It looks like DC fans aren't too happy with the way Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) stars Ewan McGregor and Chris Messina responded to questions about their characters' sexuality.
There have long since been rumors that Black Mask and Zsasz would be revealed to be gay in Birds of Prey, however, McGregor and Messina's comments about their characters' sexuality have fans worried that the two may simply be "queerbaiting" the fanbase. This means that the two may simply be teasing fans that their characters are gay only for Black Mask and Victor to end up being straight in the movie.
One of those concerned about potential gay-baiting is Lion King star Billy Eichner. The actor just recently took to Twitter to share McGregor's comments on Variety, putting up the article with an eye roll emoji.
Adding to the thread, Eichner asked McGregor and Messina, to "Honestly just say they're straight. Please. Enough with this have it both ways nonsense. IMAGINE HOW TIRED WE ARE."
A lot of DC fans agreed with Eichner, sharing how frustrated they were with the vagueness of the interview.
In the discussion with Variety, McGregor implies that Black Mask and Victor have a "complicated" relationship when asked about whether the rumors of the two sharing a queer bond with one another were actually true.
"It's very complicated," McGregor told the entertainment news outlet. "Their relationship is very much based…there's a want and a need in there for sure."
"There's like a real love of anarchy," Messina added.
"More than likely, yes," McGregor interjected. Both actors then laughed.
We understand why fans would be concerned about the vagueness of these comments. Queerbaiting has happened in a lot of different movies and series – we would want to avoid that in Birds of Prey, a film said to champion diversity and representation.
What do you think? Have McGregor and Messina been baiting the LBTQ+ community? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Birds of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) is set to premiere on February 7, 2019.
Read: Why Margot Robbie Prioritized Birds of Prey Over Gotham City Sirens
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