Netflix thriller Run strikes an unlikely blow for disability rights

Maybe we won’t have to wait quite so long for the next wheelchair-using woman to be portrayed by someone who actually uses a wheelchair in a thriller, says James Moore

‘Run is a demonstration of what can be done’ (Netflix)

Prior to the release of Run – which recently dropped on Netflix here in the UK – there hadn’t been a Hollywood thriller featuring a female wheelchair-using character played by a wheelchair-using female actor in more than 70 years. The last time this happened was in the 1948 film noir Sign of the Ram.

Think about that for a moment.

It helps to explain why an open letter protesting against prejudice and discrimination towards disabled talent in Hollywood, signed by more than 80 actors and entertainment industry professionals – including the likes of Amy Poehler, Naomie Harris and Jessica Barden – is so timely.