Disney has found itself at the center of yet another maelstrom about representation and casting. Last year the company angered fans by writing a role into the live-action version of Aladdin and then casting a very not-middle-eastern actor to play it. Some fans accused them of specifically writing the role so that they could “whiten” the cast.
Their new film Jungle Cruise is seeing some representation-based controversy now that casting has been announced. Initially, people were excited that the film would feature an openly gay major character. The character is described as “hugely effete, very camp, and very funny.” Disney announced that that British actor and comedian Jack Whitehall has been cast in the role — and people are pretty torn about it. Yes, he’s talented (though relatively unknown outside of the UK) but he’s straight.
Some people feel like Disney giving such an important LGBT role to a straight actor is insulting, particularly as the role is written like a mashup of gay stereotypes.
How is a straight actor playing a “hugely effete, very camp,” secondary gay character helpful for #LGBT visibility and positive portrayal in the arts? Booooo, @DisneyPixar…https://t.co/84lddcbqrX
— Callum Jackson (@cjjackson93) August 13, 2018
If rumours are to be believed, Jack Whitehall could play Disney's “first major gay character” in Jungle Cruise described as “hugely effete, very camp and very funny” https://t.co/CIM7GZlMdX via @tendailyau pic.twitter.com/q6zWEm2eYq
— mat whitehead (@matwhi) August 12, 2018
It just sounds like a very 1993 description of a gay character. It's just missing “flamboyant” or “eccentric”
— mat whitehead (@matwhi) August 12, 2018
Really @Disney #JungleCruise ? Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink. https://t.co/npPESNZaxD
— Omar Sharif Jr. (@OmarSharifJr) August 13, 2018
So the didn't learn from the Scarlet Johanson thing? pic.twitter.com/3xUgmOl24G
— James (@tweetpopsbanned) August 13, 2018
People saying “well gay people play straight roles”, don't understand that the majority of the time, the actors are not out as gay when playing those roles. Also, straight individuals are represented in everything, while LGBTQ people are not.
— Moon Moon (@WixkedWitch) August 13, 2018
Others feel like the debate is pointless. It’s acting, after all.
It’s acting right? Cast on merit and suitability of the part. Anthony Hopkins isn’t a real cannibal but nobody had a problem with it hat casting. Creating problems ironically doesn’t fix anything
— Sheldon Thompson (@sheldonBKT) August 13, 2018
Make sure you tweet when the next Gangster Role isn’t cast by a Real Gangster.
— MichaelRapaport (@MichaelRapaport) August 13, 2018
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? https://t.co/tfni2m3B1P
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) August 13, 2018
Are you kidding? It’s “acting” – why does his sexuality matter???
— KERRIE COSH (@kjcoshy) August 13, 2018
Then there are the people who aren’t really sure how to feel about the casting, particularly when you take into account that Jack’s personality is pretty much the character’s description.
Super excited about this huge moment for the LGBTQ+ family, and @jackwhitehall is amazing https://t.co/FwH4d7BZqZ BUT when so many gay actor friends of mine are turned down for straight roles because there’s a “whiff of gay”, it’s frustrating to cast NonGay people in gay roles
— James Barr ️ (@imjamesbarr) August 13, 2018
I have no problem with this. In fact, I think it’s a good thing overall and is a step towards out lgbt ppl playing any roles as well. It’s great that a straight male doesn’t care how he’s portrayed. Even better that it’s a Disney movie.
— Marc Rokoff (@MarcRokoff) August 13, 2018
I mean, mate, I’m not doubting that sounds stereotypical, but Jack is already camp without even trying.
— Ellie May (@EllieMay912) August 13, 2018
I think he'll just be playing himself….. the way he does in everything he does….
— mrpinkcat (@Misterpinkcat) August 13, 2018
We want to hear your thoughts on the matter. Representation obviously matters, but if Jack Whitehall is already so much like the character is it still offensive? Is it even acting at that point? Sound off!
H/T: Twitter, Wikipedia, Insider
