Kit Harington Calls Marvel's Lack of Gay Lead Actors Part of a 'Big Problem'

Kit Harington, like many others frustrated with Hollywood's representation problems, is wondering why the hell Marvel hasn't cast a gay actor to lead one of its blockbusters.

The topic was broached during a recent Variety-backed chat at the Toronto International Film Festival with the Game of Thrones star and his The Death and Life of John F. Donovan collaborators Xavier Dolan, Emily Hampshire, and Thandie Newton.

"There's a big problem, I think, with the idea of masculinity and homosexuality that they can't somehow go hand in hand," Harington said during the discussion. "That we can't have someone in a Marvel movie who's gay in real life and plays some super hero. I mean, when is that gonna happen?"

The Death and Life of John F. Donovan, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, marks director Xavier Dolan's first English-language feature. Jessica Chastain was also originally set to appear in the film. Her scenes, however, were ultimately cut for "editorial and narrative" reasons.

"What you need to hear from me is that Jessica Chastain's character, after what was a long period of reflection, had to be cut from the film," Dolan said of the move, which came after the original cut of the film topped four hours in length. "It was an extremely difficult decision to make. I feel, toward Jessica, a very sincere love and a great admiration."

Harington is also joined in Donovan by Natalie Portman, Jacob Tremblay, Susan Sarandon, and Kathy Bates. A wide U.S. release date has not been announced.