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Disney is making strides by introducing its first openly gay character in the upcoming "Jungle Cruise" movie, which will feature a big coming out scene ... but there's one important step that's missing.

A test screening of the film took place last week -- it'll get a wide release in 2020 -- and sources who attended tell TMZ Disney avoids using the word "gay" when Jack Whitehall's character, McGregor, comes out to Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

We're told, at one point, McGregor has a heart-to-heart with The Rock's lead character, Frank, about dating history ... and McGregor makes it very clear he isn't into ladies. Keep in mind, this flick isn't set in modern times.

McGregor explains to "Frank" his family had tried arranging marriages for him with several women, but he didn't wanna marry any of them -- or any woman, for that matter. He also says Emily Blunt's character, Lily (his sister in the movie), was the only one in his fam to accept him and support him regardless of the "person" he loves.

We're told the scene was well-received by the audience, but the glaring omission of a pronoun to describe McGregor's love interest did not go unnoticed.

Unclear if the scene will make the final cut -- but ya gotta imagine it will, given how significant a move it is for Disney to include a gay character in an action blockbuster.

There was already backlash from the LGBTQ community over Whitehall's casting earlier this summer -- he's a straight guy playing a gay character -- and now, it's obvious Disney's watching its step even closer as it tiptoes into the 21st Century.

He's already built like a superhero ... now MMA star Sage Northcutt has a real shot at landing a role in a Marvel superhero flick!

Northcutt recently parted ways with UFC after his contract expired and signed with the ONE Championship.

Sage says he has no bad blood with UFC and praised Dana White -- but says one of the perks of his new company is ONE is sponsored by Marvel, and they're hoping to take advantage of that relationship.

"[The people at ONE] were talking about, one of the incentives for me fighting for them was getting me into movies, commercials, all sorts of stuff like that."

Acting ain't new for Sage ... he told us in the past he was working with an acting coach -- and even campaigned to play Ivan Drago's son in "Creed II."

Marvel movies are HUUUGE -- "The Avengers," "Guardians of the Galaxy," "Black Panther" are just a few of their monster hits -- and a role in their movies could launch the MMA star's acting career.

"That'd be pretty sick."

Stay tuned ...

He's already got the right beard, and on Christmas Eve ... James Harden went full Santa Claus and provided presents for families who could use an assist.

The NBA superstar partnered with Target and Karen Civil on Monday, letting 70 kids run wild in a Pearland, Texas store with loaded up gift cards for a personal shopping spree!

We're told each card had a couple hundred bucks on it, and the best part ... the kids had no idea they were in for this treat.

Dikembe Mutombo's heartbroken over the loss of Matadi Sela Petit, but incredibly ... he's staying positive, and says the tragedy's only strengthened his focus on helping people.

The Basketball Hall of Famer tells TMZ ... he's been working with the 8-year-old boy's family to transport his body back to the Democratic Republic of Congo for a proper burial, which should happen soon. He says dealing with the loss is tough ... but everyone's hanging in there.

We broke the story ... Dikembe flew the child from Africa to the U.S. earlier this month in hopes of removing the large tumor from his face, so he could return to his home and live a normal, happy life.

Matadi and his family stayed at the Ronald McDonald House in L.A. as they awaited his operation, led by Dr. Ryan Osborne from Cedars Sinai Medical Center ... who volunteered his services.

Sadly, Matadi suffered a rare genetic reaction to anesthesia during his surgery last week and went into cardiac arrest, and despite the best efforts of the medical staff ... he passed away Friday night.

Dikembe's remaining devoted despite the sad outcome, though -- reminding us things don't always turn out the way we want ... and are sometimes out of our control.

Mutombo also says there are no plans to change anything at his hospital in the Congo -- which has helped hundred of thousands of people -- and he vows to keep the good work up.

As we reported, Dikembe's foundation says Matadi "was a pioneer, and his memory will inspire us to continue to develop efforts and partnerships to improve the lives of the children of the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

He was 8.

Adrien Broner found himself mugging for the wrong camera this holiday season ... after getting arrested just days before Christmas.

The boxing star was busted Sunday in Broward County, Florida after a warrant for his arrest was issued for failure to appear in court earlier this month. He was booked in county jail and then released ... court records show.

The bench warrant stems from a case dating back to December 2017 ... after he was arrested for having no driver's license, speeding, no registration or proof of insurance. Since that arrest, he's failed to appear in court several times ... which led to a previous arrest in July for failure to appear.

Hugh Jackman might not be ready to join the Harlem Globetrotters just yet, but his ball-handling skills aren't half bad ... and he's definitely got the charisma.

What else would you expect from the 'Greatest Showman?'

The 'Front Runner' star got an impromptu lesson from Globetrotters star Cheese Chisholm in the tunnel at Madison Square Garden Tuesday ... as the Knicks were prepping for their Christmas Day game against the Bucks.

Check it out ... Jackman's got some game, and totally nails the elbow pass spin move. Things get a little dicier when Cheese adds more steps though ... and he's got some work to do on spinning the ball on his finger.

BTW, the other 'Trotter in the vid is Hot Shot Swanson, the shortest Globetrotter in team history at only 4-foot-5.

The Harlem Globetrotters got a game Thursday at MSG, the first of 7 in NYC to close out 2018.

Deontay Wilder may have created a big-time movie role for himself -- because Michael B. Jordan tells us he LIKES the boxer's idea of playing Clubber Lang's son in "Creed 3."

Remember, Wilder -- the heavyweight champion of the world -- recently told TMZ Sports he's gunning for a Hollywood career ... and suggested playing the offspring of Mr. T's famous character in "Rocky III."

Hey, Michael B. is already playing Apollo Creed's son ... and "Creed II" was all about Ivan Drago's son ... so why not let Clubber's kid get in on the action???

"It's a good idea! It's a cool idea," Jordan told us in L.A. ... while praising Deontay Wilder.

Michael B. told us the 'Creed 3' storyline is still up in the air -- so it seems like Wilder has a real shot. Plus, Michael pointed out how Sylvester Stallone and his crew have always loved using real boxers in the 'Rocky' movies.

The one big issue ... Michael pointed out Deontay (at 6'7") is way bigger than Clubber Lang ... since Mr. T is only 5'10".

Kelly Oubre Jr. is laying down the gauntlet to Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, James Harden and all the other clotheshorses of the NBA ... saying it is he, NOT THEM, who is the best dressed.

Oubre was just featured on GQ.com for his fashion sense ... with the article praising him as being "on fire" this season and perhaps being king of the NBA closet.

We got him out in rainy D.C., and after asking how he felt about being traded from the Wizards to the Suns (it's just business to him), we had to ask straight-up who the best dressed in the league is.

"Kelly Oubre."

He's no doubt the hot hooper right now ... but the competition is FIERCE ... just last week, James Harden put it down in a Versace snakeskin short suit that had Twitter buzzing.

Just know Kelly, now that you've put it out there ... everyone is coming for YOU!

Grab your tissues ... this tearjerker's brought to you by Kansas City Royals prospect Brady Singer who surprised his parents with a VERY expensive gift that'll earn him an award for Son of the Year.

Singer posted this video on Christmas Day ... which begins with Singer's mom opening a red envelope. She starts reading Singer's heartfelt letter ... and if it doesn't give you all the feels, nothing else will. Singer's mom reads out loud: "I just wanna say thank you for everything you've done to help me reach my dreams ... Both of you constantly took off of work and spent every dime you made just to put a smile on my face."

Then ... her jaw drops. SINGER WIPED OUT THEIR ENTIRE DEBT!!!

Singer was selected by the Kansas City Royals with the 18th overall pick earlier this summer. He's a right-handed pitcher with huge potential ... which explains why the Royals paid him $4.25 million to sign with them instead of returning to Florida.

Another sign the Royals wanted Singer badly? They paid him well above the slot value of an 18th overall pick. Yeah, he's that good. And, he's a byproduct of his parents' hard work and sacrifices ... which is why Singer wanted to SHOCK them with an incredible gesture.

LeBron James not getting fined for his "Jewish Money" post was the right call ... so says NBA agent Daniel Hazan who is also Jewish.

We got the super agent out Monday night in NYC and had to ask him about LeBron's XMAS Eve Instagram post that sparked backlash. ICYMI ... LeBron posted a pic on IG with the caption "getting that Jewish money" which he THOUGHT was a compliment to Jews. It's not, so LeBron apologized.

Hazan -- the CEO and founder of Hazan Sports Management -- dropped a little knowledge on us about the term and why it's seeded with anti-Semitism. Hazan also explains what he thinks LeBron was trying to convey with the message. Bottom line ... LeBron shot and missed with his post but Hazan does give LeBron credit for one thing.

The Kardashians broke with tradition Monday ... their big Xmas Eve bash was not held at Kris' krib ... but it definitely did not disappoint.

The party went down at the Hidden Hills home of Kim and Kanye, and gotta say ... it was pretty spectacular. The main party area was kinda dream-like ... with fluffy clouds scattered about.

Kim and Kanye had a bunch of snow hauled in, so the kids could sled down a slope.

The guest list was impressive -- J Lo, Alex Rodriguez, Sia, Paris Hilton, Dave Chappelle, Kimora Lee Simmons and Tyler, the Creator.

And, get this ... the singer -- John Legend, who performed a bunch of songs off his Xmas album, "A Legendary Christmas."

Check out North planted on Kanye's shoulders as he dances to his buddy, John.

The Kardashians Xmas card this year is predominantly girls. It's pretty fitting that the matriarch of the predominantly female family was given a baller gift ... for Christmas, Kris got a custom-made Goyard suitcase, which runs upwards of $15k.

Just another fashionable reminder that they're rich as f***.

12/25 -- 21 Savage has also apologized ... saying, "the Jewish people I know are very wise with [their] money so that's why I said we been gettin Jewish money. I never thought anyone would take offense. I'm sorry if I offended everybody. Never my intention. I love all people."

LeBron James busted out a big "Sleecha" to Jewish people on Sunday -- after posting a photo on Instagram with the caption, "Getting that Jewish money."

Long story short, LeBron says he thought it was a "compliment" to Jews.

James was actually quoting a lyric from the 21 Savage rap song "ASMR" -- but there was a backlash online from people who felt someone as famous and powerful as LeBron shouldn't be pushing old Anti-Semitic stereotypes.

"Apologies, for sure, if I offended anyone," James told ESPN ... "That's not why I chose to share that lyric. I always [post lyrics]. That's what I do. I ride in my car, I listen to great music, and that was the byproduct of it."

"So, I actually thought it was a compliment, and obviously it wasn't through the lens of a lot of people. My apologies. It definitely was not the intent, obviously, to hurt anybody."

Despite LeBron's intent, there have been hundreds of books and articles written over the years about why the "Jews and Money" stereotype is a dangerous one.

Quite simply, it's been used a rallying cry to fuel anti-Semitism for hundreds of years.

Logan Paul says Dana White needs to "get his head out of his ass" and sign him to a UFC fight already -- because it's easy money for everyone involved.

Remember, Paul fought YouTube star KSI in a boxing match earlier this year -- and got real praise from real UFC stars including Tyron Woodley and UFC color commentator Joe Rogan.

Paul had said he wants a UFC fight next, but White shot him down saying he'd get hurt if he got in the Octagon with a real MMA fighter.

But, Paul says that's a bunch of crap -- telling TMZ Sports he's already proven he can hold his own in a fight ... and would dedicate himself to training if the two sides worked out a deal.

"If I get the chance to fight in the UFC, that's my life," Paul says.

"Dana, what's good? The people want it man!"

Of course, Paul's opponent would be a huge factor -- Logan says he understands he's not ready for a shot with a killer like Khabib ... but he WOULD be down to fight Conor McGregor.

"I would be honored for Conor to rip my head off."

Ever wonder what Santa Claus would look like if he were 6-foot-11, 269 pounds and a superstar basketball player??

Great ... 'cause Boogie Cousins threw on his best Santa outfit recently -- and we've got the pic!!!

The Warriors superstar looks great as St. Nick ... but he ain't the only one that's done his best Kris Kringle impression in the past.

Legendary jockey Victor Espinoza is a BEAST ... 'cause just six months after nearly dying in a training accident -- the dude was choppin' down a tree in Mexico!!!

TMZ Sports broke the story ... the Hall of Famer was severely injured after a horse he was riding went into cardiac arrest on the track on July 22 in Del Mar, California.

Victor nearly died from the fall ... with a chipped bone in his neck almost cutting an artery.

But, we're told Victor's well on the road to recovery -- and his workout while he was visiting family this week in Yucatan clearly proves that.

The dude hacked away at a tree with an axe the size of his body ... and yeah, he looked like his neck's doing just fine.

We're told Victor will be back on a horse January 1 ... and he's actually expected to start racing again in mid-January.