Denzel Blacklisted! Sony Execs Warned Not To Cast Washington In Big Flicks Because Black Leads ‘Don't Play Well’ — Latest Shocking Email Leak

The producer who sent the e-mail to Sony Chairman Michael Lynton said he or she hoped the incredible statement wasn’t “inappropriate or provocative.” But the producer — whose name was erased from the emails — suggested Sony should avoid casting black actors to appeal to an international market that the producer deemed “racist.”

“No, I am not saying The Equalizer should not have been made or that African American actors should not have been used (I personally think Denzel is the best actor of his generation),” the producer wrote.

“Casting him is saying we're ok with a double if the picture works,” the producer wrote, using a baseball analogy. “He's reliable at the domestic box office, safe, but has not had a huge success in years. I believe whenever possible the non event pictures, extra ‘bets’ should have a large inherent upside and be made for the right price. Here there isn't a large inherent upside.”

Washington’s The Equalizer grossed $191 million at theaters worldwide, with 47% of the ticket sales coming from outside of the United States. Still, the e-mail chain suggested that the overseas box office percentage was not good enough. Other films should expect 65% of the sales abroad, the analysis said. The reason for the disparity? According to the producer, it was Washington’s race.

“I believe that the international motion picture audience is racist -- in general pictures with an African American lead don't play well overseas,” the producer wrote. “But Sony sometimes seems to disregard that a picture must work well internationally to both maximize returns and reduce risk, especially pics with decent size budgets.”

An Equalizer sequel, which another e-mail said was set for 2017, would be “a double, with a remote chance of a home run,” the producer wrote.