“You should be able to play any role you want”: Rebel Wilson Makes the LGBTQ Community Her Enemy With Gay Roles Statement
Popular Australian actress and comedian Rebel Wilson has recently become a topic of discussion with the LGBTQ community due to her reaction in defense of straight actors portraying queer characters.
The representation of the LGBTQ community on the silver screen is always a topic of discussion as to whether straight actors should be given roles that depict queer characters. While some people believe that acting is all about adapting to different characters, others feel that queer roles should be played by representatives of the queer community.
Rebel Wilson Speaks Up About the Representation of the LGBTQ Community in Films
The debate on LGBTQ representation has been reignited by Rebel Wilson’s comments, which have triggered many in the community who feel that her stance is erasing the struggles for representation of queer individuals in the entertainment industry.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, Wilson was asked by host Lauren Laverne if she believed that women can make different standards of jokes as compared to men, to which Wilson said,
I don’t think there’s a different standard, it’s more this thing about, if you are something then now you’re allowed to joke about it. So say, if you are overweight, you can say jokes. But if you’re not [you can’t]… that’s kind of what’s currently happening.
Later, continuing her remark she said that it doesn’t make sense to limit queer roles only to stars of non-heterosexual orientations. Wilson said,
It’s going into this territory of like saying, ‘Well, only straight actors can play straight roles and gay actors can play gay roles,’ which I think is total nonsense.
I think you should be able to play any role that you want. But I always think, in comedy, your job is to always flirt with that line of what’s acceptable. Sometimes you do step over it but, at the end of the day, you are trying to entertain people.
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Although the representation of the LGBTQ community in movies still remains a topic of discussion, many straight actors like Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh O’Connor, and Paul Mescal have portrayed queer characters in various movies.
Many Straight Actors Have Different Opinions to Portraying Queer Roles
Contrary to Wilson’s comments, some straight actors have argued that the casting of queer characters by straight actors erases queer narratives and experiences. Recently, many production houses and filmmakers have been producing stories that focus on the LGBTQ community. However, some of the actors representing the lead roles have spoken about the roles.
In an interview with GQ, Nicholas Galitzine who portrayed queer characters in Red, White & Royal Blue, and Mary & George, revealed that he felt he should not represent the characters. He said,
I identify as a straight man, but I have been a part of some incredible queer stories. I felt a sense of uncertainty sometimes about whether I’m taking up someone’s space, and perhaps guilt. At the same time, I see those characters as not solely their sexuality.
However, other straight actors like Stanley Tucci who portrayed queer characters in Burlesque and Devil Wears Prada have a similar stance to that of Rebel Wilson. In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs show, he said,
I am always very flattered when gay men come up to me and talk to me about ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ or they talk about ‘Supernova,’ and they say that, ‘It was just so beautiful,’ you know, ‘You did it the right way.’ Because often, it’s not done the right way.
An actor is an actor is an actor. You’re supposed to play different people. You just are. That’s the whole point of it.
The LGBTQ community has always insisted on more diversity and realism in the entertainment industry, which many believe can only be achieved by those who come from the community. However, it is also true that acting is an art form that demands flexibility.
