JACK Whitehall is to play Disney’s first ever gay character.

The British comic’s role is being hailed as a “turning point” in film history.

5 TV comic Jack Whitehall is set to play Disney's first gay character Credit: Rex Features

5 Jack has commanded his highest ever paycheck for the role Credit: Getty - Contributor

Jack, 30, plays a “fun, effete” young man in forthcoming blockbuster The Jungle Cruise, co-starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 46, and Emily Blunt, 35.

The Walt Disney Pictures movie — due for release next year — is set in the 19th century.

In it the Bad Education star makes clear he has no interest in women.

5 Jack stars opposite Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in Jungle Cruise Credit: Getty - Contributor

5 Emily Blunt also stars in the action-adventure movie Credit: Rex Features

A source said: “This is a huge gig for Jack and has landed him his biggest ever pay cheque.

“But, more excitingly, he is playing a gay man - one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny.

"It’s a dream role.

“Disney’s always been incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ community.

5 Jack is currently filming in Los Angeles Credit: PA:Press Association

"This latest script, set at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay, is another significant turning point.”

The film is based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a riverboat takes travellers through a dangerous jungle.

Jack Whitehall left viewers in hysterics after one of his 'most savage' performances at the Brit Awards 2018

Currently filming in Los Angeles, the movie is set to be one of the biggest productions of 2019.

Disney plans to develop it as a franchise following its billion-dollar Pirates Of The Caribbean series.

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Jack is understood to have landed a seven-figure deal for the role in which he plays Emily’s brother.

It is the first time Disney has written a gay character into one of its films.

But last year’s Beauty And The Beast featured the corporation’s first “gay moment” when 37-year-old Josh Gad’s character LeFou flirts with Gaston played by Luke Evans, 39.