Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Video
Girlfriend
  • News
  • Beauty
  • Fashion
  • Life and Advice
  • Entertainment
  • Role Model Search
  • Video
Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

Disney set to make a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

Disney set to make a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

The first cast photos from Aladdin are here and Will Smith as Genie is FANTASTIC

The first cast photos from Aladdin are here and Will Smith as Genie is FANTASTIC

Disney is now streaming on Stan!!

Disney is now streaming on Stan!!

The first official trailer for 'Aladdin' is here and it's going to give you chills

The first official trailer for 'Aladdin' is here and it's going to give you chills

{headline}

{headline}

Disney fix Princess Tiana's lightened skin in 'Wreck-It Ralph 2' after major backlash

Disney fix Princess Tiana's lightened skin in 'Wreck-It Ralph 2' after major backlash

Amazing new details on Disney's streaming service 'Disney Play'

Amazing new details on Disney's streaming service 'Disney Play'

You won't believe which Disney star has come out as gay in a hugely inspiring post

You won't believe which Disney star has come out as gay in a hugely inspiring post

{headline}

{headline}

SOOO a 'Tangled' live-action film with Cher and Amanda Seyfriend anyone??

SOOO a 'Tangled' live-action film with Cher and Amanda Seyfriend anyone??

OMG the first photo from the live-action Mulan film is here!

OMG the first photo from the live-action Mulan film is here!

The Jonas Brothers secret project has been revealed and OMG

The Jonas Brothers secret project has been revealed and OMG

Hear what Disney star Sofia Wylie has to say about CONFIDENCE

Hear what Disney star Sofia Wylie has to say about CONFIDENCE

Watch Elastigirl's face fall off and scare EVERYONE in the crowd

Watch Elastigirl's face fall off and scare EVERYONE in the crowd

'Camp Rock 3' is totally happening and we can't breathe

'Camp Rock 3' is totally happening and we can't breathe

Moviegoer's are issuing a warning for anyone wanting to see 'Incredibles 2'

Moviegoer's are issuing a warning for anyone wanting to see 'Incredibles 2'

  1. Home
  2. Entertainment

Disney is being slammed after casting a straight actor as first openly gay character

Not cool. - by Alexandra M
  • 14 Aug 2018
Disney is being slammed after casting a straight actor as first openly gay character
Getty Images

Disney is in ~boiling~ hot water after revealing that they have cast straight, British comedian Jack Whitehall to portray their first openly gay character in their upcoming film, Jungle Cruise.

According to The Sun, Jack’s character will be “hugely effete, very camp and very funny”.

The 30-year-old will be starring alongside stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt in the film.

jackwhitehall View Profile
80.2k likes - View Post on Instagram
Hair extensions in for my next role. It's given me a quite 'emo' look when in my casual clothes. Might have to invest in some thick dark eyeliner. Embrace it.

While the decision to finally include an openly gay character in one of their blockbuster films was welcomed, the backlash online over Jack’s casting has been huge.

Gay rights activist Omar Sharif Jr tweeted his disappointment at the decision.

“Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink,” he wrote.

Omar Sharif Jr. on Twitter

Meanwhile, others have come out in defense of Disney’s decision.

“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?” British politician Wes Streeting tweeted.

Wes Streeting MP on Twitter

The comedian hasn’t responded to the uproar, but he did write on Instagram that he was “honoured to be apart of this epic adventure”.

jackwhitehall View Profile
11.1k likes - View Post on Instagram
I'm so honoured to be part of this epic adventure - @disneysjunglecruise. Filming is underway and I am having the time of my life with my amazing co stars. It's so cool to be part of something of this scale and also as possibly one of the biggest Disney nerds on the planet so exciting to be working on a project with this much history. Watch to the end of this video and see the most incredible set I've ever seen. They built it from the ground up and walking onto it for the first time a month ago was like stepping back in time. Can't wait for you to see this film... #junglecruise

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%

Recommended to you

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer
Watch 1:00

Sophie Monk drops another epic Love Island trailer

{headline}

{headline}

Disney set to make a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

Disney set to make a Pirates of the Caribbean reboot

The first cast photos from Aladdin are here and Will Smith as Genie is FANTASTIC

The first cast photos from Aladdin are here and Will Smith as Genie is FANTASTIC

Disney is now streaming on Stan!!

Disney is now streaming on Stan!!

The first official trailer for 'Aladdin' is here and it's going to give you chills

The first official trailer for 'Aladdin' is here and it's going to give you chills

{headline}

{headline}

Disney fix Princess Tiana's lightened skin in 'Wreck-It Ralph 2' after major backlash

Disney fix Princess Tiana's lightened skin in 'Wreck-It Ralph 2' after major backlash

Amazing new details on Disney's streaming service 'Disney Play'

Amazing new details on Disney's streaming service 'Disney Play'

You won't believe which Disney star has come out as gay in a hugely inspiring post

You won't believe which Disney star has come out as gay in a hugely inspiring post

{headline}

{headline}

SOOO a 'Tangled' live-action film with Cher and Amanda Seyfriend anyone??

SOOO a 'Tangled' live-action film with Cher and Amanda Seyfriend anyone??

OMG the first photo from the live-action Mulan film is here!

OMG the first photo from the live-action Mulan film is here!

The Jonas Brothers secret project has been revealed and OMG

The Jonas Brothers secret project has been revealed and OMG

Hear what Disney star Sofia Wylie has to say about CONFIDENCE

Hear what Disney star Sofia Wylie has to say about CONFIDENCE

Watch Elastigirl's face fall off and scare EVERYONE in the crowd

Watch Elastigirl's face fall off and scare EVERYONE in the crowd

'Camp Rock 3' is totally happening and we can't breathe

'Camp Rock 3' is totally happening and we can't breathe

Moviegoer's are issuing a warning for anyone wanting to see 'Incredibles 2'

Moviegoer's are issuing a warning for anyone wanting to see 'Incredibles 2'

Girlfriend
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • New Idea
  • Practical Parenting
  • That’s Life
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • marie claire
  • Beauty Crew
  • New Idea food
  • Home Beautiful
  • All Recipes
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • Starts at 60
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from Girlfriend

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35% -

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to our sister mag and save up to 35%