Playing someone they’re not – isn’t that what actors are meant to do?
DISNEY announced this week that Jack Whitehall is to play its first major openly gay character in the film Jungle Cruise.
The British comedian wrote he was “honoured” to be a part of the 2019 movie which is a pivotal moment in the much-loved studio’s history. However, the news has led some people to ask why a gay actor wasn’t cast for the role.
One Twitter user blasted: “‘If you’re one of the people who ‘doesn’t see the big deal’ RE Jack Whitehall, a straight white male cast as the first openly gay Disney character then you’re part of the problem.”
While actor Chris Salvatore wrote: “Such a damn shame it’s so hard to find gay actors to play gay roles in Hollywood. Do better Disney.” Omar Sharif Jr added: “Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink.”
Jeez. Is that not what acting is? Pretending to be someone you are not?
Michael Douglas, Matthew McConaughey, Heath Ledger, Mark Ruffalo, Matt Damon, Jake Gyllenhaal and Phillip Seymour Hoffman are just a few of the straight actors who have played gay characters without a peep before. Some played their parts so well they won Oscars, Golden Globes and BAFTAs for their portrayals. Equally haven’t some of Britain’s finest actors, who happen to be gay – Rupert Everett, Sir Ian McKellen and Denholm Elliott – all played heterosexual parts brilliantly well? This is yet another example of the PC brigade’s ever increasing issues.
Whatever next? Arguing killers are the only ones who can play the parts of murderers?