Last month rumors started that The White Lotus star Theo James would be portraying the legendary gay singer George Michael in his biopic. But the news was not well received by the American singer-songwriter Adam Lambert who shared his views on a straight actor being cast to portray a gay icon in his biopic. Reports claimed that the biopic would focus on the English singer’s career from being one of the members of the music duo Wham! to his solo career.
However, it is yet not confirmed if Theo James has been signed for the project or not. But the Divergent star’s comment, where he said that he would love to portray the music icon, as both of them are “Greek,” was also taken as a hint. Lambert, who earlier seemed against the idea, clarified his objection recently.
Adam Lambert Objected to Theo James Portraying George Michael
The Allegiant star, Theo James, recently joined Andy Cohen on his chat show, Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. During his appearance on the show, a fan asked James if he would like to portray George Michael in his biopic.
He replied by saying, “Yeah, I’d love that. He is an icon. He’s a lot of Greek, and I’m a lot of Greek. Put that Greek together, and you get falafel.” Soon after this, Daily Mail reported that insiders have revealed that George Michael’s biopic script is in the final stages of development, and the producers are looking for an actor to portray the lead in the film.
Sources also claimed that everyone is considering casting Theo James as the lead. However, when Adam Lambert heard the news he did not seem happy with the decision. He reacted to the news, by saying, “Yay another straight man playing a gay icon.”
Although none of the reports confirmed anything, Lambert’s comment was taken as an objection to the alleged casting. However, he explained his comment during his recent appearance on Audible at Sundance.
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Adam Lambert Clarifies His Comment
During his recent appearance on Variety Studio presented by Audible at Sundance, Adam Lambert clarified his comment over Theo James’ alleged casting in George Michael’s biopic. Lambert said that he had no intention of saying that gay characters should be portrayed by gay actors only.
Explaining that he only wants “some equal opportunities” he said. “My actual comment was a straight actor playing a gay icon.” He also mentioned Scoot McNairy’s performance in Fairyland saying that he cannot imagine anyone else portraying Steve Abbott better than him.
Adam Lambert also expressed his gratitude towards these stories being told. He said, “As a queer person, so many doors have been closed for us for so long. It’s a big step forward that these stories are being told.” However, he is still waiting to see “one gay icon played by a gay actor.”
Soon after the rumors started, George Michael’s family denied the claims saying that there is “no truth whatsoever in this story.” They also released a statement clarifying that they have no knowledge about a biopic and they will also not support it in any way.
Adam Lambert is featured in Andrew Durham’s Fairyland. The film, described as a coming-of-age drama, is based on Alysia Abbott’s memoir and follows Alysia Abbott and her father Steve Abbott’s story. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 20, 2023. There are no updates about the film’s public release yet.
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Source: Variety
