In a recent interview with the New York Times, actor Sean Penn expressed his disappointment with Hollywood's current casting policy that prohibits straight actors from portraying gay characters. Penn, who famously portrayed gay activist Harvey Milk in the acclaimed film "Milk" (2008), believes that he would not have been chosen for the role today due to this policy, which he describes as "timid and artless."

Reflecting on his experience playing the lead character in "Milk," which earned him his second Oscar, Penn stated that such casting decisions would no longer be made in today's social climate. "It's a time of tremendous overreach. It's a timid and artless policy toward the human imagination," Penn lamented to the Times.

The actor also discussed the impact this issue has had on his career, revealing that "Milk" marked the last time he truly enjoyed being on set. He expressed his frustration, stating, "Since 'Milk,' I went 15 years miserable on sets." Penn's portrayal of Harvey Milk was widely praised by critics and audiences alike, but he believes that his casting in the role would be met with resistance today.

This debate surrounding the casting of heterosexual actors in gay roles has divided Hollywood stars. Tom Hanks, who won an Oscar for his role as Andrew Beckett in "Philadelphia" (1993), admitted that he would not have taken on the role if it were offered to him today, acknowledging that the inauthenticity of a straight actor playing a gay character would not be accepted by audiences.

Zachary Quinto, known for his role in "Star Trek," has also weighed in on the issue, pointing out the lack of openly gay actors playing straight roles compared to the reverse. Quinto expressed his curiosity about the possible impact of casting gay actors in gay roles, questioning whether the characters would be interpreted differently if played by actors with personal understanding of the experiences they represent.

However, not all actors share the same opinion. Stanley Tucci, who portrayed a gay man in "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), defended the practice of straight actors taking on gay roles. Tucci believes that an actor's purpose is to portray various characters and that the essence of acting lies in the ability to convincingly become someone else.

The conversation surrounding the casting of gay roles continues, with voices from within the industry expressing differing perspectives. As Hollywood advances, this ongoing debate will undoubtedly shape the industry's approach towards representation and authenticity on the big screen.