Zachary Quinto Plays James Franco's Lover in New Film, Applauds His Co-Star as a "Provocateur"

"I feel like putting it out there, and putting it out there in different ways, is something that's interesting and something that I don't think people should shy away from"

By Bruna Nessif Sep 17, 2014 2:47 AMTags
James Franco, InstagramInstagram

James Franco has always been open about embracing anything and everything that has to do with homosexuality.

And while some may raise their eyebrows at his interest with gay topics, his pal and Michael co-star Zachary Quinto, who came out in 2011, praises Franco for it and urges others to also become a "provocateur" of sorts.

"My feeling about James, in particular, is that he's someone who is really interested in generating a dialogue, and his personal position or perspective on something is almost less important to him than in what that position he adopts will generate in other people. And I think he's a provocateur in that way," Quinto tells HuffPost Live's Ricky Camilleri.

But does it bother Quinto that it's a straight man generating this dialogue instead of a gay man?

"I think it's certainly an issue in society today that warrants provocative discussion," he says. "I think its like political issues, like social issues, like spiritual or religious issues—people are probably more comfortable not talking about them, right?

"So I feel like putting it out there, and putting it out there in different ways, is something that's interesting and something that I don't think people should shy away from. I have respect for that. I think it's what you do with the dialogue once it's generated that becomes important to our culture."

The two actors play lovers in the film which focuses on the life of "ex-gay" activist Michael Glatze. Since shooting the movie, Franco has been posting a number of photos with Quinto along with some playful captions (of course).

"Family Portrait with Dog. @zacharyquinto," he wrote with one snapshot. Cute!