Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor will bring another story of gay romance onto the screen in Oliver Hermanus’ The History of Sound. The plot will see two men embark on a journey to record the music and voices of their countrymen during the First World War.
While fans campaign for LGBTQ representation in Hollywood movies, many felt conflicted about the onslaught of gay movies being portrayed by straight male actors.
Fans Expressed Differing Opinions Over Paul Mescal’s New Gay Role
Oliver Hermanus expressed his love for Ben Shattuck’s novel, the material on which The History of Sound is based, via Variety. The director also professed his admiration towards Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, who will be playing Lionel and David, respectively.
“Paul and Josh are two of the most promising actors of their generation who will share with us deeply soulful performances. This is an unexpected love story that needs to be told.”
The film will not only showcase the traditional music of America but also the progress in the relationship between the lead characters.
“It is a journey through the life of America, across the 20th century and the traditions of American folk music, all seen through the bond between two men immersed in the history of sound.”
This announcement was, of course, met with divided reactions from fans. While many felt excited to see a gripping gay romance on the big screen, there are some who opposed the casting of Mescal and O’Connor. Check out their comments below:
I love that queer stories are being told more frequently and these actors are great, not a knock on them, but jesus Christ, is Hollywood so averse to finding a single queer actor to play in a queer role? Y'all paid dust to Bros so they decided straight men for queer roles only.
— Unserious 🏳️🌈🇮🇳 (@IdkUnserious) February 28, 2024
Tired of these straight men being gay for pay
— Tor Brine (@scorpianwings) February 28, 2024
Why can't they find gay men who are actually gay for such role and leave straight men who just do it for the pay?
— RR 🇬🇭 kwame (@Asoegwu_) February 28, 2024
Oh we love to see Paul in gay movies
— Tom (@Tindaa96) February 28, 2024
As a queer person that’s been every letter in our community’s acronym, I don’t mind straight people playing queer roles. I just wish queer people were respected to take on straight roles to the same degree. Everyone should be able to play everything.
— Nah Son (@NahSonGross) February 28, 2024
So excited can't wait for this masterpiece
— Tam Mayz💖❤️🔥💌 (@abel_carol38979) February 28, 2024
The opinion of the majority of those who questioned the casting boils down to the fact that the studio could have hired authentic gay actors but they chose to cast straight men just because they are in demand today.
Paul Mescal Has No Qualms About Playing Gay Roles
Paul Mescal previously defended his casting on gay roles via Sky News and claimed that it’s usually not just another gay romance. It is a story of love between two people irrespective of their s*xuality.
“Historically, when there’s been performances that have been deemed offensive, it’s when actors or storytellers are attempting to play a s*xuality. And I oftentimes think that one of the least interesting parts of these characters is their s*xuality. They contain so much more than just that, and that’s what I like to find in this story, not just as a queer love story, but as a love story in general.”
The actor noted that the material also contributes to the authenticity of the portrayal and that there are queer people behind the project who knew the experience and could easily translate them onto paper.
Both Mescal and Josh O’Connor are no strangers to gay roles. Fans would remember the former starred in Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers, while the latter’s breakout role was in Francis Lee’s God’s Own Country.
Production was originally slated to commence last 2022, though an update from Twitter claimed it has made progress this month. There is currently no fixed release date. as of yet.
