British Survey Reveals Majority Okay with Straight Actors Playing Gay Roles

Should straight actors play gay roles?

That question is in the news this week after Disney announced that British actor Jack Whitehall has signed to play the first openly gay character in one of the studio's upcoming films.

In the new Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson feature "Jungle Cruise," Whitehall will play the gay brother of Emily Blunt. According to the British tabloid there was an immediate uproar on social media about the casting, many saying that Whitehall - who is white and straight - should not be playing such a high profile LGBTQ role.

The YouGov poll asked the question, "A heterosexual actor has been cast as the first major gay character in a Disney film. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view?"

Of 3,276 adults residing in Great Britain surveyed, 70% of respondents believed a straight actor playing gay is fine.

"Interestingly, the data break down suggests older respondents are less fussed about straight actors playing gay roles," Gay Star News reported.

"60% of 18-24-year-olds believe it's fine, while 19% said it should be a gay actor - 21% didn't know.

"This compares to 71%, 73% and 71% for the remaining age groups (25-49, 50-65 and 65+) saying it's okay to play gay."