The protagonist Wikus van de Merwe, played by white South African actor Sharlto Copley, begins as a callous MNU field agent enforcing evictions before his DNA transformation forces empathy, driving the narrative arc through human-alien prejudice without introducing unrelated modern elements. Casting relies on authentic South African performers and setting-specific diversity rather than any race- or gender-swapping of prior characters.

No prominent LGBTQ+ representation, gender fluidity, DEI mandates, or critiques of patriarchy appear; the social commentary stays rooted in classic sci-fi allegory traditions of otherness and systemic mistreatment. Reception highlights its 2009 acclaim for sharp satire alongside isolated pushback over Nigerian character stereotypes as criminals, but lacks widespread labeling as activist messaging or audience revolt over ideology. The apartheid parallel shapes themes and plot foundation yet integrates as narrative device rather than overt contemporary activism.