DC’s latest superhero film, Shazam!, may have introduced cinema’s first openly gay superhero.
The film has topped the box office in the US, with $56 million, as well as a worldwide total of $158 million so far.
It stars Chuck star Asher Angel as Billy Batson, a teen boy who discovers he can transform into an adult superhero called Shazam (Zachary Levi).
The film has drawn comparisons to the Tom Hanks’ Big, and the Will Smith flick Hancock.
One scene sees Billy and friends escape the villain Dr Sivana (Mark Strong) into a strip club.
Pedro, played by Jovan Armand, says: ‘Not my thing.’
Did Shazam introduce film’s first gay superhero?
Many have suggested this is coded to imply Pedro is gay or asexual.
Others have also suggested he could be any other sexuality, but just doesn’t like strip clubs.
The superhero genre is the biggest money-maker in cinema. And the lack of LGBTI representation means many are wishing for representation.
‘I loved that DC introduced a gay latino superhero in the big screen,’ said one fan.
Another said: ‘Can we discuss the fact that Pedro is gay?!’
The only thing I took away from #Shazam was the fact that Pedro Peña is PROBABLY gay.
— chaney
(@chaneyyyyyyyyy) April 8, 2019
IS PEDRO THE FIRST LIVE ACTION GAY SUPERHERO?????
— the sad and kinky King of Hell
Recently, DC cast a trans and deaf POC actor in the streaming series Titans.
Chella Man will be playing the superhero Jerico in his acting debut.
On the other side of the superhero world, Marvel is also set to include an LGBTI character in a film.
Bisexual actress and filmmaker Angelina Jolie is reportedly in talks to star in The Eternals, the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
The Oscar-winning actress might be about to make her debut as superhero in the movie by Chloe Zhao.
Production is also reportedly looking to cast an openly gay actor for one of the main roles.
Whoever books the gig will be the first gay actor to play an LGBTI protagonist in a Marvel’s movie.
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Did DC’s Shazam introduce film’s first openly gay superhero?
Broadway star Caitlin Kinnunen came out in an interview with Nylon magazine, which she shared on her Instagram account.
While discussing her role in the new hit musical The Prom, Kinnunen says she ‘idenfitied as a straight ally for a very long time’ but she’s now dating a woman.
The Prom, with music by Matthew Sklar, lyrics by Chad Beguelin, and a book by Beguelin and Bob Martin, opened on Broadway last October.
It follows Indiana high school student Emma (Kinnunen) who got her senior prom cancelled because she wanted to attend with another girl as her date.
Meanwhile, in New York, four down on their luck Broadway stars hear about Emma’s story. They decide to travel to Indiana in support of her — and as an opportunity to improve their careers.
In the video below, Kinnunen discusses both the show and her sexuality.
‘Magical and new’
‘The Prom is an important story to tell, because it’s still happening today,’ Kinnunen says in the video.
Just this year, a Mississippi high school banned any same-sex guests from prom. Last year in Alabama, two same-sex students were suspended for wanting to go to prom together. Fortunately, public criticism eventually pressured the school to allow them to attend prom together.
‘It’s wonderful that kids get to come and see this show and see themselves represented on stage in a way that they haven’t been before.’
While speaking about playing the character of Emma, Kinnunen opens up about herself.
‘I take playing Emma very seriously,’ she explained. ‘I’ve always wanted to play her as vulnerable and honest and strong. There are definitely parts of me that are exactly similar to Emma.’
She adds that playing Emma has given her ‘courage’.
On dating a woman, Kinnunen says: ‘It is magical and new and exciting, and I’m loving it.’
Via social media and at the stage door, Kinnunen expresses her gratitude for everyone’s positive responses to the show. She wants more people to see it so they can have ‘hope and excitement about the future’.
See also
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade airs its ‘first ever’ lesbian kiss
Creator of gay musical The Prom personally invites Mike Pence to show
Broadway star Ben Platt comes out in poignant music video
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Star of LGBTI Broadway musical comes out, says she’s dating a woman
Superstar Madonna will perform two songs at the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel this year.
The Vogue singer will sing one song from her back catalogue and one from her upcoming album during the song contest’s grand finale on 18 May.
Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams will cover the cost of bringing Madonna, as well as her 60-person team, to Israel.
The superstar reportedly asked for $1 million to perform, according to the Jerusalem Post.
Madonna photographed on the night of the Oscars in Los Angeles (Photo: @madonna | Instagram)
Adams said: ‘[I] saw the importance of bringing the iconic singer to Tel Aviv and creating a memorable historic performance.’
He then continued at the INTV press conference in Jerusalem: ‘It’s a tremendous way to boost tourism. I think the more people we bring here, the more people see our true nature, and the true beauty of our country and our people, and the freedom and openness and tolerance and safety of our country.’
The European Broadcasting Union is expected to make a special announcement tonight (8 April).
Eurovision Song Contest 2019: Controversy
The Eurovision Song Contest 2019 is already one of the most controversial yet.
Israel’s longstanding tumultuous relationship with Palestine automatically makes the song contest political.
In fact, more than 60 queer and trans liberation organizations are calling for a boycott of Eurovision.
The majority of signatories are Palestinian queer groups. Others include the National LGBT Committee for UNISON, ACT UP groups in France and the UK, and the Gay Liberation Network.
Some activists are concerned Israel is co-opting LGBTI rights as a ‘public relations tool to hide its crimes against Palestinians’.
However, Assi Azar, a gay Israeli man who is one of the four presenters this year, believes boycotting sends a ‘message of hate’.
LGBTI hate crime has soared by 54% in the last 12 months in Israel | Picture: Creative Commons
Israel will also go to the polls tomorrow (9 April) to vote in a national election. This election could see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his fifth term of office as leader.
In a desperate plea for votes from the LGBTI community, he met with activists and leaders from the community yesterday (7 April) for the first time in 10 years.
On the results of the meeting, the Association for the LGBT Community in Israel posted on its Facebook page.
They wrote: ‘Unfortunately, with the exception of hugs and warm words, we have not received any commitment to prevent LGBT-phobia incitement or any commitment to ending discrimination.’
See also
What’s the meaning behind Madonna’s latest cryptic Instagram posts?
Monét X Change blows off gig to film music video with this huge gay icon
Madonna and Lady Gaga hung out at the Oscars and queer Twitter imploded
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https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/madonna-eurovision-song-contest-2019/
The UK government‘s official health and safety organization has announced it will stop planned staff secondments to Brunei following its anti-LGBTI laws.
Unions raised red flags over the ethical and safety implications of these temporary transfers after the kingdom quietly introduced its plans to impose the death penalty on queer men.
The Guardian reported today (8 April) that the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have ‘paused’ all links to the country, review pending.
What happened?
The HSE planned to sent a team of three to Brunei to help with an equivalent agency’s admin work.
Internal emails and notices seen by the Guardian showed the organization was roping together the team as late as 4 April; just a day after the tiny southeast Asian sultanate announced it would impose an interpretation of the Shariah penal code.
Brunei itself – a tiny, oil-rich patch of the island of Borneo – has only 430,000 people living there.
Yet, this in no way stopped the immense and continuing condemnation of their absolute ruler, the Sultan of Brunei.
However, the HSE were actively putting together the team to help on a short-term project with Safety, Health, and Environment National Authority in Brunei, called Shena.
The project would ‘help strengthen [the] health and safety regulatory function’ of the Brunei agency, one email said.
An HSE spokeswoman told the Guardian: ‘HSE is an inclusive organisation and strongly supports LGBT+ rights.
‘Any commercial discussions will now be paused while we review the situation.’
Adding their voice
HSE are the latest in a long line of companies and people to boycott Brunei in the wake of their laws.
Travel agency STA Travel and Virgin Australia severed ties with the country’s national air carrier, Royal Brunei Airlines.
Similarly, London train network TfL did the same after ads for the airline were spotted by commuters.
Moreover, high-profile celebrities – from George Clooney to Dua Lipa – have spoken bluntly of their decisions to boycott all Brunei-owned hotel businesses.
While the UN denounced the laws as ‘inhuman’ and ‘draconian.’
Background of Brunei
Rulers of Brunei have long enforced strictly traditional interpretations of Islamic teachings. The country, in Southeast Asia, operates under an absolute monarchy.
In other words, the head of state, the Sultan of Brunei, is also head of government. Royalty and lawmaking are one the same.
For example, under the current 51-year-long monarch Hassanal Bolkiah, the country banned alcohol and forbade the proliferation of non-Islamic faiths.
Sharia Penal Code: In three stages
Back in 2014, Bolkiah announced the Brunei governmental bloc would implement the Sharia Penal Code in three stages.
The first stage of legal reforms was no struggle to lawmakers, but its second and third stages experienced holdups.
However, the Bruneian Attorney General’s Chambers website officially posted plans to fast-track implementation of the SPC on 29 December 2018.
See also
Gay members of Congress urge Obama to drop Brunei and Malaysia from trade deal
Boycott over Brunei’s Sharia law costs Beverly Hills Hotel US$1.5 million in cancellations
In fear for their lives: The hidden LGBTI community of Brunei
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Brunei project cut by UK government health agency over LGBTI death penalty
Hundreds of Floridians braved the mid-day heat to show their support for the LGBTI community this weekend, as Cape Coral’s first ever LGBTI Pride parade took place on Saturday (5 April).
The 86-degree heat didn’t deter the crowds, with hundreds of people lining the streets to wave on the elaborately decorated floats ferrying drag queens, drag kings, and representatives of local companies.
Locals flanked the street parade in equally bright colors, donning rainbow flags, tutus, and feature boas, the News-Press reports.
The festival also hosted live music played, a beer tent, food trucks and a number of vendor booths.
Officiating the event was Grand Marshal Sonique, a drag queen who appeared on season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
1st Cape Coral Pride ever!!!! pic.twitter.com/Wu6JLLzDF7
— 6:45 (@Larrynges) April 7, 2019
‘We’re all the same’
Locals attending the Pride event spoke of how LGBTI inclusivity had increased in the town over the years.
Mike Greenwell, a 48-year-old Cape Coral resident, said that maintaining the visibility was important to building inclusivity in the neighborhood.
‘We’re all the same,’ Greenwell said. ‘It’s good to see everybody out here supporting each other.’
Pride Cape Coral! pic.twitter.com/GW1YZg63gv
— Thamar Alvarado (@thamar58) April 6, 2019
Fellow Cape Coral resident and event volunteer, Chris Kaelin, said there were more attendees than he expected.
‘I thought with as fast as they put this together, it could flop,’ Kaelin said. ‘It doesn’t look like it’s going to.’
Kaelin said he hoped the Pride event would help bring the Cape Coral’s LGBTI residents together.
‘There are so many gay people in Cape Coral, but most of them are coupled, and they don’t go out,’ the 55-year-old said. ‘They don’t know each other.’
Other locals echoed the need to keep the positive momentum of LGBTI visibility.
Sunstate Fort Myers will be at PRIDE Cape Coral this Saturday April 6th! From 4 to 8:30 p.m. stop by and say hi to Admissions and students & get your face painted! Located on SE 47th Terrace in Cape Coral. See you there
#PRIDECapeCoral #SunstateFortMyers pic.twitter.com/cVRuRPf2J1
— Sunstate Academy (@SunstateAcademy) April 3, 2019
Weekend-long event
The city’s first Pride event comes two years after Cape Coral passed discrimination protections for the city’s LGBT employees.
Jennifer Nelson and Jessica Cosden, the two Council Members who were fundamental in pushing through the city’s LGBT protections measure, also rode on the street parade.
Celebrations will last until Sunday, where two outdoor brunch events will be held on SE 10th Place and SE 47th Terrace from 10:30 to 1pm, with tickets priced at $25 each.
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Floridians brave the heat to celebrate Cape Coral’s first LGBTI Pride
The city of Orlando, Florida is hoping to become the first Floridian city with a network of certified LGBTI businesses. This way, LGBTI-owned businesses would be better represented for the city’s contracting and training opportunities.
Tell me more
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and City Commissioner Patty Sheehan introduced the resolution on Tuesday, 2 April. The proposal is set to be voted on before the City Council on Monday, 8 April.
According to Orlando Weekly, ‘The resolution would allow city officials to develop a base and registry of LGBTQ-owned businesses recognized by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s certification process. It will also provide a means for the city to monitor and track usage of LGBTQ-owned and certified businesses in the procurement of goods and services with the city, as well as develop training programs and services to ensure the businesses are informed about future opportunities.’
Basically, it’s the first step in a plan that would allow LGBTI-owned businesses to thrive.
Why it matters
‘Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of our local economy. And the reason why we have such a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem and business-friendly environment,’ Mayor Dyer said in a statement. ‘We must work together to continue to foster an environment that advances opportunities for all.’
Dyer added that the resolution ‘ensures that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs in Orlando will have the opportunity to create jobs and develop innovations that benefit all who live in the most inclusive city in America.’
Sheehan, who represents the city’s 4th District, concurs.
‘One of the misconceptions about including LGBTQ+ owned businesses, or those of any other diverse community, is that someone else’s opportunity decreases as a result,’ Sheehan stated. ‘That simply isn’t so. No one loses when everyone is given a fair shot to win.’
Watch a clip of Mayor Dyer introducing the resolution below:
Tuesday, @OrlandoMayor announced a resolution for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ owned businesses certified by the @NGLCC in contracting and procurement opportunities with the city. pic.twitter.com/xVBXMrQKpy
— City of Orlando (@citybeautiful) April 3, 2019
See Also:
US 2020 Democratic candidates to participate in LGBTI debate
Nashville becomes first Southern US city to recognise LGBTI-owned businesses
US judge dismisses Pulse lawsuit against police and city of Orlando
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Orlando seeks to become the first city with a network of certified LGBTI businesses
Gay hookup app Scruff recently announced that it had changed its rules regarding profile pics.
Following concerns an app store might drop Scruff (the commercial kiss of death!), it stated guys couldn’t post profile images sporting just a jockstrap or bikini-style brief. Such images could still feature in private albums for swapping with other users.
Photo courtesy @firebreatherbear on Instagram
Scruff CEO Eric Silverberg said, ‘Our change is meant to align our content standards with the evolving content standards of our app store distributors.’
The move comes following Tumblr’s high-profile crackdown on adult content. Facebook and Instagram have also announced that it is working harder to ban any sexual content or nudity, including buttocks and females nipples. Together, it represents a shift in the way social media companies and apps censor users’ content.
The Scruff decision raised eyebrows, however. Unlike Tumblr or Instagram, it is specifically aimed at an 18+ audience.
Models in Blue Collar Male jockstraps – Photo courtesy of @bluecollarmale on Instagram
Athletic and uplifting
Are jockstraps – originally designed to provide athletic support – that obscene? Clearly, if someone’s bending over and parting their butt cheeks, we could understand the concern a little better. But, as these images of guys in jocks demonstrate, what’s wrong with just showing a little flesh on a site designed to put you in touch with other guys for dating or sex?
Some of the men we contacted got back to us with their own thoughts.
Jockstraps ‘lift everything in the right places,’ says Jamil (Photo: @maoribeef on Instagram)
‘Jockstraps are comfortable and make me feel sexy, they fit amazing and lift everything in the right places,’ says @maoribeef (above).
‘I recently uploaded this photo to Scruff (see below). However it was rejected and moved to my private folder as it was considered nudity.
Photo: @maoribeef on Instagram
‘I understand the big crackdown on nudity lately and being more strict. However, I personally don’t find it an issue wearing/showing off one’s body sexually, and don’t understand why all these changes are happening especially considering Scruff is a sexual/adult app for meeting people for sex? I mean, not everyone, but you know…’
Photo courtesy of @rodopod on Instagram
Photo courtesy of @jjoachimm on Instagram
‘I can understand why Scruff changed its guidelines’
‘It’s an interesting topic which I’ve been discussing with people lately,’ says red-haired actor and dancer Gerard (@gwsgingerface).
‘In my experience of Scruff, like with Grindr, it’s less of a dating app. The majority of people are “open” couples or people just looking to hook-up.
Gerard wears a jockstrap by @justdoitbabes (Photo: @gwsgingerface on Instagram)
‘As a single man, I find people on Tinder to be more open to going on dates rather than hooking up and even though I know the positive side of a polyamorous relationship, having less people into polyamory on there actually gives us a chance to find a boyfriend. Instead of falling for someone already taken.
‘The photos on Tinder are still flirty and show someone’s personality but more often say “I’m looking for a boyfriend”, which I prefer.
‘So, I can understand why Scruff changed its guidelines and hopefully they can have more of a Tinder vibe. I’ve met [co-founder] Johnny Scruff before, he seems like a great guy so I wish him all the best with it.’
Photo courtesy of @heraclesezequiel on Instagram
Impact on sex workers and models
Underwear model, go-go dancer and personal trainer Jesse Diamond has a different take.
Personal trainer and model Jesse Diamond (Photo: @jessediamondfitness on Instagram)
‘When apps like Scruff ban photos of guys in jockstraps and Tumblr bans NSFW content, it directly affects sex workers and can have a negative impact on their life.
‘These are the types of platforms that camera models and adult film industry workers will use to promote themselves and network with other artists. When sex workers are censored in these ways, it will have a direct affect on their income.
‘This ban will do a lot more harm than good in my opinion.’
Co-founder of Dark Room underwear and clothing, Paul McNulty, in one of his own jockstraps (Photo: @djpjm1 on Instagram)
This image declined by Scruff as a profile photo
Dave Tyson says he tried to use this as his Scruff profile image but it was declined (Photo: @dtysmotivation on Instagram
‘I just re-downloaed Scruff and I think it’s silly what they’re doing,’ says personal trainer Dave Tyson (@dtysmotivation). ‘I used this photo and they removed it.
‘That’s going to steer more people away from the app. I doubt I’ll keep it downloaded. Yes some people are overly sexual with their pics but thats not the case here! I think the pic is sexy, not sexual!’
(Photo: @brianmichael4385 on Instagram)
Another personal trainer is also critical of the Scruff ban and other recent moves to reduce adult content online.
US-based Brian Michael (above) told Gay Star News: ‘I can google search our First Lady and find her artistic nudes. Rather than read her for it, I applaud her bravery and freedom to express herself.
‘The human body, male or female of any shape or size is poetry in motion. Jockstraps? I own plenty, some are functional for sports and others just make me feel sexy.
‘Actually all my underwear makes me feel sexy. It’s why I buy it. Which is my final point. Everyone deserves to feel sexy in the skin they’re in and express that with or without clothing.’
Jockstrap and tattoos: Photo courtesy of @baisteach on Instagram
See also
Meet the first trans man to model for an Andrew Christian underwear campaign
Real-life gay couple feature in new underwear campaign
What do gay men love so much about jockstraps?
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Men in jockstraps react to Scruff’s ban on men in jockstraps
Grace and Frankie, the Netflix show starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, has released the trailer for their upcoming 5th season. In it, we see the first glimpse of this season’s very special guest star, RuPaul.
The trailer
The official trailer was released on 8 January and currently has over 200,000 views.
On season 5 of Grace and Frankie, RuPaul plays Benjamin Le Day, a ‘formidable and quick-witted adversary.’ He is first introduced when Grace (Jane Fonda) and Frankie (Lily Tomlin) break into his house.
‘Someone’s coming,’ Grace whispers to Frankie upon realizing someone is home after the break-in. The two women duck behind the kitchen counter.
‘It seems you’re breaking and entering,’ Benjamin says to them.
‘Hey girl,’ Grace responds, flustered, and holding a toaster.
‘Who the fuck are you?’ Benjamin calmly asks.
‘Who the fuck are you?’ Frankie replies, louder.
News of RuPaul’s role on Grace and Frankie broke last year, following a Twitter thread between RuPaul and Jane Fonda which hinted at a cameo appearance.
Fan reactions
Fans of the show took to Twitter to express excitement at RuPaul’s guest role.
Oooo I’m excited for Grace and Frankie. RuPaul is gonna be in it. I also hope Lisa Kudrow is back.
— Danny (@TempestKey) January 12, 2019
Oh FUCK IT! Can’t wait for Grace and Frankie back on #Netflix January 2018 with tones of celebrity cameos including RuPaul. Truly one of my favourites! https://t.co/QbHhjWdOHv
— Anthony Lund (@AntoPod) January 11, 2019
RuPaul is a regular on season 5 of Grace and Frankie?!! Yasss. Literally cannot wait! My favorite show ever. Besides BMJ sha
— Abi Bamigboye (@abibamigboye) January 11, 2019
I just saw a trailer for Grace & Frankie with mother @RuPaul in it and I am losing my GD mind
— Brandi Nicole (@Brandi_Lud) January 11, 2019
Hey y’all!! @RuPaul is guest staring on this season’s (season 5) @GraceandFrankie on @netflix !!! Now if that ain’t an “Extra Special” reason to watch, I don’t know what is!!
— Michael-Paul Rieth (@mpinmaui) January 10, 2019
RUPAUL IS IN THE NEW SEASON OF GRACE AND FRANKIE
— ashlyn ◟̽◞̽ (@softsoundlarry) January 10, 2019
I am breaking a self imposed hiatus because of how lit @GraceandFrankie s5 trailer is. THEY GIVE ME LIFE @LilyTomlin and @Janefonda and @RuPaul ?!?!???
— n_gordier_
(@nikigordier) January 10, 2019
i screamed when i saw @rupaul in the grace and frankie s5 trailer!!!!!
— pm // panic! in 73 // (@philippa1153) January 10, 2019
Season 5 of Grace and Frankie will be streaming on Netflix beginning 18 January.
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https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/grace-and-frankie-trailer-rupaul-season-5/
2018 was a great year for LGBTI audiences at the movies.
From Love, Simon to Colette, there was an abundance of diversity and representation on the big screen. Some of those films, like Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite, is also posing as a strong contender for awards season.
Hoping to keep that momentum going, here are eight films you should be excited about in 2019.
Captain Marvel
Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel may only be queer in Marvel fans’ hearts, but that isn’t stopping everyone from declaring themselves gay for Brie Larson in the upcoming superhero flick.
Captain Marvel is Marvel Studios’ first solo female superhero film and it’s been a long time coming.
Fans’ first hint at her character, a hybrid human-alien hero, was in the post-credits scene of Avengers: Infinity War. Following her own solo film, Larson will appear as Captain Marvel in April’s Avengers: Endgame.
Captain Marvel comes out 8 March.
Rocketman
Bohemian Rhapsody became the highest grossing music biopic of all time this year. Will next year’s biopic about the legendary Elton John try to attempt to break that record once more?
Taron Egerton stars as the openly gay singer in the upcoming film. John released his debut album, Empty Sky, in 1969 and this movie recounts his rise to fame.
Egerton also recently detailed a sex scene he shares with former Game of Thrones actor Richard Madden in the film.
Rocketman comes out 31 May.
Men in Black: International
Queer actor Tessa Thompson. In a suit. Flirting with Emma Thompson. Need I say more?
That’s all anyone could talk about when the first trailer for the new Men in Black spinoff premiered.
The film takes the premise of the original movies starring Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones and launches it into the global arena. Top-secret organization MIB, meant to monitor alien activity on Earth, goes to London in this new film.
Thompson stars as a new agent teaming up with a veteran agent played by her Thor: Ragnarok co-star Chris Hemsworth.
Men in Black: International comes out 14 June.
Untitled Richard Curtis and Kate McKinnon film
Not much is known about this as-yet unnamed movie, but it’s a comedy-musical written by Richard Curtis and starring Kate McKinnon. Therefore, it’s at the very top of my list.
Danny Boyle directs and other stars include Lily James (who wowed us this summer in the musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again), Himseh Patel, and Ed Sheeran.
In March, Boyle and Curtis revealed the movie is set in the 1960s/70s about a struggling musician ‘who thinks he’s the only person who can remember the Beatles’.
This movie comes out 28 June.
The Lion King
Beyoncé as lioness Nala singing Elton John songs in a photorealistic live-action remake of one of Disney’s most beloved animated films.
John returned to the film to help rework his songs for this new project. Beyoncé also signed on to rework the music with John, as well as perform in the film.
In February, John reported that he, Beyoncé, and Tim Rice were creating a new song for the end credits.
Here’s hoping Beyoncé gets an epic solo song as Nala in the movie — perhaps Shadowland from the Broadway musical?
Comedian Billy Eichner is also in the film as Timon.
The Lion King comes out 19 July.
Charlie’s Angels
When Kristen Stewart was announced to be one of the new Angels in Elizabeth Banks’ upcoming Charlie’s Angels reboot, excitement shot through the roof.
She’ll star alongside Naomi Scott, known for her work in the recent Power Rangers movie and Disney’s upcoming live-action Aladdin, as well as newcomer Ella Balinska.
But what we all really want is for Stewart’s Angel to be queer, obviously.
Charlie’s Angels comes out 1 November.
Frozen 2
Please, please, please let Elsa get a girlfriend in the highly anticipated Disney sequel.
After numerous missteps with LGBTI representation, Disney could really use this as a chance to win back some disenchanted fans. Plus, we all know Let It Go is totally a coming out anthem.
Frozen 2 comes out 22 November.
Cats
When it comes to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, you either love it or hate it.
That debate will come to a head in the new Tom Hooper-direction adaptation of it for the big screen. The musical depicts a single night of a tribe of cats who perform the Jellicle choice. They must decide which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.
The all-star cast includes Jennifer Hudson, Taylor Swift, James Corden, Ian McKellan, Idris Elba, Judy Dench, Rebel Wilson, and more.
Cats comes out 20 December.
And keep an eye out for indie films, as they tend to have good representation but without the needed publicity to make waves.
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Netflix’s Queer Eye reboot is immensely popular, especially with season two’s recent premiere. Now, the show’s foodie heartthrob Antoni Porowski has announced plans to open his own New York restaurant.
Tell me more!
During a panel discussion at the 92 Street Y, Porowski spoke about this upcoming endeavor.
‘I’m all about, like, cheese and pork belly and decadence, and as a result of the increased vanity of being on camera all the time and working out and eating healthy, I’m developing a fast-casual food concept restaurant that I’m gonna be opening here in New York,’ Porowski said, according to Out.com.
As Porowski officially isn’t able to talk about the project yet, not many details are known. Still, it is clear that he’s excited for it.
Fans love Antoni
Considering how fans on Twitter react to Porowski’s role on Queer Eye, one can only assume the restaurant will be a hit.
WHEN IS ANTONI GETTING HIS OWN COOKING SHOW @netflix WHERE U AT #QueerEye
— Emma
(@graneadloaf) June 23, 2018
Can Antoni from queer eye PLEASE teach me how to properly cut an onion
— haley hill (@hhill3060) June 23, 2018
*me, watching queer eye*
antoni: i wanted to teach you a simple dish, take the avocado and this dip-
me: you’re so smart let me love you— kia (@LADYBlIRD) June 23, 2018
I want Antoni from Queer Eye to be my friend and teach me how to cook
— Buddy Glass (@cannon_27) June 23, 2018
‘Queer Eye’ Star Antoni Porowski Plans to Open Up a Restaurant in New York City. Can I please work here? https://t.co/ukQTaAa1cR
— The Bitchy Waiter ® (@bitchywaiter) June 23, 2018
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