Rebel Wilson Was Adamant About The Casting Of A Certain Character In 'Isn't It Romantic'
Rebel Wilson's newest flick, Isn't It Romantic just premiered yesterday. Leading up to the movie's release, Wilson made a point to comment on the casting of her character's best friend.
The movie tells the story of Natalie (Wilson) getting knocked out and waking up in the middle of a romantic comedy.
Like any good rom-com, the leading lady has a fabulous gay best friend. However, unlike previous movies of the genre, Wilson wanted her best friend character to make a statement.
The best friend character was eventually named Donny.
He is described as Natalie's,
"gay sidekick, who's setting gay rights back, like, a hundred years."
This character description is completely intentional. Rebel explained that Isn't It Romantic,
"make[s] a really clever comment about how gay characters have been marginalized in the past few decades."
She went on to say,
"It was really important to me that obviously we cast an openly gay actor for the role of Donny so that the character could not in any way be construed as mocking a gay guy,"
So who better to play this complex, statement-making gay best friend? Brandon Scott Jones of The Good Place fame nabbed the role of Donny.
Even before the movie was released, people were thrilled to see him in the movie.
I'm seeing Isn't it Romantic tonight and 100% most excited to see @brandonSJ on the big screen. TBT to DCM19 runnin… https://t.co/GlIIi1PDv4— angela yamarone (@angela yamarone)1550167147.0
@RebelWilson’s new film #IsntitRomantic looks fantastic, funny and sooooo accessible. And love all the casting. Can… https://t.co/LJ6WzTQ4rv— Peta Astbury-Bulsara (@Peta Astbury-Bulsara)1541291238.0
@isntitromantic was definitely my favorite movie eversince casting was released! Going to be watching this multiple times for sure!— JOSHALIE (@JOSHALIE)1541530068.0
@JarettSays This current Brandon Scott Jones cultural moment we're in is a blessed one.— Joe Reid (@Joe Reid)1548704393.0
brandon scott jones is in everything lately and i’m here for it— paddington's aunt lusi (@paddington's aunt lusi)1550001005.0
Those who nabbed tickets to the movie's opening night are only confirming that Jones was the perfect choice for Donny.
The best part of @isntitromantic is @brandonSJ as the sassy gay friend. I screamed more than once #booch https://t.co/s9tY7WOCCG— Taylorishungry (@Taylorishungry)1550102683.0
There are a few good things about Isn't It Romantic?: 1. Liam Hemsworth. He is wildly funny, the best part of the… https://t.co/lvpgTanDII— Anya Crittenton (@Anya Crittenton)1550012579.0
As someone who is allergic to rom-coms, I found ISN'T IT ROMANTIC to be a nice bit of harmless fluff. It's absurdly… https://t.co/VjEWJrZHc7— Amanda Baller (@Amanda Baller)1550079540.0
Last night I saw Isn't It Romantic and it was truly so much fun to watch @bowenyang truly kill it and get so many l… https://t.co/peIGrg8gVE— Matt Rogers (@Matt Rogers)1550166110.0
Full theater in NYC tonight for #IsntItRomantic. My UCB arse was fan girling @brandonSJ the whole time!!!!— atmchugh (@atmchugh)1550113845.0
Check out Isn't It Romantic at a theater near you! Otherwise, catch it on Netflix on February 28th.