‘Divergent’ star Theo James hopes for LGBT action hero

Divergent

star Theo James has spoken about the possibility of a Hollywood blockbuster having an LGBT hero, saying he hopes “the day isn’t too far away”.

The British actor stars opposite Kate Winslet and Shailene Woodley in the forthcoming sci-fi/action film, which is based on the novel of the same name by Veronica Roth.

Divergent is set in a dystopian world where society is split into five sections: Abnegation (selflessness), Amity (peacefulness), Candor (honesty), Dauntless (courage), and Erudite (intelligence). An aptitude test determines which section you will live your life in, but if you fail the test and suit more than one you are classed as “divergent” and hunted down.

Asked if the theme of labelling and categorising people in society may resonate with those in the LGBT community, especially bisexuals, the actor told US gay magazine The Advocate: “That’s an interesting parallel to make. I hadn’t connected those dots myself, but there’s definitely truth in there.”

Later in the interview, he discussed the possibility of a film like Divergent having an LGBT hero in the near future, saying: “It’s very hard to tell.”

The actor continued: “Today there are great shows like Looking, poignant pieces of work that revolve around a central cast of characters that happen to be gay. But I remember when Queer as Folk came out and thinking, ‘Things are changing. Maybe there will be more [shows like this]’. And then suddenly there was a drought. Hopefully the day [we have a gay action hero] isn’t far away.”

> Theo James’ arms are getting us very excited for ‘Divergent’

Divergent opens in UK cinemas on April 4. Until then, watch the trailer below.

[youtube height=”315″ width=”650″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sutgWjz10sM[/youtube]