“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” actor Will Poulter has long been the subject of a social media meme that compares him to Sid Phillips, the bully from the original 1995 film “Toy Story” voiced by actor Erik von Detten.
It follows on from years of online debates about the actor’s physical appearance, more so than other actors his age, as arguments have broken out about his looks even as he’s come to be known for his strong acting chops across genres.
Now, in a new interview for GQ, Poulter has revealed that the “Toy Story” meme has become a problem in real life as he’s getting mistaken for the animated character in awkward places.
As for the online chatter about his looks, he’s taking it in stride and wonders why people are so focused on he and his co-star’s appearances. Speaking with the outlet whilst promoting the James Gunn-directed Marvel sequel, Poulter says:
“A guy at a urinal in LA last week turned to me and said, ‘You’re in Toy Story, right?’ And I was like, ‘Well, that was animated’. I don’t want to be rude.
I also appreciate there’s a meme going around of me – I dressed up as Sid from Toy Story for anti-bullying week. So arguably, I haven’t helped my case. But [Toy Story came out in] 1995. I was two. And they weren’t doing it through live-action.
I am very comfortable and secure in the knowledge that I’m not conventionally attractive as I’ve always had remarks about looking unusual – whether it’s my eyebrows or whatever else, people have made a thing of that.
I think it just speaks to a wider issue, of: Why are we discussing or spending so much time discussing people’s physical appearance? Especially in the case of women. But whether you’re male or female, why is that the focus so much? Unfortunately, social media has created this problematic idea that everyone’s opinion on everything matters equally.”
Poulter adds that he finds it uncomfortable when people take photos of him without asking. He also is aware he’s been kind of protected from the objectification that his female counterparts in the industry aren’t afforded.
