Jack Whitehall will reportedly play Disney’s first openly gay character in the forthcoming action adventure The Jungle Cruise.
The British comedian will star alongside Emily Blunt and The Rock in the film, which is described as a “turning point” in Disney’s history.
The film will reportedly take place in the 19th century – a time when LGBTQI rights were basically non-existent.
According to The Sun, Whitehall will take the role of a “fun, effete” man who “makes clear he has no interest in women”.
“This is a huge gig for Jack and has landed him his biggest ever pay cheque”, a source told the paper.
“But, more excitingly, he is playing a gay man – one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny. It’s a dream role.
“Disney’s always been incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ community.
Recommended
“This latest script, set at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay, is another significant turning point.”
The film is reportedly based on Disneyland’s ride of the same name, where travellers are taken on a boat ride through a perilous jungle.
Although the specific details of Whitehall’s role are yet to be revealed, it’s also claimed that he will play Emily Blunt’s brother in the film.
Last year, Disney’s live action take on Beauty & The Beast featured the House of Mouse’s first “exclusively gay” movement.
It came during an exchange between LeFou (Josh Gad) and the villainous Gaston.
“LeFou is somebody who on one day wants to be Gaston and on another day wants to kiss Gaston,” director Bill Condon revealed.
“He’s confused about what he wants. It’s somebody who’s just realizing that he has these feelings. And Josh [Gad] makes something really subtle and delicious out of it.
“And that’s what has its pay-off at the end, which I don’t want to give away. But it is a nice, exclusively gay moment in a Disney movie.”