Actor Christian Bale and director Ridley Scott have defended the casting of white actors as Egyptians in the main roles of biblical film Exodus: Gods And Kings.
Scott implied investors liked big-name actors, not local international stars, saying he had to assemble the best possible cast for a film "on a budget of this scale".
And he told those trying to boycott the film: "I say, get a life."
Exodus: Gods and Kings, which had its New York premiere early today, cost an estimated $140million (£88m).
Bale, who plays Moses, said he understood the frustration, but also saw the business side of getting films made.
He said audiences could play a part in helping more international actors win roles in major movies and if people started supporting the films, "financiers in the market will follow".
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