"In The Heights" director Jon Chu and cast address film's colorism controversy

"In The Heights," the newest blockbuster offering from director Jon Chu and creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, is facing criticism for not featuring dark-skinned Latinx actors in prominent roles. 

In an interview with The Root, Chu addressed the accusations of colorism, admitting it was something he had to be educated on. "I think that was something we talked about and I needed to be educated about, of course. In the end, when we were looking at the cast, we tried to get the people that were best for those roles," he said.  "I hear you on trying to fill those cast members with darker skin. I think that's a really good conversation to have and something we should all be talking about," he added.