Billy Porteris an award-winning actor, a multi-talented star of eclectic works likePose,Like a Boss, and theupcomingLittle Shop of Horrorsfilm adaptation. Now, he can add “feature film director” to his ever-growing, ever-deserving resumé. Per Deadline, Porter will make his feature film directorial debut onWhat If?, a high school coming-of-age story that sounds lovely and inclusive in the best ways.
What If?, written byAlvaro García Lecuona, a bisexual and bigender screenwriter who made the GLAAD List with this work, is about a high school senior who has a crush on a trans girl at his school. When he takes to Reddit to ask what to do, they encourage him to pursue his feelings, resulting in the two undergoing a relationship that will shape and form their young lives forever. The film serves as the re-debut of Orion Pictures, recently relaunched and refocused, and their presidentAlana Mayosaid that “we couldn’t be more excited to work with Billy Porter on his feature directing debut and are privileged that he, Alvaro, and the producing team behind this special film have entrusted us with their vision for this beautiful, contemporary love story.What If?is perfectly emblematic of the ambitions we have for the new Orion Pictures: to tell stories about the totality of the human experience.”
Porter himself said this: “I’m thrilled to be part of this new space in Hollywood for telling all types of stories from all types of people. I am grateful to be in a position to usher some of these stories into the mainstream.” Joining him on the team are producersChristine VachonandDavid Hinojosafor Killer Films (Carol), and producersAndrew LaurenandD.J. Gugenheimfor Andrew Lauren Productions (The Spectacular Now).
In a post-Love, Simonworld, I am extremely grateful we are seeing more and more YA stories focused on positive, loving portrayals of LGBTQ+ folks without the triggering traumas and pains entrenched in so many of these types of stories — and I’m especially grateful this one is coming from a creative team that are themselves queer. I look forward to seeing this charming piece of queer romance grace our screens and join recent works likeHappiest Season, and I look forward to seeing what Porter’s directorial vision looks like.
