Brolin, Franco & Hirsch Hopeful ‘Milk’ Will Help Fight Against Prop 8

The cast of the upcoming movie “Milk” is hopeful that awareness of their upcoming film will help the fight against California’s Proposition 8, which is attempting to outlaw same-sex marriage statewide.

Access Hollywood caught up with the cast of the Gus Van Sant film Tuesday night at its premiere in San Francisco’s Castro district. “Milk” chronicles the life of Harvey Milk — the first openly gay man voted into public office in America.

“This film premiere especially is going to generate a lot of attention for Prop 8,” Emile Hirsch told Access. “I think it’s going to be really helpful for [the fight against] Prop 8.”

James Franco echoed Emile’s thoughts, telling Access, “We’re lucky that we have this night. This is a really big night for San Francisco and it’s just great that this is happening right before Prop 8.”

James, who plays Harvey Milk’s partner Scotty in the film, thinks the actual Harvey would have been proud to see the film premiere in his own neighborhood.

“He’d love it. [Harvey] helped start the gay pride parade here on Castro and he certainly enjoyed a good party and everything that we’re celebrating in this movie,” James said.

Sean Penn portrays the San Francisco politician in the film and James told Access they did not have reservations about their intimate scenes together, choosing instead, to just dive right in.

“You know, it’s not a lot of planning you just kind of do it,” James added.

Josh Brolin, who plays Dan White — the man who shot and killed Harvey Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone in 1978, said he was nervous about playing such a controversial character while they filmed in San Francisco.

“When I was shooting I lived right up on the hill [in the Castro district] and I looked down and I was so worried about coming down here and [residents] knowing that I was playing Dan White. I thought I was going to get lambasted,” Josh told Access. “But, they were all like, “Wow man, you’re doing this movie, [we’re] so glad that you took this part.’ So it’s incredible, I love this city so much, I’m so glad it’s getting done.”

Josh is also in agreement with his co-stars about the film premiere’s possible effect on Prop 8.

“If it does impact [the election], I think that’s great.” Josh said “I feel very strongly about ‘No’ on Prop 8, and you just hope for the best.”

“Milk” opens in theaters on November 26.

Copyright © 2024 by NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

This material may not be republished, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read More

Kate Middleton Seen For The First Time Since Abdominal Surgery