Jack Whitehall has faced backlash after it was announced the British comedian would play the "first gay man" in a Disney movie.
The 30-year-old English comedian, who will also star in Disney's upcoming film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, will reportedly play a gay character in Jungle Cruise starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Mr Whitehall recently announced he was "honoured" to play a part in the movie and according to a statement shared with The Sun, Whitehall's character is "hugely effete, very camp and very funny".
But some social media users expressed their frustration claiming the role should have gone to an actor who identifies as gay.
"Do the right thing @jackwhitehall. Resign - then ask that a gay man have the chance to play the role. Be an ally not an impersonator," one Twitter user wrote.
"Really @Disney#JungleCruise ? Your first significant gay role will be played by a straight white man perpetuating stereotypes? Fail! This ship should sink," another wrote.
Comparisons have been made with the social media outrage when Scarlet Johansson was originally cast in a trans role.
"If Scarlett Johansson wasn’t allowed to play a trans man then Jack Whitehall shouldn’t be allowed to play a gay man," one Twitter user wrote.
But many came to the defence of Mr Whitehall and pointed out it is the role of an actor to play someone different from themselves.
This included actor and comedian Stephen Fry, who is married to Elliot Spencer.
Jungle Cruise is set for release in late 2019.
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