Jack Whitehall to play Disney’s first-ever gay character

Jack Whitehall is set to play Disney’s first ever gay character.

According to The Sun, the British comedian will play a “fun, effete” young man in The Jungle Cruise – which will also star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.

The film, which will hit cinemas next year, is set in the 19th century – and is based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a riverboat takes travellers through a dangerous jungle.

A source said: “This is a huge gig for Jack and has landed him his biggest ever pay cheque.”

I’m 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. It’s 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. Watch to the end of this video and see the most incredible set I’ve 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. Can’t wait for you to see this film… #junglecruise

A post shared by Jack Whitehall (@jackwhitehall) on Aug 9, 2018 at 2:42pm PDT

“But, more excitingly, he is playing a gay man – one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny.”

“It’s a dream role. Disney’s always been incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ community.

“This latest script, set at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay, is another significant turning point.”

Production is currently underway in Los Angeles, and Disney are reportedly planning to develop it as a franchise.