Mark Ruffalo responds to criticism of Matt Bomer's transgender role in 'Anything'

Mark Ruffalo addressed criticism regarding Matt Bomer's casting as a transgender sex worker in his new film, "Anything," saying he is "glad we are having this conversation."

Ruffalo is an executive producer on the project, in which Bomer's character befriends a suicidal man who moves from Mississippi to Los Angeles after his wife's death. The film will also star Maura Tierney, Micah Hauptman, Margot Bingham and Melora Hardin.

See photos of Mark Ruffalo through the years:

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Ruffalo and Bomer starred in HBO's "The Normal Heart," in which Bomer plays Ruffalo's love interest. Bomer won a Golden Globe for the film.

When news broke that Bomer, a cisgender but openly gay actor, would play the transgender role in the film, people took to Twitter to express their frustration that a real trans woman wasn't cast in the film.

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Some even called for Bomer's role to be recast, but Ruffalo revealed the film had already wrapped.

"The movie is already shot and Matt poured his heart and soul into this part," said Ruffalo. "Please have a little compassion. We are all learning."

Other cisgender actors who have played transgender characters include Eddie Redmayne in "The Danish Girl," Jared Leto in "Dallas Buyers Club" and Jeffrey Tambor in "Transparent."

"Anything" was written and directed by Timothy McNeil. The film does not have a release date yet.

Read original story Mark Ruffalo Responds to Criticism of Matt Bomer's Transgender Role in 'Anything' At TheWrap