Mark Ruffalo supports Matt Bomer's transgender character

Actor Mark Ruffalo has defended actor Matt Bomers casting as a transgender sex worker in the feature film "Anything," following criticism by the transgender community. The former says that its "wrenching to see" the community "in this pain".

Ruffalo is an executive producer on the recently wrapped project, in which Bomer portrays a transgender woman. Bomer and Ruffalo played lovers in HBO's 2014 drama "The Normal Heart", reports variety.com.

"To the Trans community. I hear you. It's wrenching to see you in this pain. I am glad we are having this conversation. It's time," Ruffalo wrote on his Twitter account on Wednesday.

"In all honesty I suggested Matt for the role after the profound experience I had with him while making 'The Normal Heart,'" he added.

The producers announced on Monday that Bomer and John Carroll Lynch are starring in "Anything," with Timothy McNeil making his feature directorial debut.

Ruffalo noted two days later that the movie had already wrapped in response to a suggestion that Bomer's role be recast.

"Anthing," and more movies such as Eddie Redmayne's "The Danish Girl," faced a backlash from the community due to the fact that a cisgender actor is playing a transgender character.

The movie also stars Maura Tierney, Micah Hauptman, Margot Bingham and Melora Hardin.

Ruffalo and Great Point Media's Robert Halmi and Jim Reeve are executive producing.

The film is based on McNeil's play of the same name. Lynch plays a man who is suicidal over the death of his wife and moves from Mississippi to Los Angeles, where he can be under the watchful eye of his protective sister, played by Tierney.

"Anything" is being produced by Hauptman, Louise Runge and Ofrit Peres. Bomer, Tony Lipp and Scott Wexler also executive produce.

--IANS

ks/nv/bg