HBO’s buzzy satire The White Lotus has been nothing but a boon to its stars, elevating their careers to new heights with plenty of awards, stans, and juicy roles heading their way.
The next due for their big follow-up is dreamy English actor Theo James, who memorably bared all (or at least a prosthetic, depending on who you ask) as wealthy vacationer Cameron Sullivan—and he made for a pretty convincing rich twat, we might add!
Related: ‘The White Lotus: Sicily’ welcomes viewers to a room with a view… of Theo James completely naked
Now it’s being reported that James is the top choice to play the one and only George Michael in an upcoming biopic about the iconic gay pop star, best known as one half of Wham!, and the artist behind hits like “Faith,” “Careless Whisper,” and seasonal favorite “Last Christmas.”
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Big flashy music biopics have been all the rage, with queer stars like Freddie Mercury (Bohemian Rhapsody), Elton John (Rocketman), and Whitney Houston (I Wanna Dance With Somebody) getting the movie treatment of late—to varying degrees of success.
So it’s no surprise that a studio would want to tap into Michael’s life, from the highs of his chart-topping success to the lows of his legal troubles and health complications. In the years since the musician’s 2016 death, an excellent documentary, George Michael: Freedom (and updated Freedom Uncut in ’22), has already hit theaters, but the biopic aims to tell the story “warts and all,” with a heaping dose of star power.
The Daily Mail initially reported that George Michael’s estate had endorsed the project, but a representative for the estate just released a statement saying that was not true: “We know nothing about this project and will not be endorsing it in any way.”
Related: Lights, camera, action! Six queer musical bio pics we’re dying to see made
Still, it sure sounds like Theo James is on board!
Last week, the actor stopped by Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen alongside White Lotus co-star Meghann Fahy (and Drag Race‘s Luxx Noir London behind the bar). When asked by a viewer about the George Michael rumors, James kept it coy, but did note he has at least one thing in common with the singer, which would make him great for the part:
“Oh yeah, I would love that,” James responded. “He’s a lot of Greek, and I’m a lot of Greek—put that Greek together, and you get falafel!”
(Also, if you’re curious, both James and Michael are 6’0″.)
Now that George Michael’s estate has cast some doubt over the production, it’s hard to see the Theo James rumors as anything other than just that, rumors. Still, we can’t help but get excited at the thought of the actor in the queer role, especially after The White Lotus: Sicily denied us the chance to see his character really lean into the homoerotic tension between him and vacation-mate Ethan (Will Sharpe).
Though James is married to fellow actor Ruth Kearney, he continues to keep his gay fans fed. In that same episode of Watch What Happens Live, during a segment called “Pillow Talk,” Cohen asked the star how he’d describe himself as a lover in three words.
James response? “Hungry, explosive, and… fluid.” Fluid? Fluid! *screams in queer* Maybe James is even more like George Michael than we realized!
Even if it’s just a bit of dream-casting for now, fans are really clamoring to see James as the legendary pop star after that Watch What Happens Live appearance. Here are just a few of our favorite reactions from Twitter:
A George Michael biopic is in production. Rumour has it that Theo James is up for the title role. I can see that… #GeorgeMichael #TheoJames pic.twitter.com/fYT6lyWxeX
— Barnaby Dickenson (@barnjarn) January 15, 2023
Theo James doesn’t want to play James Bond but he wants to play George Michael in a biopic. Someone needs to make this happen ? pic.twitter.com/eA2OOhOhAq
— Tina F. ?? ?? (@teenie36214) January 13, 2023
I’m all for Theo James playing George Michael because that means I get the gay scenes I didn’t get in The White Lotus
— David Grimmett (@TheDGrimmett) January 15, 2023
My reaction to the possibility that Theo James could potentially be playing George Michael in a biopic pic.twitter.com/YNTOmw9JKc
— Tina F. ?? ?? (@teenie36214) January 15, 2023
Related: 6 music videos by queer icons that were “too hot” 20+ years ago but seem tame today
Dixie Rect
Andy Cohen embarrassed the community yet again by frothing at the mouth over Theo.
Even if Theo were gay, he would have no interest in a wonky eyed vapid self absorbed talentless dolt.
abfab
That’s quite a vocabulary for an Erect Dick. I don’t watch Andy, but it seems many people hate him so I have no idea. What’s so bad about him?
bachy
I have a hard time with these biopics, especially when it’s about a relatively modern celebrity and we’ve already see tons of footage featuring the real person. It’s easier to suspend disbelief when it’s about someone who came before the advent of film and television.
abfab
If Taylor Swift (yuck) plays Joni Mitchell (my best friend) I’m going to have a canary.
abfab
bachy, the ones about scientists I find to be best. Madam Curie, etc. There are many.
bachy
I’m pretty sure Joni put the kibosh on Taylor’s interest in portraying her. I remember reading an interview on the subject with Joni and she was like “no f-king way.”
Off topic: have you seen the George Michael Freedom Uncut documentary? And if so, your review please, abbie?
abfab
No, but now I simply must! I recall reading about it. I WANT YOUR SEX!
Diplomat
I’d totally be down for Theo to thrust and bust a version of GM. He’s got all the right parts, but can he sing?
Chrisk
I’m waiting for a madge biopic movie. She’s even available to play herself I hear.
Chrisk
I want to see them explore his relationship to Kenny Goss. Plenty of drama there. The family obvioustly didn’t care for him since they kicked his ass to the curb.
I think I must’ve worn out his listen without prejudice CD. Plus Wham of course.
bachy
Kenny Goss, yes! I always felt sympathetic to Fadi Fawaz, especially what with how cruelly he was treated by the family and the press. George couldn’t have been easy to deal with and it seemed to me that Fadi remained loyal to the end.
Ugh. The British press’ ruthless dissection of George’s illnesses, sexuality, drug problems, relationships, lovers, trysts, appearance, rehabs, legal problems and other personal issues – despite his desperation in later years to find some shelter from the media glare – made me SO happy to be a “nobody.”
winemaker
Theo James kind of looks a lot like the late George Michael so it should be a good thing.
SDR94103
I don’t want a forking straight guy playing GOERGE MICHAEL.
abfab
Yes sir, Mr. Goldwyn! Yes sir, SIR!
SUPREME
what does it matter as long as it’s the best person for the job? it’s called acting.
Peter
Perfect casting. Gays play straights and straights play gay; as long as it’s credible, who cares?
Barlow
How dreary. It is time for gay people to be portrayed by gay actors, if only because we are certainly not past a cultural moment that has yet to really happen. There is a dearth of famous out gay actors because once they are out, the roles to play straight dry up (and most of the biggest roles are for straight characters). That’s not how it should be, but that’s how it is. Unless Theo is a closeted celeb (I’m giving only 20% odds of that), whoever plays George should understand what it was like to be George, and a straight actor, truly, could never.
All you need to do to know I’m right is watch The Imitation Game. Truly the most disconnected portrayal of a “tortured homosexual” I can think of off the top of my head.