The studio and director behind the upcoming "Gods of Egypt" film have issued an apology for the lack of diversity in the cast.

Lionsgate and Alex Proyas released statements to Forbes, admitting the casting of white European actors in an ancient Egyptian fantasy film was a mistake.

"We recognize that it is our responsibility to help ensure that casting decisions reflect the diversity and culture of the time periods portrayed," Liongate's statement read. "In this instance we failed to live up to our own standards of sensitivity and diversity, for which we sincerely apologize. Lionsgate is deeply committed to making films that reflect the diversity of our audiences. We have, can and will continue to do better.​​"

Proyas, director of "The Crow", "Dark City" and "I, Robot," also admitted his fault.

"The process of casting a movie has many complicated variables, but it is clear that our casting choices should have been more diverse," he said. "I sincerely apologise to those who are offended by the decisions we made."

When the "Gods of Egypt" trailer hit the web earlier this month, social media responded negatively to actors such as Gerard Butler, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and Brenton Thwaites portraying ancient Egyptian people and deities.

Some also criticized the choice of "Get on Up" star Chadwick Boseman as one of the lone people of color portraying the arguably stereotypical role of Thoth.

This is not the first film to face criticism for its inauthentic casting. Last year's biblical epic "Exodus: Gods and Kings" was another film set in ancient Egypt similarly lambasted for it's predominantly white cast.

However, in that situation, director Ridley Scott defended the casting decision. 

"I can't mount a film of this budget, where I have to rely on tax rebates in Spain, and say that my lead actor is Mohammad so-and-so from such-and-such. I'm just not going to get it financed," Scott said.

This marks one of the rare occasions a studio has admitted such a mistake, generating some praise for the move.

"Selma" director Ava DuVernay applauded the apology on Twitter and expressed her appreciation for films that featured actors of color in prominent roles.