You knew a George Santos movie was coming. Every scandalous public figure is commemorated with their own ripped-from-the-headlines media content. And now that Santos has been expelled from Congress and Bowen Yang has made wonderful comedy as the bizarre queer conservative in sketches on “SNL,” a movie was as inevitable as former Trump administration lackeys turning up on “Dancing with the Stars.” HBO Films has optioned the rights to Mark Chiusano’s new book, “The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos,” and “Veep” and “Succession” executive producer Frank Rich. In other words, the project is in the capable hands of creatives who know the insanity of politics and power. Now, who’ll play this wild man? We have an idea: Harvey Guillén from the FX vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows.” He’s here, he’s queer, he’s ready.
‘Bottoms’ star Ayo Edebiri’s ‘Opus’
Young comic actor Ayo Edebiri might have won your heart for her Emmy-nominated performance on “The Bear,” but her queer icon status has already been solidly confirmed by this summer’s raunchy, raucous, lesbian fight club comedy “Bottoms.” And for her next film she’ll appear alongside “Billions” star John Malkovich in the A24 horror film “Opus” from first time feature writer-director Mark Anthony Green. Queer support in the cast will come from Emmy winner Murray Bartlett (“The White Lotus”) in addition to Juliette Lewis (still in talks) and “Prey” star Amber Midthunder. All we know of the plot is it involves a pop star who disappeared, only to reappear after decades, which sounds appropriately mysterious for the sort of left-field horror that tends to find its home at A24. Strike’s over, production schedules are gearing up again, and this one is still in its early stages, so don’t count on seeing it until at least late 2024, but in the meantime go catch up on her work and enjoy the beginning of the Ayo Era.
Michelle Williams takes on death and ‘Sex’
The hit podcast from Wondery, “Dying for Sex,” is being developed as a limited series for FX by creators Liz Meriwether (“The Dropout”), Kim Rosenstock (“Only Murders in the Building”) and queer screenwriter Leslye Headland (“The Acolyte”). It’s the true story of a woman diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, who then leaves her husband of 15 years on a journey of self-discovery that involves her identity and her sexuality. Supported by her best friend, she explores the meaning of her body, her life and her death. For subject matter this complex, a marvelously talented Michelle Williams would be anyone’s choice, and happily for the project she has signed on for the lead role. It’s a return to television after delivering one of the year’s great film performances in Kelly Reichardt’s quiet drama “Showing Up,” and a return to FX after playing Gwen Verdon in “Fosse/Verdon.” No word yet on other cast or air date, but this is one to keep on your radar.
‘Love Lies Bleeding’ with Kristen Stewart is going to weird out 2024
Way back in early 2022 we told you about a mystery project called “Love Lies Bleeding” coming from Kristen Stewart and “Saint Maud” filmmaker Rose Glass. The Elton John-referential title gave us no information beyond horror-adjacent associations with the rivetingly creepy “Maud.” Now we know that the film is set in the world of competitive bodybuilding and the body obsessions that can develop in that atmosphere. Stewart plays a gym employee, queer rising star Katy O’Brian (“Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”) is a bisexual bodybuilder, and the rest of the supporting cast includes Dave Franco, Jena Malone, Ed Harris and Anna Baryshnikov. Production wrapped in 2022 but distributor A24 held onto the title for the chance to let no-longer-striking actors and writers promote the release, which will now take place in 2024. Have a protein shake while you wait.
Romeo San Vicente still likes Zumba.