Like you, Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Melissa Fumero was excited to get a glimpse at the trailer for Quebec’s own French-Canadian version of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Escouade 99, though she was less than thrilled to see her character, Sergeant Amy Santiago, and that of her B99 co-star Stephanie Beatriz, who plays Detective Rosa Diaz, now translated into two white, non-Latina characters: Fanny, portrayed by actress Mylène Mackay, and Rosalie, played by Bianca Gervais. “This is like peeking through another dimension,†Fumero tweeted on Thursday. “Gotta say though after watching this … I’m suddenly curious about the Latina population in Quebec. Just sayin’.â€
On Friday, the actress continued her train of thought on the remake’s whitewashing of their characters. “I’ve been thinking about this a lot, and it basically comes down to this …†Fumero tweeted. “While I understand the Latina population is v small in Quebec (& how many of them are funny actors?) the Amy and Rosa roles could’ve gone to ANY BIPOC so it’s disappointing to see that missed opportunity.â€
Wrote Fumero, “Furthermore, I love actors so I do not mean to shame these actresses, it’s not their fault … It’s up to the decision-makers. Also, you guyssssss Amy is not sexy ON PURPOSE. So that bums me out. Lastly, if the show is successful I hope the creators take that opportunity to hire more BIPOC in supporting and guest roles.†As for Beatriz’s opinion of the casting …