Disney Is Casting a Straight Actor to Play Their First Openly Gay Character. That's Not OK.

British comedian Jack Whitehall is many things, handsome, talented and hilarious, but there is one thing he isn't — gay. So it may be surprising that Disney has decided to cast him as their first openly gay character in the company's nearly 100-year history.

Jungle Cruise, a new movie project based on a Disney ride of the same name, will also start Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt. Jack will play Emily Blunt's "very camp" brother.

Jungle Cruise tells the story of a group of travelers that take a small riverboat through a jungle filled with dangerous animals and reptiles. But something magical happens.

Something magical happens alright. Apparently, a completely heterosexual comedian turns flamboyantly gay.

The fact that Disney is choosing to incorporate an openly gay character in their film is a milestone that should be celebrated. Unfortunately, the moment has been tainted. Disney seems to think a straight character can play a gay character better than an actual gay man who has lived the experience.

This type of faux representation isn't new. Last month, Scarlett Johansson was picked to play a trans character for a new movie. She backed out of the role only when people complained that the studio should have chosen an actual trans actress for the role. And a few years ago, caucasian actor Joseph Fiennes was cast to play Michael Jackson before the project was eventually pulled due to backlash from fans and Jackson's own daughter Paris.

We must hold studios accountable when they choose to actively ignore underrepresented actors. Gay, trans, and minority actors already struggle to find good roles without having to deal with studios skipping over them to give ideal roles to actors who they view as being more palatable to the public.

Please join Care2 by signing this petition asking Disney to reconsider and give an openly gay actor this groundbreaking role.
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