Uli Latukefu Challenges Typecasting of Pacific Islanders in Hollywood
Contextual analysis, data-driven perspective—let’s investigate how Black Adam actor Uli Latukefu is reframing the Pacific Islander narrative on screen. In a recent BuzzFeed interview published September 2023, Latukefu criticized Hollywood’s habitual reliance on stereotypical roles for Pacific Islander talent, declaring, “I can play a human being.” His remarks arrive amid mounting pressure on studios to diversify casting decisions and counter long-established tropes.
Latukefu’s observations align with a 2022 SAG-AFTRA Diversity Census, which revealed that actors identifying as Pacific Islander account for under 1% of principal speaking roles in mainstream film and television. Historically, men and women of Pacific heritage have been funneled into warrior, villager or background ensemble parts—rarely afforded the nuance or agency of fully developed characters. According to a May 2023 Variety study of MCU and DC blockbusters, fewer than 3% of supporting players hailed from Oceania, underscoring systemic underrepresentation.
Furthermore, patterns documented by The Hollywood Reporter illustrate that Pacific Islander performers often endure typecasting from their earliest auditions. Latukefu’s breakthrough role as Teth-Adam in Black Adam (2022) challenged this trend. Rather than portraying a one-dimensional mythic figure, he imbued the character with moral conflict and emotional depth—earning praise from critics at Rolling Stone and IGN. His success suggests that when Pacific Islander actors are entrusted with complex roles, they deliver compelling, audience-pleasing performances.
However, industry insiders note that change remains slow. Despite public commitments from major studios—including Disney’s AAPI Initiative and Warner Bros.’ recent inclusion report—actors still face limited access to writer rooms and major creative posts. A December 2022 UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report indicated that Pacific Islander characters appeared in only 0.5% of all scripted roles across prime-time television, a statistic echoed by casting directors in interviews with Deadline.
Looking ahead, Latukefu is set to star in an upcoming Netflix thriller slated for release in 2024, a role developed specifically around his heritage rather than grafted onto an existing stereotype. His trajectory reflects broader shifts: casting professionals are increasingly consulting cultural advisors and commissioning original Pacific Islander narratives. Yet full equity hinges on sustained commitment from executives, writers, and directors alike.
This analysis underscores that meaningful representation requires more than token inclusion—it demands authentic storytelling opportunities and leadership roles for Pacific Islander creatives. As Latukefu aptly put it, “We’re not background props; we’re people with stories that deserve to be told.” Keep an eye on how his future projects—and industry data—continue to reshape Hollywood’s casting conventions. Stay informed, stay critical, and follow the facts.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and BuzzFeed (Morgan Sloss interview, September 2023)
SAG-AFTRA Diversity Census (2022)
Variety (Blockbuster Representation Study, May 2023)
UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report (December 2022)
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
