Josh O’Connor has admitted he has “mixed feelings” about playing gay characters despite having starred in two gay roles.
The actor, 34, reflected on his role in the 2017 film God’s Own Country, in which his character Johnny falls in love with a Romanian migrant worker.
He will next star in the upcoming romantic drama, The History of Sound, alongside Paul Mescal.
In the film, Lionel (Paul) and David (Josh), who meet at music school, embark on a project to record the lives, voices and music of their friends and compatriots, and in the process forge a forbidden bond. .
Josh said he found the controversy surrounding straight actors playing gay characters “difficult” and explained how he chooses his roles based on “every aspect” of the character.
Josh O’Connor has admitted he has “mixed feelings” about playing gay characters despite starring in two gay roles (pictured in May).
Yesreaching its peak vanity fair, josh said: ‘It’s a really difficult topic. The truth is that in the end I will read a script and what affects me, affects me.
The actor explained that The History Of Sound was also about pain, companionship and music, as well as love.
While his role is God’s Own Country, he told the story of ‘someone who was incapable of loving and being loved.’
He added: “A character’s sexuality, their background, where they grew up, their dynamic with their family, these are all aspects of any character, and that’s why I take them as seriously as I would any other aspect.
‘But to be completely honest, I’m not 100% sure how I feel about it. I think I have mixed feelings.
The biggest stars of 2025 have gathered for the Hollywood edition of Vanity Fair.
A dozen of the industry’s biggest names appeared in force on the 31st cover and gave insight into how they have become industry pioneers.
Zendaya, Nicole Kidman and Sydney Sweeney lead Hollywood royalty and show off their incredible style in designer outfits for the captivating photoshoot.
They join the likes of Josh, Glen Powell, Zoe Saldana, Dev Patel, Danielle Deadwyler, Jonathan Bailey, Lisa, Ncuti Gatwa and Bill Skarsgard.
The actor, 34, reflected on his role in the 2017 film God’s Own Country, in which his character Johnny falls in love with a Romanian migrant worker.
Next he will star in the upcoming romantic drama, The History of Sound, alongside Paul Mescal (pictured) as two men who forge a forbidden bond.
Speaking to Vanity Fair, Josh said: ‘It’s a really difficult topic. The truth is that in the end I will read a script and what affects me, affects me’ (pictured last month)
Photographed by Gordon Von Steiner and styled by George Cortina, the portfolio features stunning solo portraits and interviews with the stars.
Josh is fast becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, best known as Larry in ITV’s The Durrells and for his portrayal of young Prince Charles in 13 episodes of The Crown.
But his growing fame was cemented in Challengers, with his performance as Patrick, a cocky tennis pro.
He is one of several actors, including Paul, who have risen to fame for portraying more nuanced aspects of masculinity.
Although Josh put it more clearly in an interview: “I think we’re all still trying to figure out what the hell is wrong with men.”