Ever since it was announced, The Great Wall film has been surrounded by controversy for lead actor Matt Damon's portrayal of a white man protecting people in China from an unknown monster. The Asian-American community in particular has been rightfully upset, especially when you consider how pervasive the white savior complex is in film (and mainstream media in general).
Well, in response to The Great Wall's upcoming release, people got the #ThankYouMattDamon hashtag trending, and it's a hilariously sarcastic way for people to "thank" Damon for his all that's he's done to help stop people from thinking only white men can save the day. *eye-roll*
Matt Damon figuring out how to save China. #thankyoumattdamon #thegreatwall @jennyyangtv @angryasianman @ConstanceWu pic.twitter.com/GX20yBdtx8
— Melissa K. (@melissjk) February 16, 2017
Hopefully the international film industry will realize (sooner rather than later) that there is a need and a desire for POC in roles that see them making a big impact on the world, and roles like that aren't exclusively reserved for white people.
Reed Birney as Hank Grant and Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film. Fusion Entertainment 
Reed Birney as Hank Grant in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Kieron Moore as Aaron Eagle in Blue Film. Fusion Entertainment 
Reed Birney as Hank Grant in Blue Film.Fusion Entertainment
Director Elliot Tuttle at the premiere of Blue Film at 2025 NewFest at SVA Theater in New York City.Rob Kim/Getty Images
The official poster for Blue Film.
