Details about Jack Whitehalls turn as Disneys first openly gay character in the upcoming, Jungle Cruise, have emerged.
Earlier this year, the British actor was controversially cast as lead character, McGregor, in the adventure blockbuster, which will also star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.
According to TMZ, a test screening for the movie was held last week and included McGregors coming out scene in which he reveals his true sexuality to The Rocks character, Frank.
In a heart-to-heart moment, McGregor reportedly talks about his dating history and makes it clear that he is attracted to men. The publication claims that McGregor reveals how he family tried to set-up arranged marriages for him with women in the past but he did not want to marry them.
ITS OFFICIAL – JULY 24th, 2020.
Ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages.
My partner in crime, Emily Blunt and I, lovingly invite you to join us for THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME.
All aboard…@DisneyStudios JUNGLE CRUISE
pic.twitter.com/DNTnqSb3QD
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) October 19, 2018
McGregor is also said to praise his sister Lily, played by Emily, for being the only person in his family to accept his sexuality and support him on his journey regardless of the person he falls in love with.
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Its said that the touching scene was well-received by the audience but it was noticed that the word gay wasnt explicitly used at all. However, it is possible that the scene may not make the final cut with the movie not scheduled for release until 2020.
Jacks casting as Disneys first openly gay character was met with serious backlash in August with many in the LGBT community upset that a gay actor wasnt chosen for the role.
Sharing his excitement about the movie, Jack wrote on Instagram after the casting announcement: Im so honoured to be part of this epic adventure – @disneysjunglecruise.
Filming is underway and I am having the time of my life with my amazing co stars. Its so cool to be part of something of this scale and also as possibly one of the biggest Disney nerds on the planet so exciting to be working on a project with this much history.
He added: Watch to the end of this video and see the most incredible set Ive ever seen. They built it from the ground up and walking onto it for the first time a month ago was like stepping back in time. Cant wait for you to see this film.
More: Disney
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Jungle Cruise is set in the 1930s and based on Disneylands theme park ride of the same name where a small riverboat takes a group of travellers through a jungle filled with dangerous animals.
Disneys Jungle Cruise is set for release on 24 July 2020.
Metro.co.uk have reached out to Disney for comment.
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