Let’s be real, you can’t get much more masculine than “Game of Thrones” character Jon Snow. The hero walks around frigid conditions with layers upon layers of dead animal skin and fur, ordering men around, carrying a sword (roughly his same size), and killing legions of undead. If that’s not the dictionary definition of “manly,” then we don’t know what is. So, when the actor that portrays this highly-regarded figure of masculinity criticizes the way society views these characters (and the people in the roles), we should probably listen, right?
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In a new interview with Variety, actor Kit Harrington discusses the problem of masculinity and homosexuality, more specifically why it’s wrong that society feels the two traits can’t co-exist in how people are perceived. And to drive that point home, he namechecks the biggest franchise around, the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
“There’s a big problem with masculinity and homosexuality that they can’t somehow go hand in hand,” Harington said. “That we can’t have someone in a Marvel movie who’s gay in real life and plays some superhero. I mean, when is that going to happen?”
To date, there is no actor, openly a member of the LGBTQ community, in a leading role in a Marvel Studios film, and Harrington believes this should change, as a signal that members of the gay community can be viewed as just as masculine as the various Chris’ (Hemsworth, Evans, Pratt).
In response, his “The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” co-star Thandie Newton agrees and gives an example of how she believes the world is changing. She brings up the way that more and more professional athletes are coming out and embracing their sexuality.
“It is changing, but we have to get behind those changes and keep pushing it,” Newton said.
“The Death and Life of John F. Donovan” just premiered at TIFF and Harrington will next be seen in the highly-anticipated final season of ‘Thrones,’ where fans are anxiously awaiting the ultimate fate of his heroic Jon Snow.
Check out all our coverage from the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival here.