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