Oh, Precious! Andy Serkis Fears the World Has Become So Sensitive We’re at Risk of Being ‘Canceled for Anything’

Andy Serkis fears the world has become so precious that people can be “canceled for anything now.”

The 59-year-old “Lord of the Rings” actor, who played Gollum in the trio of fantasy epics, came under fire in 2018 when he said actors should be able to play any role they want — and added that he challenged people not to “tap their feet” to Michael Jackson’s music despite the child molestation allegations that dogged the late “Bad” singer.

Andy told The Independent: “You can get cancelled for anything now, literally anything, and what I really despise is trial by media.

“This has ruined the lives of many people and it should not be tolerated. There should be a proper legal process, where charges can be laid, people have to follow the legal process and this should not be allowed to multiply.

“Because people’s lives can be devastated. Sometimes, because of what they’ve done, it’s necessary, but the fact is, once it’s happened, it’s over. There’s no going back.”

He said of the problem of people being publicly accused of crimes they deny and the debate over whether artists accused of crimes should still be admired for their work: “I think it can definitely damage their lives for a long time.

“I guess the real question is: can you still appreciate the art they created?

“I think, without getting into specifics – I don’t want to get canceled – but let’s put it this way: When Michael Jackson’s music starts coming on, I defy anyone not to tap their foot to it.

“And if your body doesn’t allow you to cancel it… but yes, can art transcend the artist? I don’t know.”

In 2018, Andy weighed in on Scarlett Johansson’s decision to play — and then back out of — a transgender man in the planned project “Rug and Tug” amid backlash over a non-trans actor taking the role.

The actor told Variety that he “strongly disagreed” with the criticism she leveled at the actress, saying: “Actors should be able to play anything.”

He added to The Independent on the subject: “Whatever colour your skin is, whatever size you are, whatever gender you are, whatever identity you are, you should have the opportunity to play any sport.”