Straight White Actor To Play Disney's First Gay Character.

[anotheoldgit]

/// Omar Sharif Jr tweeted: “Really Disney Jungle Cruise ? Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink.” ///

Does it really matter if the actor happens to be straight or dare I say it, 'WHITE' for that matter?

https://www.theguardian.com/film/2018/aug/15/outrage-at-disney-casting-jack-whitehall-to-play-a-gay-character-is-misguided

[naomi24]

This is all becoming very silly.

[mallyh]

oh no it wouldn't lol

[rowanwitch]

I'm with Baldric I never though he was straight he's more camp than go outdoors.
Can anyone suggest an alternative of the right age who could play the part, after all if a gay actor had got the part it would be he only got it because... not for acting ability. Presumably some sort of audition was required so campest actor won. Good for Disney to finally have a major gay character it's a start, maybe Elsa and Snow white can have a girly get together.

[Spicerack]

I'm saying nowt.

https://www.indy100.com/article/ukip-councillor-attempts-to-blast-bbc-for-historical-inaccuracy-gets-destroyed-by-actual-historian--ZyZAasU2fb

[ludwig]

//In that sense, a rather more accurate parallel might be, say, the early 20th-century habit of white actors "blacking up" to play black roles, rather than employing actual black actors. //

An invalid comparison for a number of reasons. Firstly there weren't as many black actors around. Secondly, they were less enlightened times. No-one thought anything of such dubious practices. Thirdly, it's a physical thing - blacking up is clearly a bit silly and unrealistic whereas a straight person pretending to be gay, or a gay person pretending to be straight can be done perfectly well. It's been done innumerable times before, so I don't know what the fuss is about in this particular case.

[jim360]

It's nevertheless a great deal more valid than anything else on this thread.

[naomi24]

I think my post at 12:47 is the most valid.

[Zacs-Master]

We all have to realise that there are enough actors / celebs around to ensure that one of them will say something controversial and that the media will then pounce and try to whip us up into a frenzy.

We have to also realise that this has B all to do with real life and certainly doesn't warrant discussion on an internet forum.

[gingejbee]

I see that a lot of people are equating "gay" and "camp". There are many gay actors (UK and US) who are not remotely camp....indeed, quite the opposite.

[jno]

there weren't as many black actors around

there were, they just didn't get hired. Have a look at old musicals featuring the Nicholas Brothers, a fabulous dance duo. You'll see that when they suddenly come on stage to do one of theier specialty numbers, it's conmpletely extraneous to hte plot of the rest of the film. They go off and are never mentioned again. This was so theatre owners in the southern states could simply snip their appearance out altogether, lest any of their patrons have to look at black performers.

Other than that, straights have been playing gays for years. Not so many gays get to play straight, though, at least not if they're out.

[chelle7272]

Strange this news is two weeks old and it's just posted now? Sure there is no agenda though...
Inclusiveness and non discrimination is commendable, but roles (acting, business or otherwise) should go to the person best suited to the job, not to someone because because they fit the right profile for the diversity tick box.
(Not sure JW is the 'best' person for the role, but I'm not casting / directing so what do I know!)

[anotheoldgit]

naomi24

/// I think my post at 12:47 is the most valid. ///

In the same humorous manner as
mallyh's 12:47 post:

Oh no it isn't.

[anotheoldgit]

gingejbee

If they didn't show signs of 'campness' how would they be recognised as gay?

[Mamyalynne]

Chelle, it was posted about on the 13th August, see first reply.

My view is that a part was going, castings/auditions were held and Jack got the part - if there's more to it then I don't know what it is but I should imagine for every big role cast someone will feel affronted or sidelined.

[anotheoldgit]

Mamyalynne

And it was also discussed on LBC radio today.

[Mamyalynne]

I wasn't having a dig, simply responding to Chelle.

[anotheoldgit]

As was this:

https://www.lbc.co.uk/radio/presenters/shelagh-fogarty/actor-adam-pearson-criticises-bbc-elephant-man/