman on his knees? That’s almost like blackface. And I have my own opinions about political correctness, but I was just like: ‘It’s Gary Oldman. He can do whatever he wants,'” Dinklage commented at the time.
Reportedly, the original intent of 'Tiptoes' was to raise awareness about the issues that affect small people. However, the 2003 movie might have made those issues worse.
'Backward story of seven dwarfs living in a cave together'
The 'Cyrano' actor always uses caution while discussing being a small person. He doesn't want to be the global voice of the little people. However, Dinklage can't always deny that he is a small person in a big world that still doesn't entirely comprehend their difficulties. According to NBC News, Dinklage discussed a topic that is hurting him with Marc Maron.
On Marc Maron's 'WTF' show, the 53-year-old 'Cyrano' actor blasted Disney for their "hypocrisy." Considering the fairy tale's "backwards story," Dinklage condemned the decision to recast 'Snow White'. Dinklage told Maron that "There's a lot of hypocrisy going on," adding that he had "a front row seat" to such instances since he is "somebody who's a little bit unique."
Dinklage stated, "They were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White. But you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Take a step back and look at what you’re doing there, you know? It makes no sense to me." Dinklage was alluding to Rachel Zegler, who played Maria in 'West Side Story' before being chosen to play Snow White.
"You're progressive in one way but then you're still making that f------ backwards story about seven dwarfs living in a cave together, what the f**k are you doing, man?," the 'Game of Thrones' star continued. "Have I done nothing to advance the cause from my soap box? I guess I'm not loud enough."
'Transformers: Rise of the Beast'
Since its debut in 2007, the 'Transformers' film franchise has experienced ups and downs, but now things seem to be looking up. 'Rise of the Beasts' is partially based on the 1990s television series 'Beast Wars: Transformers'. The voice of the evil Scourge is provided by 'Game of Thrones' veteran Dinklage.
Scourge appears to be the name of a number of characters from the entire 'Transformers' series, which is considerably more difficult than one might imagine. 'Transformers: Rise of the Beasts' will be released in theaters on June 9, 2023.
