Jack Whitehall (L) and Idris Elba. | Photo: Facebook
British acting treasure – and rumored next James Bond – Idris Elba has shared his two cents on whether he thinks straight actors can play gay roles.
The actor shared his thoughts after comedian Jack Whitehall faced backlash when he announced he is playing Disney’s first gay character. Whitehall sparked a debate about whether straight actors could play gay characters when he revealed he’ll play the ‘very camp’ character in the upcoming film, Jungle Cruise.
Even though a poll revealed more than 70% of people believed straight actors could play a gay character Whitehall’s casting caused a lot of controversy.
But in an interview with TimeOut London to promote his directorial debut, Yardie, Elda shared his thoughts on the matter.
‘Artistic licence is artistic licence. If an actor has the attributes to do something, they should be able to do it,’ he told the magazine.
‘They’re acting. You don’t necessarily have to be gay to play a gay character. Though you do have to be black to play a black character.’
Idris Elba’s diversity push
The London born actor rose to critical fame while playing Baltimore drug dealer Russell ‘Stringer’ Bell on the acclaimed US series, The Wire. Elba won a Golden Globe for his role as troubled detective Luther in the series of the same name. He also appears in the Thor film series alongside Chris Hemsworth.
Despite defending Whitehall’s casting, Elba has longed called for better representation of diverse characters on British television.
In 2016 he addressed the House of Commons and urged broadcasters to better reflect Britain.
‘The Britain I come from is the most successful, diverse, multicultural country on earth. But here’s my point: you wouldn’t know it if you turned on the TV,’ he said at the time.
He added: ‘Are black people often playing petty criminals? Are women always playing the love interest or talking about men? Are gay people always stereotyped? Are disabled people hardly ever seen?’
Channel 4 has said they are implementing diversity quotas both for on-screen and off-screen talent.
By 2020, they want 6% LGBTI staff and talent, 6% people with disabilities, and 20% black, Asian or minority ethnic.
