Firebird's Tom Prior on queer actors in queer roles and dreams of being James Bond

[@asrinsyahmi5896]

He fulfilling Sergey's wish is just 😭.... IT IS A REALLY BEAUTIFULLY CRAFTED MOVIE,!!

[@2010hotmale2010]

Where did you see it???? I can’t find it online and it’s not in my city

[@kencollinsworth8389]

Prime Vdeo

[@michaelkrupar9808]

Just saw the movie - still processing it. Honestly, I walked out very angry, but that's because I lived the Roman role. That being said, I find it AMAZING and very movie that Tom was able to know the real person Sergey and was able to attend his funeral. You did live up to your pledge.

[@kritikaarora9938]

He attended his funeral when?? Can u tell me somewhere I want to know the full story plzz 😭😭😂

[@anitamihholap5926]

@@kritikaarora9938 Tom and Peeter (the director) met with real Sergey and talked with him for a few days, getting to know him and his story. That was in 2016 and Sergey died soon afterwards, so they attended his funeral and wake.

[@CBAKER637]

Tom Prior couldn’t have done a better job portraying his character. Firebird is one of the best movies I’ve ever seen. I cried so hard bc of how believable and relatable his performance was. Much love and respect for you, Tom Prior. ❤

[@luxusken05]

He did such an amazing job with the Character. He certainly deserved the part.

[@harryreeves9110]

I watched Firebird 3 times. I think there’s no one can play Sergey except Tom. He just .. the best !

[@Forge17]

We want more gay actors playing gay lead roles, but we certainly don’t want straight actors banned from the opportunity. It would be shooting ourselves in the foot, effectively reducing the number of inclusive films being produced. Ideally, Gay men who could convincingly play a straight lead role would be cast, but we all know that isn’t the case even in 2022. The process has always been discriminatory.

[@vokdmso9898]

isnt the bridgerton (or whatever it is called) dude a gay actor playing a straight man? As long as the person is competent and can do justice to the role, idc about the actor's sexuality

[@Forge17]

@@vokdmso9898 I don’t watch the show, which guy are you talking about?

[@vokdmso9898]

@@Forge17 jonathan bailey

[@forget3817]

Many gay actors have convincingly played a straight lead role. I think what you're trying to say is "Ideally, out gay men who could convincingly play a straight lead role ..." but even that's not in question. A good actor is a good actor. Casting depends on producer/public acceptance, not the gay actor's ability.

[@hummingbirdcity]

I absolutely agree that exclusion is not the path to equality.

[@user-jg3mm8nv6q]

hello everyone, I am a Russian guy who fell in love with Tom's work, he is an amazing person, he got so deeply into his role, in the film firebird, God, it hurts that this story is based on real events, it hurts so much, the author of the novel Sergey Fetisov carried his love through the years, and Tom managed to meet him...I listened to his story, it's so professional, I love the film and everyone who created this film, if anyone is interested, I have this novel in Russian, but there will be an English version soon, write!

[@lealessandro7416]

I have post movie depression after watching this movie. Bursting into tears when I knew this based on a real story

[@williambleeker7214]

I saw this film a week ago and I still can’t stop thinking about it. Congratulations to the two leads. A stunning film. And it’s clear audiences have fallen in love with the pair of you.

[@chetanvinayak6799]

Hi my name is chetan from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 yes certainly congratulations 🎉 to them both such a cute couple I am gay too

[@lliamjurdom9505]

I just loved this film ... finally got a hold of it ... cheers Tom

[@sdust251977]

Where did you watch it? I've been looking for it with no luck

[@were-all-human9427]

its on UK Prime now, still wondering did he take his own life while flying, unable to live is twin life anymore

[@leonardjones7430]

Just watched this amazing film with my husband of 41 years and relating to livingin the shadows so to speak for a number of those years. The story is told so well and the actors all did an amazing job of bringing their characters to life. Thank you for doing the story so well.

[@md28stads]

I didn't know he also co-wrote and produced this movie. Now I'm even more impressed. It was a very good movie! I think he honoured Sergei and I loved that the movie had queer actors since it added that extra element of truthfulness to the acting although I agree with what he is saying about the ability to play a character.

[@NateCooper95]

Are both leads queer? I'm so used to the leads being straight that I just assumed I guess

[@kseniabrvch9815]

@@NateCooper95 Oleg (another lead actor) is straight

[@davidmernick7360]

@@NateCooper95 Tom is, no idea about Oleg (LGBT rights in Ukraine still aren't exactly the greatest compared to the West).

[@MK-uw8qt]

The issue is that there are few gay actors that get cast to play straight roles, and those that are cast it is with barely any recognition. However, when straight actors get casted in LGBTQ roles, it's for big budget movies and they're getting recognition and awards. For example these straight guys were in award winning and/or big budget films playing LGBTQ characters, Jake and Heath Ledger in Brokeback mountain, Sean Penn in Milk, Trevante Rhodes and Ashton Sanders in Moonlight, Mahershala Ali in Green Book, Armie Hammer and Timothee in Call me By your Name, Rami Maleck in Queen, Taron Egerton playing Elton John in Rocketman, Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club, Eddie Redmayne in the Danish Girl, Benedict Cumberbatch in the Imitation Game, Christopher Plummer in Beginners, Viola Davis in Ma Rainey, and much much much more!! Obviously there's not even one main openly gay movie star in a leading role let alone very very few openly gay people winning awards and getting recognition.

[@arfski]

Oh I don't know, Ben Whishaw in many a film from Bond to Disney, Zacchary Quinto, Mat Boomer, Cheyenne Jackson, Neil Patrick Harris etc. Just off the top of my head. Whilst I'm all for gay characters being played by gay actors, that's dangerous area to be in that may well backfire. Should actors feel more comfortable in saying that they are gay? Yes, of course they should, and they should feel comfortable in doing so too. We're still hearing the stories of actors being told to play it straight by their management, like Colton Haynes and often gay management at that, but on the flip side there are also young actors such Connor Jessup, out and playing straight roles. As to an openly gay giant of acting winning awards, Sir Ian McKellen may want to have a word. Is the Hollywood world doing fine? No, of course not, but it's also not the same place as it was 20 years ago when it comes to gay actors, I don't think that Rupert Everett would have has as much difficulty with his career today as an openly gay actor his entire career, as he did in the mid 80s. To sum up, there has been much progress, don't diminish that with easy soundbites that decry the leaps that have been made.

[@JeffreyMarks]

@@arfski There are no equivalents. Except for Sir Ian, most of the actors you mention play minor roles on blockbusters (Wishaw gets 2 minutes in a Bond movie) or play on TV. There are no openly gay action stars. There are no gay rom-com stars. They just don't exist. Until such time as the opportunities are equal, then queer roles should go to queer actors. Plus 80+ straight people have received award noms for playing gay, less than 10 gay people have been nominated for gay roles. Is it that straight people know how to portray a gay person better than a gay person does--or is it a reinforcement of straight actors over gay actors? Additionally, straight actors who use anti-gay slurs (such as Matt Damon, etc) have no place in playing a queer role. It's an insult to the entire community.

[@lovemyself6441]

Don't forget actors job is to act. By casting an actor on the basis of sexual orientation is not justified. First they are actors then they are gay or straight. I don't think we shouldn't give role on the basis of who they sleep with but on the basis of their work.

[@JeffreyMarks]

@@lovemyself6441 If you think orientation is just who we sleep with, then this conversation is over. You clearly don't get it. And if you read my comments, I was addressing inequality in Hollywood, which is a huge issue. However, I notice you don't even bother to mention that.

[@cw7536]

@@arfski You can't really believe that this is an accurate comparison. And how many MAJOR roles have any of those actors had since they starred in these "big budget" films you are referring to?

[@heyescusemee3954]

He did an amazing job ❤️. I watched it last night and I still can't get it out of my head. I'm gonna recommend it to my friends.

[@C5Cse7en]

Watched Firebird last night and it was a beautiful and very moving picture. Tom Prior was excellent, rest of the cast was excellent as well. Reminded me of my military days (not nearly as long ago). Would love to see him as 007.😎

[@jason4real]

a beautiful yet sad story. Both the leading actors are handsome as hell, and I love Tom even more after watching this interview, those puppy eyes!

[@were-all-human9427]

.. just had to pop over to that magazine web to see Tom in that photo shoot.... yep, Im that shallow !. Amazing movie, as is 1985 and that handsome lead.... so Tom has a boyfriend... there's and Insta to follow

[@Britishladstuff]

Hollywood please cast this angel for your future projects 😭. I still can't get over him as sergey in firebird. That's how great actor he is

[@ybehravan8268]

Even without having watched the firebird.... I feel sad Because of the story and atmosphere of movie and especially about the untold stories and the lives of so many lgbtq+ people who are fighting to get their rights.. and they are behind closed doors and living a life which is hard just because you live with a society or situation that doesn't accept who you are😔🏳️🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@Kraftymark]

I love Tom Prior. He is stunning.

[@pp_vi_iv_]

He is such an amazing actor and I am waiting to see more of his work in the future!!!!

[@user-cq9vb4br3w]

Tom Prior is a uniquely exceptional youngman. Admire his courage, passion, and his artistic vision, especially with the Firebird film project. He's clearly grasped the fact that stories well-told can change the world. Audience understandability from a film's actors is paramount, with accents only imparting the flavor of another language or nationality. Anything more gets in the way. Doesn't hurt a bit that Tom's also HAF. Moves his mouth in the most seductive manner when speaking which by itself puts him in a rare actor category. And then all the devotion to developing his body's shape and definition (It ain't easy!) proves just how committed he is to his professional career. Directors and producers take note: Lots of us want to see more of Tom Prior in major film projects. Do not typecast this charismatic actor or limit him by sexual definitions. Several major hits come to mind where Tom would've made a stunningly better casting choice for the lead than who was selected and merely "phoned it in."

[@devils2727]

I just watched Firebird last night. That was an amazing story. Thank you for bringing this story to light. Tom I definitely think you could be the next James Bond. That would be a great role for you. Congratulations again on Firebird a movie that was very entertaining. Best of luck to you Tom😁

[@LETMEINGUYS]

I watched this movie last night. It's so good. Love from Houston,Tx.

[@blakej1892]

In an “ideal world”, the best actor for the role gets the part, independent of sexuality. However, we ain’t living in that “ideal world”. The vast majority of roles (disproportionately so) are still straight characters, and those are going disproportionately to straight (or closeted) actors. Plus now it seems the majority of non-hetero roles are going to straight actors too… and more often than not, they aren’t bringing anything particularly good to the roles. So out actors are being excluded from almost all of the straight roles, and are frequently getting passed over for the non-hetero roles now too. There are exceptions obviously, i.e. straight actors who did fantastic jobs as gay characters, as well as some out actors are getting moderate level of mainstream success, but still very much a rarity.

[@skurinski]

"The vast majority of roles (disproportionately so) are still straight characters, and those are going disproportionately to straight (or closeted) actors" Well duh. 98% of the world is straight. Stop being an idiot

[@DariusMG]

This is according to whom? Whose ideal is this?

[@djvanzyl4218]

This was such a great movie ! Well done to Tom and team !!

[@bonkimra_sg240]

I cried watching this movie. 🥺

[@Jazz41173]

Um, he has a great body. And then there is 6:17, Wow. Is it the angle or something? If not, Damn.

[@lailpa]

I think it’s his hand in his pocket lol

[@vikrantkulkarni1241]

love your observation.

[@rajamishra5775]

The movie is beautiful and it touched me in ways i can't quite express

[@suunflower286]

this movie was one of my absolute favorite ones ever. i wish we got a happy end but ofc it wouldn't really be true 😭😭

[@lynnaandrea6931]

So much of 'life' is our personal experience and all those external stories that give us hope,sadness, truth etc.....other peoples experiences are essential for human change......excited to read the ops of My Policeman.....another sad truth!!

[@suunflower286]

@@lynnaandrea6931 oh god my policeman is sooo good. can't wait for the movie 🥺

[@lynnaandrea6931]

@@suunflower286 The book, the actors and directors team, the story and the significance of that relationship/ the reaction will be delightfully unpredictable but I think, already known💚💛

[@garymcghee2249]

Really good film and a very unusual setting for a Gay story. Tom did a really good job, as did the whole cast. My partner had to leave the Navy because he was Gay and called Firebird 'superb'. Nuff said. Highly recommended. x

[@MikeGill87]

I had no idea he was involved in writing the screenplay as well. So handsome and intelligent...

[@ethanhendricks32]

This show is mindly boggling good, god I was sad and happy that you'll reflected his life so through.

[@singstreetcar5881]

He is amazing in fire bird. So emotive. He is gonna be huge in some few years. Timothee chalamet watch ur back

[@bradbradley2607]

Congratulations to a well crafted movie and the two leading men and their roles. Bravo, Cheers, Brad

[@Leftatalbuquerque]

Whatever role he gets next, it would be great to have Julia Roberts cast as his mother. They look alike. Or Kyra Sedgwick, as she has already been cast as Julia's sister in the past.

[@juliaalyssandra373]

I don't really think he looks like Julia Roberts nor do I think she's old enough to play his mother however I think it's a great idea to have them in the same movie.

[@haydencooper_]

@@juliaalyssandra373 he's 31, she's 54. She's old enough.

[@paulosalavea2215]

A beautiful film. Story is so real

[@tiagocastao]

I watched the movie today and loved it so much! The entire cast and production are fantastic. Tom is handsome and very charismatic. My greetings from Brazil.

[@randolphpastoriza]

YOU TOM as James Bond? IT IS A YES FOR ME TOM

[@benmorris2135]

Hi Tom. I am a gay follower of your from Australia. You are so handsome. And adorable

[@misorixious]

What a beautiful interview!

[@gsgarciag]

Tom and Oleg Zagorodnii did a great job. The feelings that Sergey and Roman had for each other, and their passion were so palpable. Although a very similar story to My Policeman, I thought Firebird came together better, and Sergey & Roman's relationship seemed much warmer and loving than that of Patrick & Tom.

[@camara1194]

I loved this movie. He did a fantastic job. I agree with him. The part should go to someone who is the best part and is very believable to the audience and conveying authenticity. Very well said. After watching the movie and this interview, I’m a fan!

[@venkatanithish7757]

There are 2-things for which I cried a lot after watching & knowing the film 1.)Roman died & didn't end up with Sergey 2.) Real Sergey died before even watching his love story on the Bigscreen 🥺🥺😭😭 I cried for a whole day after watching this film

[@remyazharyyosef1811]

He looks like the British Neil Patrick Harris, doesn't he?

[@nunyabiznes33]

He remind me of Willem Dafoe

[@UNSAMU3L]

Tom needs to be casted more! He was so good in this movie😭

[@rabbitgoddessweloveu175]

love him and his faithful portrayal of sergey

[@theonesillyboy]

completely agreed with his point. one does not need to be gay to play a gay character. sexuality is a spectrum and only one of the parts that make us whole. actor's job is to act, it's not tricky, it's in the name of the profession itself. what next? to play person without a limb only someone without one can do? what if one loses limb halfway through the movie? cut the actors hand off? I'd much rather had a great straight actor play a gay character brilliantly, than suffer a shitty performance from an actual gay actor who cannot give justice to the story. that includes trans characters too, especially when the story portrays their life before and after transition. also, people's sexualities may evolve with time and someone who identifies one way may then identify in another way. movies are not documentaries. be happy that gay people get so much representation in film/television nowadays and push for even more gay characters to be included. I remember how it was growing up in the nineties when I had to look far and wide to get to watch any movie with characters I can relate to

[@theonesillyboy]

​@Narrated Artzy because lately some say and there are many comments here that gay roles should go to gay people, which is stupid

[@Gobsmack100]

We enjoyed it -- gorgeous men, touching story.

[@songsmith31a]

An actor is employed to play a role and promote his work as positively as possible. Tom Prior exudes a quiet level-headed attitude to a profession which is often too "precious" about its job and he manages to retain an attractive polite demeanour throughout. In short , he appears to be a sane sensible and thoughful young guy in a precarious profession. I wish him well, and, to borrow a term from my horseracing interest, will sign off with "Be lucky!".

[@jeanfranco5414]

I just watched the movie and i was in tears! 👏🏼 loved it 🤍

[@nunyabiznes33]

Just watched it. They all did a great job.

[@HawthorneHillNaturePreserve]

I love intelligent thoughtful actors.

[@Akialko]

What a beautiful movie and some great acting❤

[@MK-uw8qt]

@theonesillyboy people aren't saying only a member in a minority group should portray that member in the same minority group. People are asking for diversity and inclusion of LGBTQIA+ actors in leading roles, and if straight people can play gay people, why isn't there openly gay actors playing straight roles? It's inequality in the film industry that you're ignoring.

[@Holywayn3]

Mindhunter (2017-2019) main character (straight) was played by Jonathan groff who's gay irl tho.

[@MK-uw8qt]

@@Holywayn3 that's 1 out of how many? and did you bother to look to see how many straight guys are playing gay roles and how many of those straight guys playing gay roles are met with critical acclaim and awards?

[@Holywayn3]

@@MK-uw8qt "and did you bother to look to see how many straight guys are playing gay roles" nope, they're doing their job as an actor. Acting.

[@MK-uw8qt]

@@Holywayn3 The point I made in many posts is that there's overwhelmingly more straight guys playing gay characters, than gay guys playing straight characters. Not only that, but the straight guys who play gay characters are in films with big budgets, and they are met with critical acclaim, awards and it excels their acting career when gay people, many of whom, are denied the same opportunities.

[@Holywayn3]

@@MK-uw8qt that a sad fact, i agree...but keep in mind that gays are only 3% of the whole population. so the chances are pretty low. but there are plenty gay folks who play straight such as Sir Ian mcK, Sarah Paulson, Finn Argus, Brian J. Smith and we don't know how many more who probably still in the closet. in the past gay actors used to be told by the agencies to hide their sexuality, and now they can openly expresses it, it's a slow progress but we're getting there... sorry for my bad English, it's not my native language.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Tom speaks very beautifully, on many levels.

[@jraven4263]

Interesting. BUT WHERE CAN I WATCH (from my home) the whole film? I am in California

[@jacobisaaclabrador2211]

Tom Prior was born to play the role, well acting and beautifully directed.

[@renatogombia4567]

Si ho visto il film Firebird , intenso profondo , ti entra nella pelle tanta è l ' intensità del racconto , anzi della reale storia raccontata . Merita di essere diffuso in tutto il mondo , affinchè certe ingiustizie cessino , affettività raccontata con garbo , aspetto sessuale trattato con molto garbo . Complimenti a tutta la produzione ed agli interpreti per l coraggio di trattare un argomento che parla di affettività . Unico neo è che non ho potuto avere la traduzione in ITALIANO vabbè le intense mmagini parlano da sole ......

[@archraskal]

In the nicest way possible, he's saying that the sexual orientation of an acfor isn't necessary for the selection and successful playing of a gay role. Most of what it takes to present a gay person is the actor's talent. Personal experience isn't enough to go on. I couldn't agree more.

[@marcwilliams7341]

Beautiful movie, loved it. Well done! 👌👌

[@Britishladstuff]

Gosh I love him

[@bryan.h.wildenthal]

Kudos to Tom Prior for opposing the idea of restricting acting roles according to sexual identity. As a gay man myself, I'm so proud to see him as an out gay actor, and of course he has played gay roles magnificently (as in "Firebird"). But no role should be off-limits to any actor who has the skill and commitment to play it. For example, is his "Firebird" costar who plays his male love interest (in a powerfully convincing way), Oleg Zagorodnii, gay, straight, bi, pan, etc? I have no idea. I think it's irrelevant. It would backfire disastrously for LGBT people to start advocating discriminatory exclusion of straight actors from LGBT roles. Of course it's true there is a problem with limited opportunities for out gay actors. But you can't solve that problem by backsliding into discrimination against straight actors! Two wrongs don't make a right! The solution is to overcome discrimination and cast actors (of whatever gender or identity) according to acting ability and commitment. And by the way, don't we want actors with big star power to be cast in LGBT stories so they get more viewers and attention? If that means casting a famous straight movie star in a gay story, I'm all for it! Of course we want more famous out gay movie stars too, and Tom Prior is well on his way to being one! There are others too, Zachary Quinto, Ben Whishaw, Sir Ian McKellen, etc. More power to them all!

[@abacus912]

sergey is sir gay - i get it now.

[@peterestrella2627]

This deserves more 👍🏽

[@lucieneginsy]

lmao the moment the movie started and the names were introduced, i knew

[@Anna-sh5fj]

Sergey and Roman,bravi bravi bravi!Splendido film!

[@bjornpalenius2144]

Charming and intelligent as well as a great actor!

[@DentalTech1000]

No matter how beautifully made I refuse to watch gay themed films with unhappy endings. There are too many of those, way too many. Enough! So I do my research before I invest my time, and all I know is that "The final moments of the film... Roman (after his unfortunate fate)." So I'm not watching Firebird. Make movies with happy endings please.

[@viicius3980]

I understand what you say and I don't really like movies with sad endings either, but this movie is so good you should give it a go, sometimes it's good to feel other people's sadness and suffering

[@nondescript2892]

Although I totally understand your viewpoint and to a degree I share it this story is what it is and it's hard to give this film a happy ending if it in reality didn't end with love ever after..may I suggest you give it a try as it is a true labour of love made by queer people who truly understand the sensibilities and moreover it is beautifully filmed ,doesn't have the cheap indie look or amateur acting ...and if you want eye candy ..well yea thats there too 😉

[@123page5]

Same

[@Skinniest_Kween]

I understand what you're saying, but you should give this one a chance, it's heartbreaking but it's beautiful.

[@TWINS10984]

SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL .LOVE STORY PERIOD , BE IT STRAIGHT / GAY .LOVE IS LOVE TASTEFULLY EXECUTED !!! LOVE THIS FLICK !💖💖💗💗💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@vjpaddy2010]

Does anyone know where I can find the book "a tale about Roman"? I cannot find it anywhere.

[@jowah360]

..are you sure that is the title? tried looking..it's not at my public library...

[@lucieneginsy]

@@jowah360 it has Russian title

[@were-all-human9427]

EVERYONE if you loved Firebird.. catch 1985 that movie will make you cry, the lead is queer too, kudos to him a time and friends we must never forget

[@kimbridge5592]

He is such a nice guy. And agree who ever can do the role best should get it. I find some stay actors can really pull off an intense gay role. There are some great actors out there. He is one.

[@mensabs]

what a lovely young man! i look forward to seeing FIREBIRD!

[@were-all-human9427]

its on Prime in UK now

[@carltz1523]

It was a great movie! Sad but loved it😍

[@wheelyjon]

Just saying that Tom prior would make a wonderful warlock in the Marvel movies I mean come on Widnes just got the look of Billy

[@Hugo-G]

I agree. Whoever can play the character as believable as possible should get the role. Do I think there needs to be more recognition and opportunities of lead roles for queer actors? Yes, absolutely. But then the push should be to actually support the queer actors who are talented and can fit those roles, without gatekeeping or telling straight actors they can't accept roles they might be right for. Lets push up, not push down to get queer actors on the big screen. It might be more important to pressure Hollywood to hire more queer writers. Having queer writers write queer stories is where you'll be able to find that authenticity, and wiser casting decisions.

[@lynnaandrea6931]

I get nervous when Hollywood has anything to do with making film.......the UK film and TV industry is more grounded and nuanced in using queer scriptwriters/directors/actors within the industry, portraying all our human stories, straight, queer or fluid characters that we all are

[@eduardomerino8098]

Omg I would love to be the Bond girl to his James Bond😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍

[@user-fg4or3kg7w]

Такие зайки я вас обожаю Том и Олег ❤

[@MrHeinrich8]

a captivating piece of art

[@msem6136]

A gay James Bond... ....mmmm, I'd like to see that! 👍👍

[@MK-uw8qt]

@arfski I agree with your final point. Of course there's much progress, but that was not the point I was making. I didn't say things are still as bad as it was 20 years ago, I mentioned the inequality it is with casting between openly LGBTQ actors and their straight counterparts. Ben Whishaw, Zacchary Quinto, Matt Boomer, Cheyenne Jackson, and Neil Patrick Harris did not get widespread recognition, award nominations and some weren't even in blockbuster movies compared to the straight people I mentioned in my initial thread. For every gay person you can state that's playing a straight role, I can mention twice as many straight people playing LGBTQ roles and receiving much more praise, recognition and popularity for being casted in highly coveted roles. That's the point I think you're missing. The last openly gay male to win or even be nominated for an Oscar was Kevin Spacey in the 90s (and he didn't come out until he was accused of sexual misconduct), the last straight person to win an Oscar for playing a GAY character was Rami Maleck in 2018. The trajectory of this is overwhelmingly benefitting more straight actors for portraying LGBTQ characters compared to LGBTQ actors playing straight characters. Connor Jessup is NOT well known at all, and that's the point. I actually go out of my way to atleast follow every openly gay actor who is trying to work in the industry, and provide support to them and didn't even know who Connor was. Because Connor Jessup is a not well-known openly gay actor, gay characters and stories that can push him into stardom are being given to straight actors. Ian McKellan hasn't received any acting nomination since 2001, and even then it was for a SUPPORTING role! The part you're missing is for every straight leading actor like Tom Hanks, Andra Day, Viola Davis, Melissa McCarthy, Glen Close, Jake Gillenhaal, Rami Malek, Sean Penn, Heath Ledger, Mahershala Ali, Antonio Banderas, Benedict Cumberbatch, Armie Hamer, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Russell Crowe, Eddie Redmayne there's not a single openly gay, hollywood a-lister leading actor in the same status as the aforementioned straight people playing LGBTQ characters. Imagine if Brokeback Mountain was played by an excellent openly gay person actor, and what that could've done for their career. Again, I think we've made progress, yes, we both can agree on that, but we still have ALOT of work to do for equality.

[@mcmanpa]

@M K I think this conversation is too focused on American films & tv; there's a wider world out there beyond the casting hesitancy of US producers. Who gives a flying espadrille about whether the lead in a blockbuster is straight or gay? If only recognition was solved by such a single notion. Here's two contrasting examples elsewhere in the world outside the American bubble. First, Canadian actor-director Xavier Dolan plays gay characters in (I'm pretty confident) every film of his in which he appears. (He has made 8 films, 5 of which have won at Cannes.) And second, (hopefully this is not news to the American LGBTQIA YT audience), there is an amazing revolution in BL series - now 10 years in expansion - from Thailand, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam & the Philippines. The quality varies from the amateurish to the top rank professional, but what’s significant is that it is gay stories that are being told. And, yet, surprise, less than half the actors (by my reckoning) playing the leads are gay. The point is: detach the sexuality of the actor from the character he is playing; it is not important. It is the story that is being told - is it our lives shown accurately with empathy? or is this search for gay actors in lead roles a new form of affirmative action?

[@MK-uw8qt]

@@mcmanpa mcmanpa those who are struggling with their own sexuality, or even closeted LGBTQ actors would care if the lead in a blockbuster is gay or straight. Your mind is extremely narrow to only focus on diversity in storytelling, but not diversity within acting. You're also missing the point that I've made clear that straight actors are tremendously overrepresented and receive alot of praise from playing gay roles, whereas the opposite is not true. People probably buy into your narrative that gay people can be represented just as long as it's straight actors portraying them. You also ignore the fact that it's incredible when gay actors can tell their OWN stories. You're ignoring the fact that people are still struggling with their sexuality, representation, and diversity in casting makes a world of difference, especially for the LGBTQ community which is often underrepresented even when playing roles about LGBTQ characters.

[@mcmanpa]

@@MK-uw8qt So you claim “(my) mind is extremely narrow”. Thanks for that. As a proud out gay man, allow me to respond to you my brethren: I suspect you may be one of those “struggling with their own sexuality”. My experience allows me to say: it will get better. You may hope that by the example of others (i.e. gay actors getting lead roles in blockbusters AND oscar awards for their performances) this will hasten your own self-acceptance and pride. Again, my experience encourages me to say to you: it is within yourself that this needs most nurturing and encouraging. Role models are great (but do remember, they have their own lives to lead), but you need and must live your own life, not vicariously through them, and find your own solid ground of self-belief and self-worth to stand on. Do not confuse the broader issue of general community acceptance (a long gradual process of social change) with your own personal journey. We are all individual parts of the change we wish to achieve. There are some who can sense weakness & uncertainty. But if those in the world around you see you as a confident gay person persevering and striving to be who you want to be, they will notice and adapt to you. You are a bigger force than perhaps you realise. I wish you well.

[@MK-uw8qt]

@@mcmanpa thanks for the wonderful and kind message!! However, my argument isn't about me exclusively, it's about justice and equality for everyone and I am explaining the relevance of why it is important to not only have diversity in storytelling, but directing in casting as well. It's just a fact that there has not been many openly gay actors receiving Oscars, leading in block buster movies, or are A-List celebs. However, many straight actors play gay characters and receive critical acclaim for their acting, but many, if not all, openly gay actors do not get the same opportunities. For example, name an openly gay leading actor or actress starring in films. It's relevant because representation, diversity, and inclusion matters.

[@mcmanpa]

@@MK-uw8qt I’m afraid I can’t come with you on this topic. My career has been wholly in film & tv. One of my first gigs was as an Assistant Director on an independent film where the leads were played by two great gay thespians of the stage, To see them just feet away from me perform a dramatic scene to camera in front of a small film crew on location inside the dust and squalor of a derelict downtown apartment building was for me a transformative experience. Film is a collaborative art form, probably the most collaborative of all of them, and inside that collaboration, the actor’s craft is to inhabit a character and tell a story, not represent a minority. I could not denigrate a straight actor who brilliantly portrayed a gay character any more than I could prefer a gay actor get the gig to play a gay character solely because they’re gay. Your wish that there be more out gay actors and that they get leading roles is admirable, but do you feel the same way about engineers, or metallurgists, or professors of nursing? From my experience, gay actors are not under-represented in the industry; on the contrary, it is one of the fields of work that attracts some of the most creative and talented of our community. You may not know who all of them are, but I think it’s more important they be allowed to practise their craft rather than that they be banner-carriers for diversity & Inclusion.

[@keltus_warrior6491]

Bond & Bourne! You hooked me! 🤩 I am reminded of DADT here in the U.S. Did not achieve a damned thing except for making "Suspected" gays more as targets. Russia's intractable position on gays can be violent and brutal. Yet, I often how many Russians are in fact gay without the words? Some male Russian models are the most stunning in the world.

[@mj_briggs]

I can see him as Iceman from the X-men

[@123page5]

Yep that's him

[@netemilionet15]

OMG the content I need

[@skavalon139]

I wish the movie hadn’t ended similarly to BrokeBack Mountain. I mean he was a fighter pilot and it would make sense but it all just seemed predictable. It definitely hurt the film. But who am I to complain when I was devastated still! 😂

[@matinacummings3781]

Fabulous and very touching film.

[@xiuminbaozi4981]

He is so cute ❤️😭

[@CountryCowboy008]

I was shipping him and Oleg (Roman in Firebird) in real life….only to find out that they don’t even follow each other on IG 😢

[@raneypage]

where can we watched the full movie?

[@bluebeazley1390]

At last,the truth! I love it!!

[@angginatamaharahap1363]

I love this movie and look soo beautiful... but i'm sad, cause I can't get the full thes movie on Utube.. 😌

[@thomascapelotar8235]

Do you guys know where I could watch this film?!

[@pietroperezplata2829]

Video descargado en formato MP4 en la laptop Lilly, hoy sábado 30 de diciembre, 2023.

[@alesh2275]

How can we watch/stream the movie?

[@tukni09]

I cant find where to watch it?

[@Tristinfate]

OMG! That chest!!!! I fainted and when I came to the video was over I had to find it again!

[@craigharvey-gurr337]

I can picture him as James Bond one day.

[@saraloha4627]

I cannot resist big chest, and his playful smile!

[@sugarylime]

Handful of actors are the real gay icon. They are fluidity in it's true essence.

[@juancarlos9592]

You would be a great James Bond

[@Leomerya12]

1:27 I'm sure you affected and touched many people in your life. And they liked it. Facts are facts. Probably.

[@vijayk1167]

Beautifully crafted movie.