Disney sparks row for casting Jack Whitehall as ‘gay’
Studio giant ‘perpetuating stereotypes’ amid claims heterosexual actor is set to play its first major gay role
A ROW has erupted over reports that British comedian Jack Whitehall is to play Disney’s first openly gay character, as many argue that a heterosexual actor should not take the role. It follows the announcement by the Fresh Meat actor that he is due to co-star in the forthcoming film Jungle Cruise.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m so honoured to be part of this epic adventure... filming is under way and I am having the time of my life with my amazing co stars... as possibly one of the biggest Disney nerds on the planet, [it’s] so exciting to be working on a project with this much history.”
The film, based on a Disney Parks attraction and set for release in October next year, stars Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”) as a boat captain who takes Emily Blunt’s character, and her brother, played by Whitehall, into a jungle to find a tree with healing powers.
A source told The Sun: “He is playing a gay man – one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny.”
Although Disney and Whitehall’s management remained tight-lipped over the reports, arguments spread over social media about the allegedly “stereotypical” role – and the fact that it is played by a heterosexual man.
Chris Bryant, the Labour MP, wrote on Twitter: “It’s more of a shame that the gay character has to be hugely effete and camp. That’s why it may end up being just offensive.”
However, Wes Streeting, his colleague, disagreed, writing: “Shock as actor is asked to play someone different from themselves. Isn’t that kind of the point? Wouldn’t always casting gay actors in gay roles be condemned for typecasting?”
Meanwhile, Omar Sharif Jr, the actor and gay activist, posted: “Really @Disney #Junglecruise? Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink.”
Chris Salvatore, the US actor and star of Eating Out, agreed, writing: “Such a dam [sic] shame it’s so hard to find gay actors to play gay roles in Hollywood. Do better @disney @jackwhitehall.”
Sanjay Sood-smith, the director of empowerment programmes at Stonewall, warned of portraying stereotypes in films. He told The Daily Telegraph: “Media representations of LGBT people too often portray stereotypes, rather than reflecting the full diversity of the LGBT community. The reaction to this news shows just how much demand there is for more, and better, representation of people with different sexual orientation and gender identities on TV and in film.
“We’re always keen to see better LGBT representation... and we hope this character is the first of many LGBT characters and storylines in Disney films.”
A spokesman for Whitehall said that they could not confirm the reports. Disney was unavailable for comment.