Report: Disney's 'Jungle Cruise' Features Character Coming Out as Gay – but with a Catch

Earlier this year, the Internet erupted in debate when it was reported that a straight actor will play Disney's first openly gay character in an upcoming film called "Jungle Cruise." Now more details about the role are being reported by TMZ, which says the film will feature a key coming out scene "but there's one important step that's missing."

According to the website, actor Jack Whitehall's character McGregor comes out to costar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's character, Franke, but avoids using the word "gay." The news comes from sources who told TMZ about the moment during the film's test screening last week. "Jungle Cruise," based on the Disney theme park ride and set in the past, hits theaters on July 24, 2020.

During the moment, McGregor reportedly has a heart-to-heart with Frank about his love life. McGregor makes it clear he's not into women but explains that his family tried to force him into arranged marriages with a number of women. He reportedly says he doesn't want to marry them and goes on to say that Emily Blunt's character Lily (who plays his sister in the movie) was the only family member to accept him regardless of the "person" he loves, TMZ reports.

There's a possibility the scene won't make the final cut or that a new, perhaps more nuanced scene, will take its place.

"Jungle Cruise" marks the first time Disney will feature an openly gay character. Nevertheless, some LGBTQ fans were upset to learn that Whitehall, who is straight, will be playing the important role.