Christchurch mosque massacre victims slam Rose Byrne's new film about the attack

The family of a woman killed during the Christchurch terror attack in 2019 are urging Rose Byrne from starring in a new film about the massacre.

The Australian actress, 41, has been cast as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern in upcoming film They Are Us.

According to The New Zealand Herald, the family of victim Linda Armstrong has contacted Rose and asked her to refuse the role.

‘It’s too soon’: Christchurch mosque massacre victims have urged Australian actress Rose Byrne (pictured) to refuse a role in a new film about the attack

The film follows Arden in the wake of the tragic Christchurch mosque shootings. At the time, Ms Ardern was commended for her response to the two consecutive mass shootings.

‘We know that a movie being made about what happened on that dreadful day is inevitable, however for now it is too soon,’ Linda’s nephew Kyron Gosse wrote.

‘It was only 27 months ago that I had to google my aunt’s name to see if she was alive or dead. It was only 27 months ago that I stood in her grave, lowering her lifeless body into the ground. Please, give us time.’

Kyron continued: ‘The time will come for this story to be told. When the right time does arrive, it is important that the right story is told, a story that focuses on the true heroes of the day.’

‘Now is not the time, and this is not the story. Please, turn down the role and give us time to heal.’

‘This is not the story’: The Australian actress has been cast as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (pictured) in upcoming film They Are Us

A petition has also been launched by families of the victims calling for production to be cancelled and it’s received over 47,000 signatures so far.

‘The film centres white voices and therefore will continue to white-wash the horrific violence perpetrated against Muslim communities,’ the petition said.

The Christchurch terrorist attack was carried out by gunman Brenton Tarrant who killed 51 people.

Letter: The family of victim Linda Armstrong has reportedly contacted Rose and asked her to refuse the role

Tarrant entered the Al Noor Mosque as Friday prayers were beginning and opened fire before driving to Linwood Mosque on the other side of the city where he continued shooting.

Tarrant, a white supremacist originally from Australia, was arrested a short time later.

He pleaded guilty to all charges and was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole on August 27 this year.

The film follows Arden in the wake of the tragic 2019 Christchurch mosque shootings. At the time, Ms Ardern was commended for her response to the two consecutive mass shootings