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Hugh Grant under fire from actor with dwarfism

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George Coppen, a talented actor with dwarfism, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Hugh Grant’s casting as an Oompa Loompa in the upcoming Warner Bros. film, Wonka.

The movie, starring Timothée Chalamet as the titular candymaker, is a prequel to the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

In a recent interview with the BBC, Coppen lamented that performers with dwarfism feel marginalized in the industry they love.

He argued that actors like himself should be offered a broader range of roles in dramas and soaps, but those opportunities are not coming their way. Instead, he feels that doors are being closed for actors with dwarfism without the next one being opened.

The controversy stems from the fact that the original 1971 film and the 2005 adaptation, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, both cast actors with dwarfism to play the beloved Oompa Loompas who work at Wonka’s factory.

However, in Wonka, Hugh Grant’s portrayal of an Oompa Loompa has sparked criticism, as the character appears to be digitally enhanced to appear smaller.

Coppen voiced his concerns about the casting choice, questioning why Grant’s head was digitally enlarged for the role. He expressed frustration over the lack of representation and opportunities for actors with dwarfism in the film industry, calling for more diverse casting in all types of roles.

In defense of the casting decision, director Paul King praised Hugh Grant’s ability to bring a unique and sarcastic charm to the Oompa Loompa character.

However, this has done little to appease the concerns raised by Coppen and others in the dwarfism community.

As Wonka prepares for its release, the controversy surrounding the casting of an actor with average height as an Oompa Loompa serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by actors with dwarfism in an industry that often struggles with inclusivity and representation.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Keegan-Michael Key, Matt Lucas, Sally Hawkins, Rowan Atkinson, and Olivia Colman, and is set to hit theaters on December 15. Meanwhile, the conversation sparked by Coppen’s critique continues to highlight the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

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President Biden and President-elect Trump hold key meeting

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President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Pete Hegseth as his pick for Secretary of Defense.

The combat veteran has two bronze stars having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard University.

In addition providing support to veterans he has held a recent role as a political commentator.

The Defense Department is the largest and oldest U.S. government agency, with a budget of about $850 billion.

Ricoh Danielson a U.S. Army Vet and National Security advisor joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

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John Thune elected new Senate GOP Leader

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In a closed-door vote, Senator Thune takes on a pivotal leadership role as Senate Republicans look to the future.

In a significant shift within Senate Republican leadership, Senator John Thune of South Dakota has been elected as the new Senate GOP leader, taking over from long-time leader Senator Mitch McConnell.

The decision came after a secret ballot vote among GOP members, marking the end of McConnell’s influential tenure.

Thune, who has served as Senate Minority Whip, is widely recognized for his strategic acumen and steady approach to party leadership.

His appointment signals both continuity and potential change as Senate Republicans prepare to navigate a challenging legislative environment and upcoming elections.

With McConnell stepping back, questions arise about how Thune’s leadership will shape GOP strategies on key issues, from fiscal policy to judicial appointments.

Analysts note that his leadership style is expected to maintain unity while possibly adopting fresh tactics to strengthen the party’s legislative influence.

As Thune steps into this prominent role, Republicans and observers alike will watch how his leadership influences the Senate’s dynamics and the broader political landscape.

The transition reflects a pivotal moment for the GOP as it positions itself for future electoral and legislative battles.

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News sites testing AI for article summaries

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The Wall Street Journal is experimenting with AI to summarise its articles.

 

Readers will see a “Key Points” box at the top of select stories, featuring AI-generated summaries that are checked by editors. This new feature is being tested to assess reader engagement, offering bullet points that highlight key information.

The box includes a note explaining the use of AI, as WSJ explores new ways to add value for subscribers. Other news outlets, like USA Today, are also testing similar AI tools, though some caution readers to consult full articles due to potential AI errors.

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