Idris Elba has defended the casting of Jack Whitehall as Disney’s first gay character.
Voices within the LGBT+ community had voiced concern with the casting of straight actor Jack Whitehall as Disney’s first ever gay character in upcoming movie The Jungle Cruise.
Critics have suggested a long string of LGBT+ actors who would be better suited for the part than Whitehall, the privately-educated son of a producer and talent agent.
The backlash is similar to that against Armie Hammer’s casting in Call Me By Your Name.
But actor Idris Elba has weighed into the row this week – in support of Whitehall’s casting.
Speaking to TimeOut London about the dispute, he said: “Artistic licence is artistic licence. If an actor has the attributes to do something, they should be able to do it. They’re acting.
The actor, who is frequently rumoured as a future James Bond, conspicuously referenced the franchise.
Elba continued: “It’s like the debate about James Bond. It’s nonsense. It’s a fictional character. I’ve got mad respect for how Ian Fleming described him.
“He said he was a white guy, looked like this… That’s how it was written. But then there’s interpretation.
Recent polling found that despite concerns within the community, the public at large doesn’t object to Whitehall’s casting.
18 percent answered “Don’t Know,” possibly inflated because the question did not provide for people who don’t think the part is acceptable.
Whitehall is reportedly set to play the character in The Jungle Cruise, an upcoming Disney movie starring Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Emily Blunt.
The film, which is based on the Disneyland ride of the same name, stars Johnson as a boat captain taking two siblings on a mission into the jungle to find a magic tree.
The comedian said: “I’m so honoured to be part of this epic adventure.
“Filming is underway and I am having the time of my life with my amazing co stars.
If true, it will be Disney’s first foray into LGBT+ characters in film, having relaxed its long-standing policy that prevented LGBT+ content.
Several shows on the Disney Channel have had LGBT+ characters since the abrupt change in 2014, but it has taken longer for Disney’s film output to show any signs of becoming LGBT+ inclusive.