![]() ![]() Was there anything about the latter genre that drew you in specifically? As you’ve hinted at, this film isn’t just a romcom, but it’s a queer coming-of-age story too. You know, we've never seen that before, and especially in the bodies of teenagers. So reading the script, what was so profound to me - particularly coming off of Pose, which is about a group of people who are traumatized but who decide to choose joy and love anyway - was that this story started at, We have joy already. ![]() When you first developed an interest in directing, were you always envisioning a romcom? But in terms of narrative - in terms of controlling the narrative as a director - that vision is mine. And it's not even really total control, because you’ve still got to deal with the studio. Is there something in particular you thought you’d get from directing that you hadn’t already gotten from simply acting?Ĭontrol. I understood at that time that I'd probably have to do it myself.Īs an actor, though, much of your work has been for these kinds of stories, stories that are pushing the needle in some way, shape, or form. I would say over 20 years ago, when I realized in the first decade of my career that I was not seeing the kinds of stories and the kinds of archetypes that felt human and specific to me. When did you first develop an interest in directing too? It was “for interest,” as they say in the business. Gugenheim and Andrew Lauren from, and Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa from Killer Films, they all had me in mind to direct the film, so they sent me the script. How did you first get involved with the film? ![]() With “a cast that reflects what the world looks like today” and a central story that manages to find new shades within an already novel conceit (not satisfied with simply telling a story about any trans high schooler, Porter specifically wanted to focus on trans joy), Anything’s Possible is a terrific addition to the teen romcom canon and a great introduction to “Billy Porter, The Director.”Īhead of the premiere of Anything’s Possible, NYLON hopped on a Zoom call with Billy Porter to talk about making the leap from actor to director, “taking control” to tell the stories he wasn’t seeing, working with first-time actress Eva Reign, why he found Ximena García Lecuona’s screenplay “inspiring,” and when he thinks he’ll be ready to direct a film that he also stars in. But as Porter is quick to mention, his film is as much a loving ode to the genre as it is a necessary corrective. Taking a page from the tried-and-true playbook of the Coming-of-Age King John Hughes, Anything’s Possible is earnestly heartfelt but humorously lighthearted, presenting a love story that somehow feels both dreamy and grounded. (The Broadway veteran has directed for the stage in the past.) Starring newcomer Eva Reign and Katy Keene’s Abubakr Ali, the upbeat coming-of-age romcom tells the touching story of a confident trans high school senior (Reign) and the handsome but reserved classmate who decides to ask her out after being encouraged to by a group of well-intentioned strangers on a Reddit board (Ali).Īfter rising to national acclaim on a show that boasted what is still the largest cast of trans actors to ever appear on a scripted series, it’s no surprise that Porter is demonstrating a continued passion for telling empowering stories, even as he transitions into the next phase of his decades-long career. This Friday, the decorated actor and singer will add another title to his ever-expanding résumé when Prime Video premieres Anything’s Possible, his feature directorial debut. Now, he’s ready to step behind the camera for a change. Already a Tony winner for his performance in a different culture-shifting production (the 2013 Broadway revival of Kinky Boots), Porter would soon be adding another high-profile trophy to his mantle: a well-deserved Lead Actor Emmy for Pose. As the firm but fragile Pray-Tell, a no-nonsense MC for the glittering balls at the center of FX’s Pose, Porter proved to be an undeniable force in front of the camera. Warning: Mild spoilers for Anything’s Possible below.įrom 2018 until 2021, Billy Porter was best known for his transformative performance in a show widely appreciated for its boundary-breaking pedigree. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |