The GLAAD Wrap brings you LGBTQ-related entertainment news highlights, fresh stuff to watch out for, and fun diversions to help you kick off the weekend.
1) HBO Max is developing romantic comedy novel When Katie Met Cassidy into a feature film, written by out author Camille Perri. The story follows Katie, a lawyer who was just left by her fiancé, Paul, and then meets Cassidy and has undeniable connection with her. It is one of the many queer novels that HBO Max is giving the film adaptation.
I have some happy news to share!
HBO Max to Develop Film Adaptation of Novel ‘When Katie Met Cassidy’ https://t.co/WoUpu0Nf4w via @thr— Camille Perri (@CamillePerri) July 9, 2020
2) The PBS Short Film Festival will take place over the next two weeks from Monday July 13 – Friday July 24. The shorts will be available on PBS’s digital platforms. One of the films showcased is “In the Family,” an intimate look at how one Filipino family reacts to having a gay son. Revisiting unreleased audio recordings, documentary filmmaker Drama Del Rosario shares his story of being outed by his teacher and dealing with his family’s reaction.
3) The CW’s Batwoman has cast a new lead for its titular role after the departure of Ruby Rose. Out bi actress Javicia Leslie will play lesbian character Ryan Wilder, who dons the batsuit in the second season. Leslie told TV Line, “I am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show, which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”
Say hello to the new Batwoman! @CWBatwoman pic.twitter.com/7F8Wfshs6X
— Warner Bros. TV (@warnerbrostv) July 8, 2020
4) A trailer has been released for the second season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. The show, which follows a group adopted siblings with special abilities, includes gay character Klaus. The second season takes place in the 1960s, where Klaus has become a cult leader, and they have to stop the end of the world. Season two will be released on July 31, watch the trailer below.
5) Netflix has announced new animated series Deadendia, based on the graphic novels of the same name. The series stars out trans actor Zach Barack as trans teen Barney who balances his summer job at a theme park haunted house while battling the supernatural forces within it. The show also stars out actor Miss Coco Peru.
So so so excited to be part of this goofy horror-comedy from the mind of @hamishsteele and to work with the amazing cast @themisscocoperu @ABrightMonster @EmilyOsment @thatkodygirl and more! https://t.co/rqTsPGyMNg
— Zach Barack (@ZachBarack) July 2, 2020
6) A first look has been released for the upcoming HBO series, We Are Who We Are, a coming-of-age story from out filmmaker Luca Guadagnino, which follows two teenagers Fraser and Caitlin, living on a military base in Italy. The cast includes Chloe Sevigny and Alice Braga as Fraser’s moms, who both serve in the army. Watch a teaser below.
7) Netflix’s Dead to Me has been renewed for a third and final season. The dark comedy, created by out comedian Liz Feldman, follows two women in the aftermath of various grief, include bisexual character Judy. Out actress Jane Lynch has been tapped as the host of NBC’s revival of game show Weakest Link. The fast-paced quiz show will begin production later this year. HBO Max has renewed ballroom competition series Legendary for a second season. The show, which showcases LGBTQ talent in the ballroom scene, will be moving to Los Angeles for its second season.
8) Queer singer Kehlani released a new music video for her song “Bad News” on Thrursday. Watch the video below and stream her newest album It Was Good Until it Wasn’t here. Out singer wrabel released a new single on Wednesday, “since I was young,” features out artist Kesha. Listen to the song here!
9) Out singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright released his new album Unfollow the Rules today. Listen to the album here, and watch the music video for his single “Devils and Angels (Hatred) below. Neon Trees, lead by out singer Tyler Glenn released a new single today “Mess Me Up.” Listen to the song here. The band will be releasing a new album I Can Feel You Forgetting Me on July 24.
10) The Critics Choice Real TV Awards winners were announced last week with winners including RuPaul’s Drag Race in Competition Series; Cheer in Unstructured Series; Top Chef in Culinary Show, and Queer Eye in Lifestyle: Fashion/Beauty Show and Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series. See the full list of winners here.