Two Tony winners, a diverse cast, LGBTQ+ themes…what more could we ask for from Billy Porter’s first time in the director’s chair?
It was announced today that Reneé Elise Goldsberry, who won a Tony and a Grammy for her portrayal of Angelica Schuyler in the musical Hamilton, has joined the cast of What If?. Porter, who won a Tony and a Grammy for his portrayal of Lola in Kinky Boots and being an Emmy winner for playing Pray Tell on Pose, will direct the screenplay written by Alvaro García Lecuona.
The film is being described as having a comparable premise to the coming-of-age hits Love, Simon, and Booksmart. When high school senior Khal goes onto Reddit to confess his crush on trans teen Kelsa, the internet encourages him to go for it. Soon, the two are navigating a relationship neither expected.
Trans actress Eva Reign will take on the role of Kelsa while Katy Keene actress Abubakr Ali will play Khal. The film also stars Courtnee Carter, Grant Reynolds, and Kelly Lamor Wilson.
Porter agreed to direct the screenplay just 30 pages in after realizing that it took place in his hometown of Pittsburgh. What If? will also be part of the relaunch of Orion Pictures, which has produced hit films like The Silence of the Lambs and The Addams Family.
Both Goldsberry and Porter are nominated for Emmys this year. Porter will once again compete for Best Lead Actor in a Drama Series for Pose, and while Goldsberry may have been overlooked for her role in Peacock’s Girls5eva, she did score a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for Disney+’s presentation of Hamilton. If Goldsberry wins, she will join Porter as being one step away from an EGOT.
Filming started this month on location in Pittsburgh, and a release date has yet to be announced.
With the lack of trans representation in film, we are so excited for this project. What has been your favorite trans representation on film or television? Drop a reaction below or tweet us at @celebsecrets.
