Everything We Know About AJ and the Queen So Far
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RuPaul is heading back to the world of acting, and does it ever look glamorous. Welcome to MsMojo and today we're looking at Everything We Know About “AJ and the Queen.”
While RuPaul still gets recurring and guest acting roles on shows like “Girlboss" and “Grace and Frankie,” these days much of his time on television is on “RuPaul's Drag Race” and its spin-offs. With over 10 seasons of "Drag Race," Ru is one of the premiere names in modern drag and a mentor to the next generation. But “AJ and the Queen” marks a new chapter in Ru's career, not only as a lead actor, but as one in a series that looks to have as much grounded drama as comedy. So let's look at this Netflix series.
“AJ and the Queen” sees RuPaul playing Robert, who works as a drag star named Ruby Red. Robert is about to use their life savings to open a club, and hang up those heels. But after their lover disappears - along with the money, Ruby has to tour the country and impress crowds yet again. Along the way however, a young kid named AJ stows away in Robert's RV and slowly befriends him on the road. There's plenty of sass between the two characters, and it also looks like the content will be just as adult as “Drag Race.” Though it definitely has an odd-couple format, the series also has a strong resemblance to drag films like “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.” With 10 episodes coming to Netflix on January 10th, we won't even have to wait very long for more details.
This said, a quick look at the show's young star does leave the door open for some unique commentary about how we perceive gender. AJ has an androgynous appearance in the trailer, and their name keeps their gender identity ambiguous to audiences as well. While AJ’s clothes could be described as slightly boy-ish, young star Izzy G identifies as female, and plays a young girl in 2019's “A Violent Separation.” With this, it stands to reason that AJ will be a she in the show as well.
Though this may just be a result of minimal early information, this presentation also suggests a possible exploration of gender fluidity and stereotypes. The series is centered around drag to begin with, so looking at a woman presenting as male would be an exciting direction to take the story too. Whether this is done through arguments on identity, awkward comedy or a slow-burning character arc, “AJ and the Queen” could really add a lot to the larger discussion on gender in pop culture. The show could perhaps tackle it another way by ignoring that point in order to avoid making a big deal of people's gender as well. Nevertheless, any of these concepts would add a fascinating layer to the story itself.
Between over a decade of “Drag Race” and a career as a live entertainer since the 1980s, RuPaul undoubtedly has the chops to play a drag queen on screen. And though the serious acting will be a fun turn for Ru, his years of executive-producing spin-offs for "Drag Race" show that the series is in good hands. “AJ and the Queen”’s other creator, Michael Patrick King fills out the creative talent nicely. King's writing and producing credits include “Sex and the City,” “Will & Grace,” “2 Broke Girls,” and even “Murphy Brown.” With these comedic chops amongst the show's creators and Ru's own reputation to uphold, it's hard to imagine that this show will be a boring watch. Besides, there's also comedy heavyweights like Bobcat Goldthwait directing parts of the series to keep the show fresh.
But for long-standing fans of RuPaul, “AJ and the Queen” has already confirmed that 22 queens will appear from “Drag Race” as well. The likes of Valentina, Bianca Del Rio, Latrice Royale, Monique Heart, Chad Michaels, Trinity the Tuck, Ginger Minj, Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, and others all have a moment on the show. While none of them seem to have a recurring position on the show, this still suggests that the show is offering strong drag credentials. What's more, “Wayne's World” star Tia Carrere will be an ongoing presence as the sinister Lady Danger. Danger is supposedly working with the man who steals Robert’s savings, and is rumored to already be a toxic presence in the drag community. 1980s film star Adrienne Barbeau also has a confirmed appearance, though there's no word on her role for now. Heck, even Jane Krakowski appears to show up.
Old School drag fans will also appreciate that “AJ and the Queen” is supposed to feature a song and dance performance at every club Ruby visits. And since the show is reportedly set to move towns every episode, it's plausible we'll get at least 10 songs out of Ru. Plus this would be one of the only times other than “Drag Race” that we'll be seeing RuPaul do a musical performance on TV - though it's still uncertain whether these will be closer to lip syncs or fully vocalized songs. Ru also alleges that the show will have love scenes too, just in case the performances weren't steamy enough.
While "AJ and the Queen" is already stirring up hype, this seems to be only the beginning of a Ru-naissance. A series titled “Queen” is supposedly coming to Hulu in the near future, with J.J. Abrams set to produce. Gary Lennon, whose work includes “Orange Is the New Black,” “Euphoria,” and “Power,” is slated to both bring his producing and writing talent to the show. Though not much else is known about the show yet, it's being touted as a recreation of Ru's New York City days in the 1980s. But if you're truly strapped for more Ru ahead of the release of “AJ and the Queen,” you can catch his brand new talk show “RuPaul” as well.
History and the Setup
While RuPaul still gets recurring and guest acting roles on shows like “Girlboss" and “Grace and Frankie,” these days much of his time on television is on “RuPaul's Drag Race” and its spin-offs. With over 10 seasons of "Drag Race," Ru is one of the premiere names in modern drag and a mentor to the next generation. But “AJ and the Queen” marks a new chapter in Ru's career, not only as a lead actor, but as one in a series that looks to have as much grounded drama as comedy. So let's look at this Netflix series.
“AJ and the Queen” sees RuPaul playing Robert, who works as a drag star named Ruby Red. Robert is about to use their life savings to open a club, and hang up those heels. But after their lover disappears - along with the money, Ruby has to tour the country and impress crowds yet again. Along the way however, a young kid named AJ stows away in Robert's RV and slowly befriends him on the road. There's plenty of sass between the two characters, and it also looks like the content will be just as adult as “Drag Race.” Though it definitely has an odd-couple format, the series also has a strong resemblance to drag films like “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” and “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.” With 10 episodes coming to Netflix on January 10th, we won't even have to wait very long for more details.
Izzy G. and the Message
This said, a quick look at the show's young star does leave the door open for some unique commentary about how we perceive gender. AJ has an androgynous appearance in the trailer, and their name keeps their gender identity ambiguous to audiences as well. While AJ’s clothes could be described as slightly boy-ish, young star Izzy G identifies as female, and plays a young girl in 2019's “A Violent Separation.” With this, it stands to reason that AJ will be a she in the show as well.
Though this may just be a result of minimal early information, this presentation also suggests a possible exploration of gender fluidity and stereotypes. The series is centered around drag to begin with, so looking at a woman presenting as male would be an exciting direction to take the story too. Whether this is done through arguments on identity, awkward comedy or a slow-burning character arc, “AJ and the Queen” could really add a lot to the larger discussion on gender in pop culture. The show could perhaps tackle it another way by ignoring that point in order to avoid making a big deal of people's gender as well. Nevertheless, any of these concepts would add a fascinating layer to the story itself.
Creatives and the Star Power
Between over a decade of “Drag Race” and a career as a live entertainer since the 1980s, RuPaul undoubtedly has the chops to play a drag queen on screen. And though the serious acting will be a fun turn for Ru, his years of executive-producing spin-offs for "Drag Race" show that the series is in good hands. “AJ and the Queen”’s other creator, Michael Patrick King fills out the creative talent nicely. King's writing and producing credits include “Sex and the City,” “Will & Grace,” “2 Broke Girls,” and even “Murphy Brown.” With these comedic chops amongst the show's creators and Ru's own reputation to uphold, it's hard to imagine that this show will be a boring watch. Besides, there's also comedy heavyweights like Bobcat Goldthwait directing parts of the series to keep the show fresh.
But for long-standing fans of RuPaul, “AJ and the Queen” has already confirmed that 22 queens will appear from “Drag Race” as well. The likes of Valentina, Bianca Del Rio, Latrice Royale, Monique Heart, Chad Michaels, Trinity the Tuck, Ginger Minj, Jinkx Monsoon, Manila Luzon, and others all have a moment on the show. While none of them seem to have a recurring position on the show, this still suggests that the show is offering strong drag credentials. What's more, “Wayne's World” star Tia Carrere will be an ongoing presence as the sinister Lady Danger. Danger is supposedly working with the man who steals Robert’s savings, and is rumored to already be a toxic presence in the drag community. 1980s film star Adrienne Barbeau also has a confirmed appearance, though there's no word on her role for now. Heck, even Jane Krakowski appears to show up.
Song & Dance
Old School drag fans will also appreciate that “AJ and the Queen” is supposed to feature a song and dance performance at every club Ruby visits. And since the show is reportedly set to move towns every episode, it's plausible we'll get at least 10 songs out of Ru. Plus this would be one of the only times other than “Drag Race” that we'll be seeing RuPaul do a musical performance on TV - though it's still uncertain whether these will be closer to lip syncs or fully vocalized songs. Ru also alleges that the show will have love scenes too, just in case the performances weren't steamy enough.
More on the Horizon
While "AJ and the Queen" is already stirring up hype, this seems to be only the beginning of a Ru-naissance. A series titled “Queen” is supposedly coming to Hulu in the near future, with J.J. Abrams set to produce. Gary Lennon, whose work includes “Orange Is the New Black,” “Euphoria,” and “Power,” is slated to both bring his producing and writing talent to the show. Though not much else is known about the show yet, it's being touted as a recreation of Ru's New York City days in the 1980s. But if you're truly strapped for more Ru ahead of the release of “AJ and the Queen,” you can catch his brand new talk show “RuPaul” as well.
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