With its six seasons, Lost kept the series world in suspense and developed into a global phenomenon. However, the sci-fi mystery series about plane crash survivors has apparently been an ordeal for some of those involved. This is indicated by new statements from cast members and authors, the one Culture of bullying and racist statements describe.
New book reveals behind-the-scenes relationships at Lost
The basis for the new statements is Maureen Ryan’s new book
Burn It Down. Vanity Fair published a chapter from it that talks about the production of Lost. To do this, Ryan interviewed several stars, members of the writing staff and the two showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse.
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Harold Perrineau in Lost
The chapter records frightening picture of toxic work culture of Lost, which also had an impact on the development of characters in the series. This applies above all to dealing with non-white actors and authors of the series.
A selection of the findings:
Harold Perrineau, who played Michael Dawson, who was stranded on the island with his son, complained about ethnic stereotypes in the script and says he was written out of the series as a result. According to several sources, Lindelof is said to have said at the time: “He called me a racist, so I fired him.” Lindelof denies the statement.
Throughout the chapter, Maureen Ryan provides a list of words her sources have repeatedly used in relation to the circumstances of Lost:
cruel, brutal, destructive, racist, sexist, bullying, angry, abusive and hostile Damon Lindelof admits failure
Although Lindelof contradicts some of the statements attributed to him in the chapter, he admits that he is partly responsible for the situation. This is how he is quoted:
My lack of fundamental experience as a manager and boss, my role as someone who should model a climate of creative danger and risk-taking, but provide security and comfort in the creative process – I failed in this endeavor.
Maureen Ryan’s book Burn It Down: Power, Complicity, and a Call for Change in Hollywood will be released on June 6th in the original English language version. It not only deals with Lost, but systematically presents the toxic conditions in various levels of Hollywood culture. Other chapters deal with the feared producer Scott Rudin and the fantasy series Sleepy Hollow.
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