Story perspectives

HBO Casts Cis Actress as Trans Character in Controversial Decision

3/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

HBO announced Kyriana Kratter, a cisgender actress, will play Lev in The Last of Us season 3.
Fans argue that casting a cis actor for a trans role undermines representation.
Lev is a 13-year-old trans boy in the video game, and Ian Alexander, who voiced Lev, wanted to reprise.
Critics call the decision an obvious misfire, underscoring the ongoing representation debate.

History

Historical Context

The portrayal of transgender characters in media has evolved significantly since the 1960s, when they were often depicted negatively. By 2016, backlash against cisgender actors playing transgender roles, such as Jared Leto in "Dallas Buyers Club," highlighted ongoing representation issues. This discourse continues today, as HBO's casting of Kyriana Kratter as Lev reignites debates about authenticity and inclusivity in Hollywood, reflecting a broader societal demand for diverse representation.

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Story summary

HBO announced Kyriana Kratter, a cisgender actress, will play Lev in The Last of Us season 3.
Fans argue that casting a cis actor for a trans role undermines representation.
Lev is a 13-year-old trans boy in the video game, and Ian Alexander, who voiced Lev, wanted to reprise.
Critics call the decision an obvious misfire, underscoring the ongoing representation debate.

1 / 2