Jared Leto has said that Hollywood is still “too conservative” for a film to have a gay leading man.
The Suicide Squad star, 44, has claimed that the industry has far more opportunities for straight men in lead roles.
In an interview with GQ Style, Leto said: “I definitely don’t think a gay leading man would have the same opportunities as a straight leading man.
“I don’t know if that’s offensive or not, but that’s my thought right now. It shouldn’t be that way. This is still a very conservative business.”
He added: “We’re in an interesting time right now where people are exploring all kinds of different ideas of identity, not just masculinity or femininity.
“For myself, I have never had a specific idea of masculinity. I think it’s OK just to be yourself and whatever that entails. You know, I’ve certainly never felt required to present myself in a certain way.”
Leto takes on the iconic role of The Joker in the DC Comic film, which has received largely negative reviews from critics.
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The musician and actor admitted that he had to do a lot of ‘dark’ research to get into the role, and had to stop before it affected him too much.
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“There was a point where I was researching violence and was watching a lot of things that…things that it’s arguable if anybody should even see,” he said.
“And I noticed that started to have an impact on me that I didn’t like, so I stopped.”
Suicide Squad is out in UK cinemas on August 5.
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