John C Reilly tells the 'truth' about 'all men' in Ralph Breaks the Internet

John C Reilly said young boys will now know the “truth” about men thanks to his emotional character providing a “role model” in Disney animation, Ralph Breaks the Internet.

The US star, 53, voices the loveable gaming figure who broke free from his “bad guy” title to reveal his sensitive side in 2013 hit Wreck It Ralph.

The new film follows Ralph as he discovers the Internet with best friend Vanellope von Schweetz, voiced by Sarah Silverman, who forces him to face up to his insecurities and emotions as she makes a life-changing decision.

He told A list: “The idea of someone being really strong and losing their temper and wrecking something, young boys could relate to that because they’re struggling with how to deal with these feelings and the strength that they have. To show that you can have those feelings and make mistakes is really important.”

He continued: “The job of an artist is to tell the truth about life. The truth is men are sensitive – all men – even the most macho men are sometimes the most sensitive ones. I think that’s the truth about men, and it’s the truth about women too. They’re both very strong and very sensitive. That’s what human beings are. I’m really glad boys will have that role model and I’m happy girls will have this character of Vanellope.”

Reilly, who grew up in the “very macho” Seventies, hailed Gene Wilder as the man who allowed him to believe men could be sensitive.

He said: “I remember seeing Gene Wilder in Willy Wonka and I remember thinking ‘wow there’s a guy who’s not afraid to show that he’s feeling things – there’s a sensitive side to him’.”

The sequel also breaks down the Disney Princess stereotype, mocking their classic characteristics of having unattainable waistlines and needing a man to save them.

Ralph Breaks the Internet is in cinemas from today