While the world seems to be spinning around the BL mania (quite understandably so), we do have intelligent media producing and propagating the queer experience. They may not have the colossal fan following that the Asian BL industry commands, but they are slowly evolving into intellectual voices of optimism and vivid representation. Although the stigma still exists, now we have actors who are willing to step out of the box; inclined to challenge themselves by portraying LGBTQ roles. Gone are the days when queer characters were used for comic relief. Today, we have classic adaptations like “The Interview with The Vampire” that have made a mark with their daredevil act and honest depiction. In today’s feature, we will be checking out some of the most anticipated queer shows/movies in 2023!

Red, White, & Royal Blue

The most important announcement of this year is finally here and we are jumping with joy!

Adapted from the best-selling novel of the same name by Casey McQuiston, Red, White, & Royal Blue is a queer experience with a royal flavor. Having read the novel a couple of times in the past few months, I’m dying to watch this visual retreat. Starring Taylor Zakhar Perez (The Kissing Booth 2 & 3) and Nicholas Galitzine (Cinderella) in the lead roles of Alex Claremont-Diaz and Prince Henry, the storyline focus on their frenemy to lover’s journey. Yes, you heard it right- The First Son of US and The Prince of England are an unlikely pair in this fictional world. The novel became quite popular because of the snarky rivalry and ensuing heartwarming camaraderie between the main characters. The “wow” factor in this movie (apart from the gorgeous main leads) is Uma Thurman, who will be portraying the role of Ellen Claremont, the newly elected United States President. Alongside Taylor, Nicholas and Um, Red, White & Royal Blue stars an enormous cast that includes Rachel Hilson, Clifton Collins Jr., Stephen Fry, Sarah Shahi, Ellie Bamber, Aneesh Sheth, Polo Morin, Ahmed Elhaj, and Akshay Khanna.

Synopsis-

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Source- Goodreads

Heartstopper Season Two

Literally akin to its name, the second season of this heart stopping romance between Charlie (Joe Locke) and Nick (Kit Connor) is all set to premiere on 3rd August, 2023. Adapted from the webcomic and graphic novel of the same name by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper is one of the most popular adaptations fronted by Netflix in recent times. The show received critical acclaim and was praised for its rustic storytelling as well as genuine representation. The show swept through major wins at the inaugural ceremony of the Children’s & Family Emmys-Kit Connor (Outstanding Lead Performance in a Preschool, Children’s, or Young Teen Program), Outstanding Teen Series, Outstanding Writing for Alice Oseman (who also created the original comic), Outstanding Casting for Daniel Edwards, and Outstanding Guest Performance for Olivia Colman (who plays Nick’s mother). Following its phenomenal success and massive fan following, the show has already been renewed for a third season (and will most probably premiere next year). Joining the original casting who will be reprising their roles, we have some fresh faces- Leila Khan as Sahar Zahid, Nima Taleghani as Mr. Farouk, Bradley Riches as James McEwan, Jack Barton as David, Thibault de Montalembert as Stephane, Bel Priestley as Naomi and Ash Self as Felix.

Giving a glimpse into the possible storyline for the sequel, the press release states:

Nick and Charlie navigate their new relationship; Tara (Corinna Brown) and Darcy ((Kizzy Edgell) face unforeseen challenges; Tao (Will Gao) and Elle (Yasmin Finney) work out if they can ever be more than just friends. Plus, there are exams, a school trip to Paris, and prom!

Official Announcement-

Young Royals Season Three

Netflix is on a roll dropping announcements left and right. Joining this roster is the Swedish regal romance “Young Royals”. The show was renewed for a third time with the streaming portal, confirming that it will be the season finale. While Netflix is quite notorious for canceling fan favorites (1899, First Kill, Half Bad: The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself), Young Royals is one of the few shows that has managed to survive the axe. The show focuses on main lead Wilhelm’s journey as he is suddenly anointed as the Crown Prince of Sweden. Being first in line to the throne comes with a set of regulations- one of the unsaid rule being that the Crown Prince cannot be “Gay”. As Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) toes the line between figuring out his own sexuality and handling the media attention, his budding romance with fellow classmate Simon (Omar Rudberg) is tested time & again. Netflix recently released an announcement stating that Season Three is now in production. They also released a short clip where the casts reunite for a read through with Edvin stating “the first episode is going to be wow”. The second season ended on a major cliffhanger, with Wilhelm publicly accepting his sexuality. The third season will further test Wilhelm’s resolve to stand beside Simon. The Queen (Wilhelm’s Mother) is already thinking of appointing August (Malte Gårdinger) as the next heir to the throne. Her plans would definitely derail Wilhelm’s future and harm their already delicate relationship. One thing is for sure, the finale will be as angsty as it can!

Queer

Popular for playing the iconic agent 007, Daniel Craig is one of the most versatile actors in the current crop. Adding a feather to his adaptable repertoire, the talented actor will be portraying a gay role in director Luca Guadagnino’s (Call Me by Your Name) upcoming adaptation, Queer. Drew Starkey (Outer Banks) will be playing his love interest, Allerton. Adapted from William S. Burrough’s novel, the storyline is semi-autobiographical. Daniel Craig will be playing the renowned counterculture author’s alter ego Lee, an outcast American expat who lives in Mexico. The story traces Lee’s journey as he wanders around the city clubs and meets a discharged American Navy serviceman, Allerton. He becomes obsessed with Allerton and pursues him relentlessly. Initially indifferent to his advances, Allerton eventually gives in, turning Lee’s yearning into an obsession. While this is Drew’s first major role, Daniel has already played gay characters in Love Is the Devil-Study for a Portrait of Francis Bacon, Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022). The film also stars Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, and Henry Zaga in major roles. The film will start production in Rome this month.

Source- Variety

Strange Way of Life

A strong ally of the LGBTQ community and popular for his solid performance in the recently concluded adaptation “The Last of Us”, Pedro Pascal will be leading the cast in Pedro Almodóvar “Strange Way of Life”. Costarring veteran actor Ethan Hawke, this short film will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival this May 2023. The film chronicles the story of two men, Silva (Pascal) and Sheriff Jake (Hawke), who meet again after 25 years. Jake then tells Silva that there is more to their reunion than just revisiting their friendship.

Almodóvar’s was quoted saying that Strange Way of Life is his “answer to Brokeback Mountain.” Describing it further, he says, “This is a queer Western in the sense that there are two men, and they love each other, and they behave in that situation in an opposite way”. Elite star Manu Rios is also joining the cast along with José Condessa, Jason Fernández, Sara Sálama, Erenice Lohan, Pedro Casablan and George Steane. The teaser poster for the 30 minutes film has been released, and it sure looks intriguing!

Official Trailer-

Source- Indiewire, Advocate

Drive Away Dolls

Focus Features and Working Title’s new comedy caper, Drive-Away Dolls, will premiere on September 22, 2023. Directed by Ethan Coen, co-written with his wife, Tricia Cooke, the film stars Margaret Qualley, Geraldine Viswanathan, Beanie Feldstein, Pedro Pascal, Colman Domingo, Bill Camp and Matt Damon.

Drive Away Dolls follows Jamie, an uninhibited free spirit bemoaning yet another breakup with a girlfriend, and her demure friend Marian, who desperately needs to loosen up. In search of a fresh start, the two embark on an impromptu road trip to Tallahassee, but things quickly go awry when they cross paths with a group of inept criminals along the way.

Focus Features will be distributing the movie in the US, with Universal Pictures International handling international distribution.

Source- Focus Features

The Holiday Exchange

A classic retelling of the 2006 hit “The Holiday” is in making but with a queer twist. Directed by Jake Helgren, The Holiday Exchange stars “The Flash” star Rick Cosnett and Taylor Frey in the lead roles. The film is about a small-town heartthrob Oliver (Cosnett), who swaps houses for the holidays on an LGBTQ+ app with big city businessman Wilde (Taylor Frey). Soon enough, both Cosnett and Frey’s characters fall in love with handsome locals Julius (Samer Salem) and Henry (Daniel Garcia).

Both Cosnett and Frey are openly gay. Cosnett came out in 2013 while Frey is married to actor Massey who is also part of this movie. Frey and Massey also starred in ‘A Christmas to Treasure’, which was recently nominated for a GLAAD award for outstanding TV movie. The rest of the cast includes Camila Banus, Nick Adams, Ashley Fink and Kyle Dean Massey.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

Blue Fox Entertainment has obtained the rights for the upcoming coming-of-age queer tale “Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”.

Adapted from Benjamin Alire Sáenz’s YA novel, this film explores poignant themes of friendship, sexuality and familial ties. Set in 1987 in El Paso, Texas, Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe narrates the story of two teenage Mexican Americans, Aristotle Mendoza (played by Max Pelayo) and Dante Quintana (played by Reese Gonzales). Written and directed by Aitch Alberto, the supporting cast includes Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria, Veronica Falcón, and Kevin Alejandro. The movie is set to have its theatrical premiere this summer.

Synopsis-

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Source- Variety, Amazon Kindle

Stay tuned for more updates!