'Zoolander 2' Trailer Faces Backlash From LGBTQ Advocates, Over Benedict Cumberbatch's Character, All (VIDEO)

Benedict Cumberbatch’s appearance in the forthcoming ‘Zoolander’ sequel has sparked a backlash from LGBTQ advocates, who are calling for a boycott of the film.

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In the new teaser clip, which was unveiled earlier this week, Benedict portrays All, an androgynous model who prompts Derek Zoolander (Ben Stiller) to ask: “Are you a male or female model?”

His character then replies simply that “All is all”, to which Owen Wilson, who plays Hans, is then heard piping up: “I think he’s asking do you have a hotdog or a bun?”

Benedict in the 'Zoolander 2' trailer

A petition has now been set up online, branding the clip “offensive” and comparable to the use of blackface, by putting a cisgender actor in the role.

Sarah Rose, who created the petition, writes: “Cumberbatch’s character is clearly portrayed as an over-the-top, cartoonish mockery of androgyne/trans/non-binary individuals. This is the modern equivalent of using blackface to represent a minority.

“By hiring a [cisgender] actor to play a non-binary individual in a clearly negative way, they film endorses harmful and dangerous perceptions of the queer community at large.”

At the time of writing, over 7500 people have signed the petition and pledged to boycott the film, when it is released next year.

‘Zoolander 2’ will see Will Ferrell and Christine Taylor reprising the roles from the original 2001 comedy, while also featuring appearances from Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Kanye West among various others.

Watch the trailer for yourself in the video above.

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