12 Things You Didn't Know About December's Biggest Movies

5. The Race Controversy Surrounding Exodus: Gods & Kings

Controversy has been surrounding Ridley Scott's biblical epic Exodus: Gods and Kings for the last few months, focused largely on the lack of ethnic diversity among the cast, with particular criticism being directed at white actors such as Christian Bale and Joel Edgerton being doused in make-up to give them a more "exotic" look rather than just casting ethnically appropriate actors. This controversy intensified when Scott made the insensitive (if incredibly honest, and certainly not wrong) remark that the movie would never have been made if it starred "Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such". Scott is of course merely stating the truth about Hollywood's lack of faith in ethnic casting, though many felt that his flippant manner left a little to be desired. Christian Bale recently chimed in with a far more tactful response, noting the financial realities of getting an expensive tentpole movie made, while stating, €œI don€™t think fingers should be pointed, but we should all look at ourselves and say, €˜Are we supporting wonderful actors in films by North African and Middle Eastern filmmakers and actors?', because there are some fantastic actors out there...If people start supporting those films more and more, then financiers in the market will follow."