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Jack Whitehall. Ian West via PA Images
jack whitehall
Disney faces backlash after casting straight actor in gay role
Comedian Jack Whitehall has been cast in the upcoming Disney film Jungle Cruise.
DISNEY’S CASTING OF comedian Jack Whitehall in the upcoming film Jungle Cruise, as its first openly gay character, has faced some backlash
A row has broken out on social media since the announcement after a source told the Sun that “he is playing a gay man – one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny”.
“This latest script, set at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay, is another significant turning point,” the Sun’s source said.
The movie, which is currently filming in Los Angeles will see Whitehall star alongside Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson.
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Comparisons have also been made between the outrage aimed at Jack Whitehall to when Scarlett Johansson was rumoured to be playing a trans role.
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Whitehall announced on Instagram that he would be staring in Jungle Cruise, based on the theme park ride of the same name, but has yet to comment on the controversy.
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