Aloha Director Apologizes for Casting Emma Stone in Half-Asian Character

Director Cameron Crowe further explained why Emma Stone was selected for a quarter Chinese and a quarter Hawaiian character

Romantic comedy film “Aloha” is surrounded in controversies ever since it hit the theaters. On Tuesday, director Cameron Crowe responded to some of the critisism especially on the casting of Emma Stone as “Allison Ng”, a quarter Hawaiian and a quarter Chinese character.

He wrote in the website The Uncool “I have heard your words and disappointment, and I offer you a heart-felt apology to all who felt this was an odd or misguided casting choice.”

But he defends casting Emma Stone for the role, saying that her character was based on a real-life, redhead woman from Hawaii who always felt compelled to over-explain her heritage. “As far back as 2007, Captain Allison Ng was written to be a super-proud ¼ Hawaiian who was frustrated that, by all outward appearances, she looked nothing like one. A half Chinese father was meant to show the surprising mix of cultures often prevalent in Hawaii. Extremely proud of her unlikely heritage, she feels personally compelled to over-explain every chance she gets. The character was based on a real-life, red-head local who did just that.”

Crowe further writes. “We were extremely proud to present the island, the locals and the film community with many jobs for over four months. Emma Stone was chief among those who did tireless research, and if any part of her fine characterization has caused consternation and controversy, I am the one to blame.”

Nevertheless, “Aloha” turned out to be one of biggest busts of this year. The film grossed just $10 million at domestic box office as of now despite a star-studded cast, featuring Bradley Cooper, Rachael McAdams, Bill Murray and Alec Baldwin alongside Emma Stone. The film seems unlikely to surpass its budget, which is reportedly $37 million.