Thandie Newton Wants to See More Diversity in Sci-Fi

At least "The Expanse" has a very diverse cast.

I can’t help but point out that the most popular science fiction franchise on television over the past fifty years has been far ahead of the entertainment industry curve. Star Trek has done far more pushing and innovating when it comes to diversity and equality that most shows of any genre. It tackled race head-on in the sixties. Nobody else on tv even came close to what it did during that decade. The crew wasn’t just diverse, guest stars of every background were regularly shown in positions of high authority and accomplishment. In its eighties update, women finally lost the skimpy uniforms and gained even greater authority on a recurring basis, commanding ships, inventing breakthroughs and leading entire civilizations. Even sexual orientation and gender issues were tackled head on. Then came a 90s spin-off with a woman in charge, another with an African American commander in the lead. Today we have a new lavishly produced series centered on an African American woman, featuring openly gay characters. With 741 episodes airing over 31 seasons, Star Trek represents a dominant swath of science fiction tv history. It’s impact on the broader entertainment industry and societal attitudes in general can’t be overestimated.

Incredibly skillful actress. Watch how she turns the volume up on certain attitudes in the same dialogue, as instructed by her program of her android-character. Phenomenal. Im gĺad she didnt decide to give up on Hollywood, eventhough she had plenty discouragement. Hope to see her and her daughter in fabulous roles in the future.

Ewww. I had no idea about Flirting. I remember loving that movie, but that's spoiled it a bit now.

It's a shame that Ms.Newton's seemingly limited experience with sci-fi would lead her to apply the same broad accusations of racism and non-inclusiveness that many people today like to apply to everything. Wether it is tv, film, books, or comics sci-fi has always been in the vanguard of social commentary on race issues and featured strong minority characters.

Thandi Newton is an extremely talented actor. I can still recall the scene in "Crash" where she is rescued from the car by the racist cop. It is one of those scenes in a film I will never forget. And now, in Westworld, her character is the bomb. Shrewd, determined, and yet not without compassion where deserved. What a leader. Thank you, Ms. Newton, for your forthright expression and for noting trauma experience and for not remaining a victim. I can only imagine how much chutzpah your daughter inherited from you.

i'm very sorry but this lady is very late to this party. People were taliking about the lack of diversity in sct-fi back when Star Trek was on free TV way back in the day. People would wonder why Capt. Kirk would always wind up getting the exotic alien girl. Nothing happened then...and nothing will happen until minorities start to vote with their dollars and refuse to buy into a Sci-Fi world that has been white-washed

Watch the show "The Expanse". It's talented and diverse cast is excellent. The books are amazing.

Thank you for this interview. I saw “Flirting” when it was released. A wonderful, wonderful film. I was distressed to read about the back story. I think Thandie Newton is a great actress - she is perfect in “Besieged,” especially the scene where the pianist plays to her. Brilliant. Stand tall and pay it forward Ms. Newton. You are making a difference for us all.

I’ve read science fiction since I was a child and the comics & movie fandom is not the same as the book folks. Overlap is there, but I’ve been much more of a book reader so the issues some comic and movie fans have with women or characters of color just made no sense to me. It seems like a personal issue. I have seen Westworld though and I don’t know what to say to anyone who doesn’t want to watch Thandie Newton. Fantastic actress. Now that I’ve had the privilege of seeing her, I’ll watch anything she’s in.

I love her in Westworld, and I'm enjoyed the article here. I feel that Sci-fi and fantasy could use some more diverse stories and people, not out of political correctness, but from basic humanity.

Ms. Newton, so you all know, is one of the most eloquent performers in show business. IMHO.

Science Fiction has always been, and i suspect always will be, much more about the books than the movies/TV shows. If one reads it, the diversity that Ms. Newton calls for is most definitely there. From the authors, going from Mary Shelly thru Andre Norton to Anne McCaffrey and C.J. Cherryh; to the characters like Honor Harrington, a black female and one of the longest lasting series leads of all time of Juan Rico, a Filipino who is the hero of Starship Troopers; diversity has been the name of the game in the field. The movies/TV spinoffs of the genre have, I admit, been less into this idea. While Star Trek and its universe did a fairly good job, Star Wars was certainly less successful. However, I believe that any true fan would agree that the non-print media has been less than representative of the genre in any way, so that is no surprise.