The latest issue of GQ features an interview with actor Robert Pattinson. In the interview, Pattinson opens up about his sexuality, revealing that while he has had relationships with women, he actually finds sexually speaking to another man “really intimidating.”
The Rise In Popularity
Pattinson, whose filmography includes the Harry Potter series and the Twilight franchise, has recently risen in popularity due to his role as the werewolf in the new film adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Wolf Of Wall Street. The actor has spoken out in favor of accepting one’s sexuality, saying that it’s “important to just be comfortable with who you are and what you want.”
Why Is Talking About Sex “Really Intimidating”?
Speaking with GQ, Pattinson claimed that while he is “quite verbal” and enjoys “having a good laugh,” he is actually quite nervous around men. “I actually find talking about sex with another man really intimidating,” he said. “It’s not that I don’t want to, it’s that I’m just not used to it. So it’s a bit daunting.”
Given that he has had relationships with women in the past, Pattinson said that while he does not find the idea of dating a man “physically intimidating,” he does feel that “mentally, it can be a lot more challenging.”
No Regrets
Pattinson has had a long-term relationship with singer and actress Kristen Stewart. The couple were first seen together at a 2005 premiere of Twilight in LA and have been inseparable ever since. In the past, Pattinson has spoken out against heteronormativity, saying that he does not regret being with a woman or even considering a relationship with a man. While Stewart has expressed her admiration for male beauty and has even been photographed wearing men’s underwear, Pattinson has remained loyal to the women in his life. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my relationship with Kristen,” he said. “I have no regrets.”
How Does Being Open About Your Sexuality Impact The Work You Do?
Pattinson has been open about his sexuality, not just with GQ but also in an interview in April 2017. While discussing the new Harry Potter installment, Pattinson said that he likes to stay “true to myself” and will not play into stereotypes. “I think it’s important to just be yourself and not to care what people think,” the actor said. This is, of course, a message that he thinks will resonate with young viewers, particularly in light of recent workplace harassment scandals. “I get really nervous when I’m asked to play into some kind of stereotype,” he said. “Because at the end of the day, you can’t please everyone. And you definitely don’t want to let anyone down by not being yourself.”
What About Your Fictional Characters?
Pattinson admitted that the portrayal of werewolves in Hollywood is often a source of frustration. “I’d love to go on a killing spree and eat humans,” he said. “But I don’t think my bosses would like that too much.” While these statements may make for funny scenes in the films, the reality is that most actors portraying werewolves are forced to play into a very specific stereotype.
In Twilight, Pattinson plays a character named Edward Cullen. In the films, the character is depicted as cold and callous, completely lacking in emotion. While this is clearly a dramatic portrayal, it is, nevertheless, an accurate reflection of the way most people with alopecia think. In an effort to avoid any misunderstanding, Pattinson’s mother, Joy, contacted the producers of the film and requested that they change the character’s name to “Michael Caine.” They agreed and have since removed all references to Edward Cullen from the dialogue. While this does not mean that Michael Caine is a real werewolf, it does mean that he is more accepting of others than Edward Cullen was in the original story.
Another example of this is the recent film Dumbo, in which Timothee Champeau plays a character named Joe. In the film, Joe is a cynical man who sees through the veil of charm that others try to throw around him. Unfortunately, this portrayal has led many to confuse Joe with the titular character, Dumbo, a circus elephant who speaks with a Cockney accent and is dim-witted.
It’s not that Dumbo is homophobic; he’s just not very bright. Like most animals, Dumbo finds people inexplicably fascinating. Unfortunately, this has led to him being perceived as homophobic because of the way that the character is written and the way that he is portrayed on screen. It’s a complicated issue but one that is worth thinking about.
What Does The Future Hold For Pattinson?
Despite his recent rise in popularity, it is important to remember that film is a fairly competitive industry. While there are certainly challenges associated with being one of the most recognizable faces in popular culture, the actor clearly enjoys his fame. So, what does the future hold for Robert Pattinson?
One of the mainstays of Hollywood cinema is the romantic comedy. As someone who enjoys a good laugh and has a fairly unique sense of humor, it is no wonder that Pattinson had a role in one of the most iconic romantic comedies of all time, When Harry Met Sally. The role, however, was relatively minor and the actor had to dub his own lines after filming had already begun. Nonetheless, given his growing popularity, it is likely that we will see more of Pattinson in roles that are related to humor.
Another important factor to consider is that change is a constant in Hollywood. Actors, directors, and studios continually evolve with the times and change with the culture. So, while some may perceive Pattinson as being behind the times, the truth is that he is simply keeping up.
This is not to say that everything about Pattinson is positive. Like most Hollywood stars, he has had his share of gaffes and missteps. Most notably, in 2012, he was arrested for assault after a violent altercation with a neighbor. The incident led to him being sentenced to serve 30 days in a Los Angeles County jail. While he was ultimately issued an extremely light sentence, it was, nonetheless, an event that undoubtedly damaged his reputation.
Despite these setbacks, overall, it’s clear that Pattinson has managed to have an incredible impact on popular culture. Through his work, the actor has not only contributed to film but to music and art as well. Given Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape, it is likely that we will see more of Robert Pattinson in the future.
Readers, have you ever wondered about the sexuality of a fictional character? Is there a werewolf among us that you think may be secretly gay, bi, or straight? Let us know in the comments below.