Topher Grace faced a similar dilemma before joining "BlacKkKlansman."

As “BlacKkKlansman” hit theaters this weekend, Emmy nominee Vincent D’Onofrio found himself in a position familiar to that film’s co-star, Topher Grace. In Spike Lee’s Cannes prizewinner, Grace portrays longtime white supremacist David Duke, who made headlines at last year’s “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. On Saturday, D’Onofrio asked his 180,000 Twitter followers for feedback on whether he should accept a role in an unannounced television show that would task him with playing an “irredeemable racist” based on a real person:

I am going to ask a question to everyone that cares to answer it. I have an opinion which I will not reveal. Is Now the right time (considering the world in which live right now) for me to play a real to life characte who is irredeemable racist in a dramatic series? — Vincent D’Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) August 11, 2018

Nine hours later, the “Daredevil” and veteran “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” actor said he had received close to 2,500 responses. His colleagues Ron Perlman (“Hellboy”) and Donal Logue (“Gotham”) both encouraged him to take the part:

Coming from u Ron I take ur answer seriously.I’m not sure It’s the right answer4me.I’ve always done characters I’ve found fascinating.Hedious characters.Right now in our country racism is rising. Its becoming normalized.Thats dangerous.Maybe art or no art we must b responsible? https://t.co/3mnUbUjl72 — Vincent D’Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) August 11, 2018 Thanks Donal. It means a lot. https://t.co/h6pvwBTPtX — Vincent D’Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) August 11, 2018

Still, D’Onofrio sounded unsure, citing in various tweets the current “rising” racism in America, where “our morality is in shreds.” His decision is due to producers within a few days, he said. The series is not the only large project on the horizon for D’Onofrio: Last fall, he shot “The Kid,” his directorial debut about outlaw Billy the Kid (Dane DeHaan) and the sheriff who killed him (Ethan Hawke). The Western’s cast also includes Chris Pratt and the newly discovered teen Jake Schur.

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