British actor Eddie Redmayne revealed that if he were offered the leading role in The Danish Girl today, he "wouldn't take it on now."
The actor was recently asked by the Sunday Times to reflect on his 2015 performance and was questioned as to whether he would take on the role today.
"I made that film with the best intentions," he said of the 2015 film, adding, "But I think it was a mistake."
The Danish Girl starred the 39-year-old Oscar winner as Lili Elbe, a transgender woman who was one of the first people to undergo gender confirmation surgery, in 1930.
Following its release, the film faced criticism from audiences. Many felt that a trans actor should have taken the role of Elbe instead of a cisgender actor.
Redmayne acknowledged the controversy and described how he prepared for the important role.
“When I was preparing to play Lili, I met many women from the trans community who were sensationally generous and kind,” he told TODAY in 2015. “The transparency and the need to educate me by opening their hearts was amazing.”
Eddie was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Lili Elbe.
Redmayne has publicly supported the fight for trans rights in recent years. In 2020, he spoke out about the “transphobic” series of tweets posted by J.K. Rowling.
“As someone who has worked with both J.K. Rowling and members of the trans community, I wanted to make it absolutely clear where I stand,” Redmayne, who stars in Rowling’s “Fantastic Beasts” movie franchise, said in a statement to Variety.
“I disagree with Jo’s comments. Trans women are women, trans men are men and non-binary identities are valid."
"I would never want to speak on behalf of the community but I do know that my dear transgender friends and colleagues are tired of this constant questioning of their identities, which all too often results in violence and abuse," he continued to say.
"They simply want to live their lives peacefully, and it’s time to let them do so.”