Adam Lambert is not happy about Theo James potentially taking on the role of George Michael in an upcoming biopic about the English singer songwriter.
The Queen frontman took to social media to slam the suggestion.
Alongside an eyeroll emoji, Lambert wrote: "Yay another straight man playing a gay icon."
Lambert's words were met with mixed reactions, with some taking to the comments section to remind him what the definition of 'acting' actually is.
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One user said: "Taron Egerton killed it as Elton. It's called acting. Stop making something out of nothing."
Another commented: "It's called acting for a reason. Actors act in given roles. Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter, famously gay actors, performed beautifully as heteros in film."
A third added rather harshly: "Really? You played a straight role in Wicked. Stop being a hypocrite and grow up."
Others, however, spoke up to agree with Lambert.
One person said: "Thank you for speaking for most of us. It had to be said."
Another added: "ALL. OF. THIS."
A third quipped: "Exactly my same thought."
James has shot to international attention since starring in the popular comedy drama The White Lotus.
But the British heartthrob's next role may be very different as he is tipped to play the Wham! singer George Michael in an £85 million (AUD$151m, USD$105m) biopic.
The film about Michael has been endorsed by the singer's family after the success of other recent music biopics about Elton John and Queen's Freddie Mercury.
According to the Daily Mail's insiders, the film is in the final stages of development. It's set to follow the late singer's rise to fame with Wham! to his later days and successful solo career.
Apparently, Michael's drug addiction and scandals will also be covered in the film - including the singer being caught soliciting sex in a public toilet.
Speaking of the biopic, a source told the paper: "The script is in the final stages and producers are looking for their leading man.
"Theo's name is the one on everyone's lips. He would be perfect for the part. This is George's story, warts and all."
It seems as though James is well up for the role, as he confirmed his interest on an episode of Watch What Happens Live.
As per the Advocate, James told host Andy Cohen: "Oh yeah, I would love that. He is an icon. He is a bit Greek and I am a bit Greek."
Like James said, the two both have Greek heritage - with the actor's real name being Theodore Taptiklis.
Meanwhile, Michael was born as Georgios Panayiotou - so there is a nice connection there.
Topics: TV and Film, Celebrity, Music, UK News
Rachel Lang