IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The character Skrein was to play, Ben Daimio, is Japanese-American in the “Hellboy” comics the films are based on. Critics said Skrein’s casting was just the latest instance of an Asian or Asian-American role being handed to a white actor.

“It is clear that representing this character in a culturally accurate way holds significance for people and that to neglect this responsibility would continue a worrying tendency to obscure ethnic minority stories and voices in the arts,” wrote Skrein. “I feel it is important to honor and respect that. Therefore I have decided to step down so the role can be cast appropriately.”

French leader adopts a dog named Nemo

PARIS » The French presidential palace has a new occupant. Nemo has taken his first steps as the country’s “first dog” after being adopted by President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte.

The couple adopted the black male “Griffiondor,” a cross between a Labrador retriever and a wirehaired pointing griffon, from an animal shelter over the weekend. The dog is 1 to 2 years old. The Elysee Palace press service says Nemo was named after Captain Nemo, the fictional hero of Jules Verne’s “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea.” Macron is a fan of the book.

Nemo appeared at ease in his new role Monday as he accompanied Macron on the palace steps to welcome President Mahamadou Issoufou of Niger.

Since the early 1970s, all French presidents have had Labrador dogs.

France’s President Emmanuel Macron walks down the steps of the Elysee Palace with his newly adopted dog, Nemo.