Disney's theme park film Jungle Cruise delayed until 2020

Disney film Jungle Cruise, uniting Dwayne Johnson and Jack Whitehall, has been delayed.

The film, which was originally set to be released in October 2019, will arrive later than expected, with Johnson promising “the adventure of a lifetime” when its release eventually rolls around in July 2020.

The project, which will also star Emily Blunt, attracted backlash upon its announcement in August when British star Whitehall was confirmed to play Disney's first-ever openly gay character in the film. Many criticised the studio's inability to hire a gay character in the role.

Many, including Russell Tovey and Stephen Fry, jumped to Disney's defence with the former stating: “If you’re an actor, you’re an actor. The whole thing with Jack playing a gay character...I’m like, just let him act.”

Guy Pearce, who played a drag queen in 1994 comedy The Adventures of Priscilla, waded in on the debate, telling The Guardian he believes it's “dangerous” to say actors can't play roles based on their gender or sexuality.

Much like Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise is based on the Disney Park attraction of the same name.