The Studio Slams Hollywood’s Race Woes

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Warning: This review contains spoilers for The Studio episode 7.

In episode 7 of “The Studio,” titled “Casting,” delves into the overcompensation of racial issues in today’s film industry through another witty critique of Hollywood’s absurdities. As the Kool-Aid movie, which was initially introduced in the first episode of “The Studio,” moves closer to production, Matt and his team grapple with finalizing the cast. They’ve chosen Ice Cube as the Kool-Aid Man, Sandra Oh as Ms. Kool-Aid, and Josh Duhamel as the live-action father figure. At first, it appears to be an ideal blockbuster lineup. However, a few niggling doubts start to creep in.

Initially, there are concerns that selecting a Black actor for the role of the Kool-Aid Man could reinforce racist caricatures. Additionally, not casting a Black actress as his spouse might be perceived as disrespectful to interracial couples. Furthermore, having an exclusively Black cast for the animated characters and a white cast for live-action roles could create a “segregated” ensemble. Eventually, they decide on an all-Black cast, which makes Matt believe the Kool-Aid movie is significant – this decision, ironically, amplifies the initial concerns about reinforcing racial stereotypes.

In this episode, the humorously portrayed unease among white individuals when discussing race recalls the “The Wizard” episode from Seinfeld. However, The Studio surpasses Seinfeld’s depiction by not only capturing the discomfort but also satirically dissecting and critiquing it. It skillfully showcases how a white person’s overt efforts to avoid appearing racist can paradoxically reinforce racist sentiments instead. Indeed, handling such a sensitive subject in a comedic manner is quite challenging, yet The Studio manages it exceptionally well.

The Studio Episode 7 Brings The Underutilized Ensemble Back Together

The Characters Are All In The Same Room, Firing On All Cylinders

So far, I’ve found every installment of “The Studio” quite delightful. However, I must admit, I’ve been hoping for more episodes that make the most of the show’s exceptional cast. Instead, many have predominantly revolved around Matt, or only included one or two supporting characters alongside him. Fortunately, “Casting” brings the entire ensemble into play, sparking disagreements over what could be considered racially insensitive. The tension builds up to a hilarious sequence where all four principal actors are struggling to assemble a cast that mirrors the racial makeup of the American public.

In today’s era dominated by social media, production studios often find themselves unprepared for the potential controversies that could tarnish their costly new projects. For instance, Netflix didn’t foresee the unexpected positive impact of the series Emilia Pérez. The choice of actors based on ethnicity or race has sparked criticism in the past, some of it quite complex. Therefore, studios must exercise caution to avoid being perceived as insensitive. Interestingly, The Studio cleverly satirizes this delicate situation.

Casting” examines all aspects of this intricate debate. Matt shares his findings with as many Black individuals working at the studio as possible. Tyler feels uneasy about representing all Black people. Comedians Ziwe and Lil Rel Howery, who often discuss race in their humor, offer a variety of perspectives that make it difficult for Matt to distinguish what is offensive from what isn’t. Eventually, Matt involves Ice Cube in the discussion, who turns out to be one of the studio’s most insightful guest stars.

The Studio’s Satire Of The Modern Movie Business Refuses To Shy Away From The Uncomfortable Parts

“Casting” Tackles The Discomfort Of Racial Insensitivity Head-On

The Studio contends that it’s unreasonable to assign a specific percentage for inclusivity, suggesting a more natural approach of simply promoting diversity instead. In other words, they’re expressing their criticism while still embracing the complexities of modern filmmaking.

Similar to most past episodes, The Studio’s latest edition gradually culminates in a clever punchline. Early on, director Nicholas Stoller of Kool-Aid informs Matt that artificial intelligence animation will be necessary to meet the deadline due to the numerous rewrites. When it’s revealed that Cube is playing the Kool-Aid Man, he faces harsh criticism, not due to racial insensitivity, but because the movie is using A.I. to replace human artists. Despite the backlash Matt is facing, Maya and Sal are simply relieved that this controversy can be resolved without causing lasting damage.

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2025-04-30 10:09