Daniel Craig is set to star in the upcoming film, Queer, directed by Luca Guadagnino. The movie, based on William S. Burroughs’ short novel of the same name, tells the story of a gay man named Lee who is battling drug addiction in Mexico City. While there, Lee meets Allerton, a discharged American Navy serviceman who is also struggling with his own personal demons. The two men embark on a journey together, but Allerton’s manipulative behavior leaves Lee even more infatuated with him.
Craig will be playing the role of Lee in the film, with Netflix star Drew Starkey taking on the role of Allerton. The film is set to begin shooting this month, with a script from playwright Justin Kuritzkes.
While this is not the first time Craig has portrayed an LGBTQ+ character on screen, it is a significant moment for representation in mainstream film. The casting of two well-known actors in queer roles speaks to the growing demand for diverse stories and characters on screen.
Director Luca Guadagnino is known for his work on the critically acclaimed film Call Me By Your Name, which also dealt with queer themes. His upcoming film, Challengers, starring Zendaya, is set to be released later this year.
Queer is an important addition to the canon of LGBTQ+ films, bringing to light the struggles and complexities of queer love and desire. As representation continues to be an important topic in the film industry, the casting of Craig and Starkey in this film signals a step forward in queer representation on screen.
