It’s a casting choice that’s met with considerable criticism: The upcoming drama Anything, directed by Timothy McNeil, stars Matt Bomer as a transgender sex worker.
Many members of the transgender community have questioned the casting of a cis-male actor for the role. Bomer joins the ranks of Jeffery Tambor, Jared Leto and Eddy Redmayne as men cast to bring trans narratives to the screen.
Executive producer Mark Ruffalo says he wanted Bomer for the part after a “profound experience” working with him on HBO’s production of The Normal Heart.
Related: Buck Vu of ‘The OA,’ and 10 other totally awesome transgender characters that rule TV
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The story involves a man named Early Landry (John Carroll Lynch) who moves to Los Angeles after his wife passes away to live with his overly protective sister (Maura Tierney). He eventually flees in Hollywood to get away from her.
There, he quickly gets smitten with his neighbor, Freda (Bomer), and they slowly begin to carve out a remarkable new relationship — but first, they must confront their complicated pasts before embarking on a future together.
Watch the just-released trailer below:
jd.cali
From the preview, Matt comes across as man in drag at best. He does not come across as trans at all.
Smith David
I second that notion. Please Matt…don’t do this again. You are a way better looking man. I know it’s acting. But, jesus, no..no..no…ugh!
ChrisK
He comes off as believable as Patrick Swayze On To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything.
shakes_head
Not all trans women are “passing”. There’s a lot of variety in the trans community. But I wish Hollywood would choose other stories to tell besides sex worker/violent criminal.
OzJosh
Bomer could certainly step from this movie straight into Drag Race without changing an eyelash. Having just watched MB in Walking Out – in which he’s cast (hilariously) as a grizzled, reclusive, huntin’, shootin’, mountain man – I’d say there’s a fair chance that Bomer is trashing his career with ill-advised attempts to prove how versatile an actor he is. Sometimes when you have the looks of a square-jawed Vogue model it’s a good idea to just go with the program.
geb1966
Not all transwomen are passable, dear.
davegun2
The way I see this is, some trans people do retain their previous selves look. I’m sure they wished that wasn’t the case. But life none the less. So now in the context of this movie that might be what the story tellers wanted to convey. A cis man falling in love with a women, a real women, who happens to not conform to societies idea of normal.
I also think the casting and director did not mean to dis the community they were showing. But to put a “name” in place for commercial appeal. And maybe this movies isn’t for “us” but for the population that is still ignorant about this life reality.
geb1966
Exactly
GayEGO
Hey, this is just a story!
Lookyloo
Oh lordy.
So, not only is the character the “hooker with a heart of gold” crap – but when they thought of casting a trans-woman character they went with “man in a wig.”
Everything about this screams LAZY!
Cylest Brooks
I agree… they should cast trans characters for trans roles.
mz.sam
Bravo Matt Bomer! He’s a brilliant, talented and versatile actor…perfect casting. Moreover, I know several trans women who take pride in their appearance as portrayed by the Matt Bomer character. And shame on all he negative and insulting drag queen appearance comments.