Overview

• Alicia Vikander told British Vogue the 2015 film already feels "extremely dated" and described it as a past pivot that helped get transgender lives discussed.
• Tom Hooper’s drama portrayed artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener, earning Vikander an Oscar and Eddie Redmayne a nomination despite immediate controversy over casting.
• Critics at the time faulted the decision to cast a cisgender man as Lili Elbe and denounced aspects of the portrayal as inaccurate and offensive.
• Eddie Redmayne said in 2021 that taking the role was a mistake and that he would not accept it now, urging a leveling of access so more people have a chair at the table.
• Trans commentators, including Jen Richards, argue that cis male portrayals of trans women can shape harmful perceptions, reinforcing industry calls to hire trans talent in both trans and cis roles.