Andrew Garfield has been criticised for saying he is gay, but without the "physical act".
Garfield is starring onstage as a gay man with AIDS in a London production of "Angels in America."
Britain's Gay Times magazine reported Garfield told the audience at a panel discussion that he was not currently gay, but left open the door for an "awakening" later in his life.
He said he prepared for the role by watching episodes of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and added that he was "a gay man right now just without the physical act."
The comment has sparked criticism from some on Twitter who say the remark is insensitive to the struggles of gay people.
Garfield's representatives did not immediately return a request for comment on Thursday.