According to Variety, the Queer cast for Guadagnino’s upcoming drama movie has expanded with the addition of several intriguing actors.
Outer Banks star Drew Starkey has been tapped to star opposite Daniel Craig in Luca Guadagnino’s next drama feature, which is based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 short novel of the same name. In addition, Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, and Henry Zaga have also joined the Queer cast. Production on the project is expected to begin this month in Italy.
Starkey is set to portray a young man who becomes the object of affection to an outcast American expat, played by Craig. Starkey’s film credits include The Hate U Give, Just Mercy, The Devil All the Time, and Hellraiser.
The Queer movie will be directed by Luca Guadagnino, who’s currently preparing for the upcoming release of his latest directorial project, MGM’s sports comedy Challengers starring Zendaya. The adaptation is being written by playwright Justin Kuritzkes, who also collaborated with the Call Me By Your Name director for Challengers.
Queer serves as a sequel to Burroughs’ 1953 debut novel titled Junkie. The story centers around William Lee, “who recounts his life in Mexico City among American expatriate college students and bar owners surviving on part-time jobs and GI Bill benefits. Lee is self-conscious, insecure, and driven to pursue a young man named Allerton.”
The character of Lee was based on Burroughs, while Allerton was inspired by Adelbert Lewis Marker (1930-1998), a recently discharged American Navy serviceman from Jacksonville, FL, who befriended Burroughs in Mexico City.