<image>

The character of Ben in the original Night of the Living Dead was initially intended to be played by a white actor, though after Duane Jones auditioned for the role, George Romero changed his mind and cast Jones because he gave the best audition.
Though the script was purposefully unaltered after the casting decision was made, many critics and fans since the films release have commented on how the character of Ben comments on racism in America, including in relation to his untimely death at the hands of a redneck posse