Michael Shannon, nominated for an Academy Award for his role in “Nocturnal Animals,” will join Justice League’s Kiersey Clemons and “NopeBarbie “‘s Ferreira in tackling the drag scene. Comedy The Young King, directed by Larin Sullivan (Anatomy: Soul), will be the trio’s feature film debut and will be one of the very few films that focus on the lives of drag kings. The film was made possible with grants from GLAAD, the Sundance Institute, the Independent Feature Project’s Project Forum, Tribeca Film Institute, and Inside Out Toronto, and it aims to shed light on a side of the drag world that is rarely examined.
This film is set in the 1990s Las Vegas drag king scene and stars Kiersey Clemons as Jules, an aspiring drag queen who travels to Sin City in the hopes of reconciling with her estranged father, Mick (Shannon). She will also make her debut in the largest drag revue in the country. But her dad isn’t exactly overjoyed to see her back. Legendary gambler and occasional children’s birthday party clown Mick doesn’t like Jules’s desire for more male goals and the fact that she has a crush on Ronnie, a dancer who frequents his establishment (Ferreira).
They had never met before this crazy weekend in Vegas, but they have to bond despite their vast cultural differences. In addition to Larin, the film has recruited Grammy and Golden Globe nominee Justin Tranter as its composer (A Star is Born). Songwriter for pop stars including Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, and Lady Gaga, among many others, and activist as a member of the GLAAD board of directors. They will compose original music for the film and act as the film’s executive music producer. Shannon’s recent credits include roles in the box office hits Amsterdam and Bullet Train, as well as a voice part in Little Demon alongside Danny DeVito and his daughter Lucy DeVito. He has a lengthy list of notable parts under his belt, including the Oscar-nominated ones in Revolutionary Road and Nocturnal Animals.
However, Clemons’ most recognisable appearances are in Zack Snyder’s Justice League, Dope, and the critically acclaimed horror film Sweetheart, for which she recently attended the Toronto International Film Festival for Susie Searches. Ferreira, who rose to prominence thanks to Euphoria and received critical acclaim for her performance in Jordan Peele’s Nope, brings up the rear of the group, which is now experiencing a period of unprecedented success. David Garrett, CEO of Mister Smith Entertainment, released a statement praising the performers and Larin for working together on the film.
“We are excited to show Larin’s original take on a familiar Las Vegas tale, which she does by illuminating the drag king scene, which has been hardly touched upon in Hollywood films. Our all-star ensemble ensures that this heartfelt tale of a father’s love for his daughter will move viewers to tears.” The Young King’s filming is scheduled to begin sometime in the first few months of 2019.