“James Franco bears a clear physical resemblance to Fidel Castro, aside from his skills and charisma,” she told the publication.
There had been public outcry from some over Franco’s casting, including actor John Leguizamo, because the actor is not Latino.
“No more Hollywood and streamer appropriation! Boycott! It’s over!” he wrote. “Also, a very difficult story to tell without enlargement, which would be wrong! I have no problem with Franco, but he’s not a Latino!”
The film tells the story of Fernández, born of a love affair between Cuban-born socialite Natalia “Naty” Revuelta and Castro.
“I’m sure Mía Maestro, an actress I look up to, will understand and portray Naty, my mother, in a unique way and I can’t wait to see her build her character,” Fernández told Deadline.
“The project is almost entirely Latino, both in front of and behind the camera,” she added.