This is why I believe changing the races of characters is both cheap and lame.
So, first characters are built on a lot of ideas. They are created to look a specific way and act a specific way.
Movies are another way to tell a STORY. They are not made to be mirrors of reality. The truth story's tell are supposed to be thematic. Something everyone can understand due to the common shared human experience. (Love, pain, betrayal, hope, fear) entertainment is not for agendas.
Why does this matter. Whitewashed characters changes their fundamental basics. You've just changed this character to fit something you want. That's very narcissistic. Skin color is a part of who you are because it's a part of your history and story.
Again so while a talented actor may be able to portray a character they still need the appearance. Perception is an important component in portrayal.
So I am a firm believer in following the books description. If the character has skin like hickory bark and golden eyes then that is important. If the character is deathly pale with jet black hair that's important too.
