This image was lost some time after publication.

Thanks to his performance in Brokeback Mountain, Heath Ledger is no longer just "that dude who jousted to Queen remixes," but a bankable and respected leading man. But getting to sink your teeth into this calibre of material nothing says Oscar bait like his wrenching attack of love withdrawal, aka the "Jake shakes" comes with a price, which in this instance is finding yourself cast in the unexpected role of a gay rights media mouthpiece. If this interview from the Sydney Herald is any indication, however, Ledger is up to the task:

Ledger said he was not surprised a Utah cinema had banned Brokeback Mountain, which depicts a lifelong love affair between two Montana cowboys.


"I heard a while ago that West Virginia was going to ban it. But that's a state that was lynching people only 25 years ago, so that's to be expected," Ledger said.

"Personally, I don't think the movie is (controversial) but I think maybe the Mormons in Utah do. I think it's hilarious and very immature of a society.

So taken with the hilarious immaturity of the Mormons is Ledger that he has already signed on for back to back comedy projects on the very subject: The Salt Lake Seals has him coaching a hopeless team of gradeschoolers to AAA hockey league victory, to be followed by The Polygamist, a sex farce co-starring Vince Vaughn and the Pussycat Dolls in their big screen debut.