Internet backs Martin Freeman as he defends steamy scene with much younger Jenna Ortega in 'Miller's Girl'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Martin Freeman is standing by his controversial onscreen romance with Jenna Ortega in the film 'Miller's Girl,' despite criticism over the significant age difference between the actors, reported by TMZ.

The movie sparked backlash when it was revealed that Freeman, 52, and Ortega, 21, would portray characters engaged in a romantic relationship, highlighting the 31-year age gap between them.

Martin Freeman defends huge age gap with onscreen lover Jenna Ortega

However, Freeman is unapologetic, stating that the film explores the dynamics of an inappropriate connection between a teacher and a student, intentionally featuring characters of vastly different ages.

In an interview with The Times, Freeman emphasized that the movie aims to present a "grown-up and nuanced" perspective on its subject matter, rather than endorsing it. He defended the film by comparing it to other complex projects that actors have been involved in without facing similar scrutiny.

He added, "It's grown-up and nuanced. It’s not saying, ‘Isn’t this great?"

"Are we gonna have a go at Liam Neeson for being in a film about the Holocaust?" Freeman questioned, challenging the notion that actors should be judged based on the content of the movies they appear in.

Despite the criticism, Freeman believes that 'Miller's Girl' deserves recognition for its mature approach to storytelling. He dismissed the backlash as unwarranted, arguing that the film does not glorify or condone the behavior depicted but rather examines it in a nuanced manner.

However, one scene from the movie, where Ortega's character fantasizes about seducing Freeman's character, has garnered attention and fueled the online debate surrounding the age gap between the actors.

Internet backs Martin Freeman after criticism over age difference with Jenna Ortega in film

Martin Freeman has found a wave of support from internet users after facing criticism over the significant age gap between himself and Jenna Ortega in 'Miller's Girl.'

A user echoed this sentiment, stating, "Haven’t seen this movie, yet! But the age gap is the entire point lol! I can’t with people."

Some users defended Ortega's decision to take on the role, noting that she sought to break away from her childhood acting image.

One user remarked, "Here's a wild concept maybe that was the whole point of the movie. Jenna ortega literally took the role to break away from her childhood acting."

Additionally, users pointed out the double standard in criticizing Freeman and Ortega's age gap while overlooking similar themes in other films.

"There have been hundreds of movies with an older man/younger woman theme. Why the outrage now? Anyone remember Lolita? The Crush? American Beauty? Jenna is a 21 yo woman - let it go!" one user argued.

"She's a grown woman. She made her own decision. Stop blaming him for a choice SHE made," a user said.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.