Luke Macfarlane spills the tea on playing a straight character in Platonic: ‘I’m very versatile’
Luke Macfarlane stars as a heterosexual husband in Apple TV’s Platonic. (Apple TV)
Luke Macfarlane stars as a heterosexual husband in Apple TV's Platonic. (Apple TV)
Luke Macfarlane has opened up about playing a straight character in Platonic, explaining that he’s “very versatile”.
The actor, who came out as gay in 2008, has portrayed a series of LGBTQ+ characters, including the emotionally unavailable Aaron in Bros, chef Scotty Wandell in the 2006 drama Brothers & Sisters, and an author in Hallmark’s Notes of Autumn.
However, his current work in the Apple TV drama, Platonic, marks a heterosexual role for the actor. He portrays Charlie Greeves, Sylvia’s husband and lawyer, in the series, which has recently launched its second season.
The series also stars Seth Rogen (Will) and Rose Byrne (Sylvia) “as a platonic pair of former best friends approaching midlife who reconnect after a long rift,” as per the series logline. “As their friendship becomes more consuming, it destabilises their lives in a hilarious way.”
Speaking to Variety about the role at the season two premiere, he said: “Quite simply, like most actors, gay actors, straight actors, we just need someone to say, ‘I’m gonna give you a shot.’”
The series’ co-creator, Nicholas Stoller, also directed Macfarlane in Bros. “I’m so grateful to Nick [Nicholas Stoller] for that opportunity,” he added.
Macfarlane, who is also currently working on a new LGBTQ+ Christmas movie for Hallmark, added that he “loves playing gay”. “I’ll play gay. I’ll play straight. I’ll do anything. I am very versatile.”
Of his upcoming LGBTQ+ festive film for the network, he explained that the development is a lengthy one, but he is set on creating “a queer story that would make sense for them”.
In a previous interview with PinkNews, Macfarlane said he feels there’s “definitely more availability” of gay roles for actors. “That’s because it’s so many different factors, including the visibility and success of some of the gay performers who have been trailblazers.”
Season two of Platonic is streaming on Apple TV+ now.
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