The British comic’s role is being hailed as a “turning point” in film history.
Jack, 30, plays a “fun, effete” young man in forthcoming blockbuster The Jungle Cruise, co-starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 46, and Emily Blunt, 35.
The Walt Disney Pictures movie — due for release next year — is set in the 19th century.
In it the Bad Education star makes clear he has no interest in women.
A source said: “This is a huge gig for Jack and has landed him his biggest ever pay cheque.
“But, more excitingly, he is playing a gay man – one who is hugely effete, very camp and very funny.
"It’s a dream role.
“Disney’s always been incredibly supportive of the LGBTQ community.
"This latest script, set at a time when it wasn’t socially acceptable to be gay, is another significant turning point.”
The film is based on Disneyland’s theme park ride where a riverboat takes travellers through a dangerous jungle.
Currently filming in Los Angeles, the movie is set to be one of the biggest productions of 2019.
Disney plans to develop it as a franchise following its billion-dollar Pirates Of The Caribbean series.
Jack is understood to have landed a seven-figure deal for the role in which he plays Emily’s brother.
It is the first time Disney has written a gay character into one of its films.
But last year’s Beauty And The Beast featured the corporation’s first “gay moment” when 37-year-old Josh Gad’s character LeFou flirts with Gaston played by Luke Evans, 39.
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