Controversies have continued to plague Hollywood with regards to the industry’s casting of LGBTQ+ characters in films and TV shows. While straight males could easily play gay characters in the past and called ‘brave’ in return, the times have certainly changed.
As a recent example, Viggo Mortensen has been receiving criticism for playing a gay man in his directorial debut Falling, but the actor is not backing down.
While asked as to why he would cast himself in that role, the Lord of the Rings star urged for caution and said that no one should assume ‘he is completely straight.’
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The actor told The Times, “Look, these are the times we’re living in, and I think it’s healthy that those issues are brought up. The short answer is that I didn’t think it was a problem. And people then ask me, ‘Well what about Terry Chen, who plays my husband in the film, is he a homosexual?’ And the answer is I don’t know, and I would never have the temerity to ask someone if they were, during the casting process.”
He added, “And how do you know what my life is? You’re assuming that I’m completely straight. Maybe I am, maybe I’m not. And it’s frankly none of your business. I want my movie to work, and I want the character of John to be effective. So if I didn’t think it was a good idea I wouldn’t do it.”
Falling is currently running in several festivals, having debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
