Martin Freeman has responded to the backlash his latest film, Millers Girl , received for its massive age gap between Freeman and co-star Jenna Ortega .
In the erotic thriller, which was released in theaters in January, an 18-year-old student (Ortega) develops an inappropriate relationship with her writing teacher (Freeman). The Wednesday star, who is 21, is 31 years younger than Freeman, who is 52.
Millers Girl, which is now on Netflix , received criticism prior to and after its release , with users on X, formerly Twitter, discussing Freeman and Ortegas disturbing relationship in the movie.
Its not saying, Isnt this great? Freeman said of his and Ortegas relationship in the film.
Calling backlash against Millers Girl a shame, Freeman went on to note how movies with controversial topics tend to garner criticism.
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He brought up fellow actor Liam Neeson in Steven Spielbergs Holocaust drama Schindlers List as an example of how an actor can play a role without co-signing the films topic.
Are we gonna have a go at Liam Neeson for being in a film about the Holocaust? Freeman said.
Previously, the Hobbit actor admitted he found the storyline of Millers Girl to be very uncomfortable when he read director Jade Bartletts script for the first time.
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