After a brief hiatus, we are back with our weekly roundup of ‘BL Updates’. The rush hour load doesn’t seem to be lessening. The continuous out pour of dramas/movies is keeping us busy. Let’s walk this tightrope as we share the latest exclusives from the BL & GL industry as well as queer content from the West!

The Hell Guard

Harikarn Solutions (Chains of Heart) have unveiled the official cast of their upcoming drama “The Hell Guard”. Adapted from TJ Tommy’s novel “Hey! Don’t Mess With My Heart”, the storyline depicts an unexpected romance between a medical student and a grim reaper. Chaaim Alongkorn (Chains of Heart) and Few Vayu Kessuvit (Bangkok Buddies) will be starring as the main leads, Yu Waranyu and Phlang Tripop. The supporting cast include Fiat Patchata, Chai Sinsophak, Seng Suphaksin, Gun Napat, Top Piyawat, Haii Sarunsathorn, Tiger Tanawat, Plustor Pronpiphat, Ohm Pasawit, Joseph Pharmtharm, Tantai Meesiri, Big Tanakorn, Ta Phichai, Bas Teerapat, Khunphon Thanaphon, Sky Nopparat, Joseph Pharmtharm, Now Wachirawit, Guide Piyawat, Jimmy Paochinda and Tow Tassanai.

Synopsis-

The story revolves around Waranyu, a young boy who has battled a brain tumor since he was a child. At the age of 14 he has one last surgery, although his body recovers fully Waranyu doesn’t wake up. Waranyu’s soul enters the afterlife, where he meets Imran, the angel of death. Yu is offered three choices. 1) Go back to living in the present, forget what happened in hell and endure the pain of his illness for the rest of his life. 2) To die immediately and travel to the next world to be reborn again. 3) To make a contract and become a representative of the god of death. He would have to stay and learn the paths of the underworld for six years. After which he would wake up and never suffer from sickness again. Yu chooses the third option and remains in his coma, 6 years later he wakes up. Upon awakening, he discovers a newfound purpose as a student and a death-hunting medium, accompanied by a mysterious being, a senior in his faculty named Palang. Their journey uncovers dark forces and unsurprisingly love.

(Source- BL Critic X)

Me Mind Y Announces New Projects

Me Mind Y officially announced the adaptation of author Mame’s novels- “Love Sea (ต้องรักมหาสมุทร)” and “The Boy Next World (คนละกาลเวลา)”. “Love Sea” is one of Mame’s unreleased novels. The drama will star Fort Thitipong as Mahasamut and Peat Wasuthorn as Tongrak. Fort and Peat became popular after playing main leads in the drama “Love in the Air”, which was also adapted from Mame’s novel.

“The Boy Next World” is connected to the Tharntype universe and tells the story of Pakan who is visited by someone claiming to be his lover (Cirrus) from a parallel universe. In TharnType Season Two, the characters were portrayed by Title Thanatorn and Haii Sarunsathorn. However in “The Boy Next World”, Boss Chaikamon and Noeul Nuttarat will be reprising the role of Cirrus and Phugun. Boss & Noeul played the primary couple in “Love in the Air” and are well-liked as well.

Down Low

Sony Entertainment Pictures released the raunchy yet entertaining trailer of their upcoming queer comedy, “Down Low”. Starring Lukas Gage and Zachary Quinto in the lead roles of Cameron and Gary, the movie is an outrageous comedy about one wild night, a deeply repressed man, the twink who gives him a happy ending, and all the lives they ruin along the way. “Down Low” will be available on streaming platforms, starting on 10th October, 2023.

Love Sick The Series 2024

Tia51 Official (My Universe The Series) recently announced the remake of yesteryear’s popular hit “Love Sick The Series” that originally aired in 2014. The original series had 48 episodes and a ginormous cast, so you can expect the same set of characters in the remake as well. The official account of the show announced that 51 actors have been selected as finalists to be cast into the show.

Playyboy The Series

After a month long wait and endless speculations, Copy A Bangkok have finally announced the streaming platforms for their upcoming Thai BL “Playyboy The Series”. Following the success of its multi starrer projects like “Y Destiny” and “War of Y”, this show is definitely one of the most ambitious projects that the company has helmed. Produced by Cheewin Thanamin, the show stars Win Jirapat (War of Y), Chat Wasutha and Shell Thakrit in the lead roles of Nuth, First and Prom alongside a bevy of rookie actors.

Synopsis-

When Zoey’s best friend Nant goes missing his twin brother Nont came to investigate. Zoey joins force with First to help Nont solve the case. Delving into Nant’s past, the trio find themselves entering a dark communities of the sex industry (Aob/Puen), illegal pornorgraphy (Keen/Captain), online hook-ups with drug dealing (Nuth/Phop), covert sex work (Jump/Porche) and sex-love revenge exposing human’s darkest nature (Prom/Nont-Nant). In the meantime, Zoey—who’s afraid of sex—is seduced by his nude model ‘senpai’ while First delves so deep into the ecstacy of sex when met with Soong, an ex-sex worker, that he might become sex-addicted. Will they find the missing person? Or will they discover some hidden truth about themselves through this daunting journey?

(Source: COPY A BANGKOK)

Boys Like Boys

Banking on the success of recent queer dating shows like “Sparks Camp”, “His Man S1 & S2” and “Merry Queer”, Gagaoolala’s upcoming reality show “Boys Like Boys” is set to premiere on 14th October, 2023. “Boys Like Boys” is a collaboration between Gagaoolala and HahaTai. It is the first non-scripted LGBTQ+ and BL dating reality show from Taiwan. On cue of its release, Gagaoolala has released the official posters and trailer for the show.

OFFICIAL SYNOPSIS: Courageous men seek love in a six-day journey, discovering heart-stirring first love moments, and dealing with unrequited emotions, misunderstandings, and conflicts. At the end of the journey, who will find their true match? Who will be brave enough for love?

Official Trailer-

Dear Kitakyushu

We finally have the dream collaboration between the Thai & Japanese BL industry. Kitakyushu Film Commission unveiled details related to their upcoming BL movie “Dear Kitakyushu”. Thai actor Mark Siwat who has worked in a slew of BL projects like I Am Your King, Love by Chance, TharnType, The Stranded, Love by Chance 2: A Chance to Love, Bite Me, Love Mechanics will be starring alongside Japanese actor Uemeru Souta (Kiss x Kiss x Kiss ~ Perfect Scandal, Eternal Yesterday and Naked Dining).

“Dear Kitakyushu” follows a young Thai man who travels to Kitakyushu, Japan, and experiences a loss. He then meets a young Japanese man who helps him, and the encounter changes the course of their lives. The film will be directed by David Bigander, who previously helmed “Bite Me The Series” and “Be Mine SuperStar.” The movie will be screened at a film festival held from December 13th to 17th in the city. The Kitakyushu Film Commission has announced that filming will happen from the 9th to 11th, where fans can also be part of the movie as extras.

During the press conference, Mark expressed his excitement and gratitude for getting the opportunity to star in ‘Dear Kitakyushu’, which is set in Kitakyushu City. He also said that he was excited about meeting his Japanese fans and asked them to look forward to the movie release. Kitakyushu is known as the “Hollywood of Japan,” which has been a filming location for over 30 years. The movie is set to premiere in 2024.

One Room Angel

MBS has released the official poster and trailer for their upcoming drama “One Room Angel”. Adapted from the manga of the same name by Harada (はらだ), the drama will be taking over My Personal Weatherman’s timeslot from 19th October, 2023. International fans, please stay tuned for further updates.

Synopsis-

No hobbies, no friends, no lover. There are a lot of things that Kouki doesn’t have. The story begins when Kouki, an apathetic convenience store worker who struggles to find meaning in his daily life, is stabbed by a random thug. In his dying moments, he sees a beautiful angel with pure white wings. Thinking he was being taken to the afterlife, he is surprised to wake up and find himself fully recovered. When he returns home, he discovers the same angel from before is already there. After learning that the angel has no memories and cannot fly, he takes pity on him and decides to let him stay with him for a while.

(Source: Japanese = Natalie.mu || Translation = Drama-Otaku)

Official Trailer-

‘Tadaima, Okaeri’ by Ichi Ichikawa Gets Adaptation

Popular Japanese manga author Ichi Ichikawa has announced the adaptation of his family BL manga “Tadaima, Okaeri”. He also revealed that the manga will resume with its 5th volume. The publisher of the manga work also shared the happy news on their social media account.

Synopsis-

Masaki Fujiyoshi is a stay-at-home spouse and parent. He has fought long and hard with feelings of being a burden to his loving husband, Hiromu, due to his status as an omega—and the difficulty they faced to achieve this domesticity. When their son, Hikari, was born, the family moved to an area better suited for raising children.

Hikari is now nearing his second birthday, and he and his parents are forging meaningful bonds with those around them. These include the beta high schooler living next door, Yuuki, to whom Hikari has become rather attached; Hiromu’s friend from work Matsuo; and the mysterious single dad seen wandering around the park.

Despite their newfound domestic bliss, the family’s ties to their past are in tatters. There are people they left behind to pursue the creation of their happy family, and when they begin to return, Masaki and Hiromu aren’t quite sure they have good intentions.

(Source- My Animelist)

‘Heartstopper’ Season 3

A month ago, Netflix UK dropped an update about for the first episode of season 3, which included the episode title.

On 2nd October, Netflix officially announced that filming for the third season of Heartstopper has commenced. From the clapboard, it’s clear that Season One & Two director Euros Lyn will not be returning. Instead, Andy Newbery (‘The Light In The Hall’, ‘Keeping Faith’) will be helming the project. Lyn will remain in the team as an executive producer alongside Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman.

Author Sammon Scene announces adaptation of Euthanasia

Popular Thai BL author Sammon Scene (Manner of Death, Grab A Bite, Make A Wish, Triage) announced that her medical romance “Euthanasia” will be adapted next. The show will be broadcast on One31 Channel. No further details have been revealed.

Stay tuned, for further updates!