Gay Culture News & Features | GAY TIMES https://www.gaytimes.com/category/culture/ Amplifying queer voices. Wed, 14 May 2025 05:00:04 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.2 The Last of Us: Fans react to Ellie and Dina’s evolving romance and that surprise character return https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/the-last-of-us-fans-react-to-ellie-and-dinas-evolving-romance-and-that-surprise-character-return/ Tue, 13 May 2025 22:16:55 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432618 The recent developments in The Last of Us season two have sent fans into a tizzy. Back in April, the post-apocalyptic drama made its highly anticipated return following a two-year…

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The recent developments in The Last of Us season two have sent fans into a tizzy.

Back in April, the post-apocalyptic drama made its highly anticipated return following a two-year absence.

Picking up five years after season one’s hospital showdown, the new batch of episodes follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate their strained relationship and settlement in Jackson, Wyoming, a haven free of infected.

Since its premiere, season two has received universal critical acclaim, with many praising its emotional story and expansion of its video game source material.

However, two storylines that have received particular attention from fans have been Ellie and Dina’s romantic relationship –affectionally known as Dellie – and Joel’s tragic death at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever).

Following their wholesome kiss during the premiere, the season has continued to explore Ellie and Dina’s deepening connection, with the latter joining the former on her quest to kill Abby.

In episode four, the pair’s relationship reaches new heights after their dangerous encounter with the infected, resulting in them having sex and professing their love and dedication to each other.

Since his death at the start of the season, the memory of Joel has been a looming cloud over Ellie, Dina and the viewers at home. However, in episode five, the beloved character made a grand return in the form of a flashback.

Naturally, fans have embraced the aforementioned developments, with many sharing their reactions on social media.

Using the iconic GIF of Anne Hathaway crying tears of joy, one X/Twitter fan wrote: “Ellie told Dina that she would die for her, Dina confessing that she loves Ellie,Dina already had her life planned together with Ellie, Ellie saying that she will have a baby with Dina, Ellie happy to be the father of Dina’s child…”

Another Dina and Ellie fan echoed similar sentiments, tweeting: “Dina saying I love you first and not even letting Ellie say it back because she already knows OMFG.”

In response to Joel’s return in episode five, one viewer wrote, “Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller back on my screen again EVERYONE CHEERED,” while another fan commented, “IM NOT READY HOLD ME DOWN-“

The upcoming penultimate episode of The Last of Us season two is set to explore Joel and Ellie’s relationship before they became somewhat estranged.

Check out more fan reactions to Dellie and Joel’s return below.

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]]> All’s Fair: Ryan Murphy’s new star-studded legal drama receives first teaser trailer https://www.gaytimes.com/television/alls-fair-trailer-ryan-murphy-kim-kardashian-sarah-paulson-naomi-watts-glenn-close-niecy-nash-betts/ Tue, 13 May 2025 20:01:07 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432560 The first trailer has arrived for All’s Fair, promising scandal, drama and whodunnit chaos. Set to premiere this fall on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (UK), the Ryan Murphy-created legal drama…

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The first trailer has arrived for All’s Fair, promising scandal, drama and whodunnit chaos.

Set to premiere this fall on Hulu (US) and Disney+ (UK), the Ryan Murphy-created legal drama follows a group of female lawyers who leave their male-dominated law firm to open a “powerhouse” practice.

As per the synopsis: “Fierce, brilliant, and emotionally complicated, they navigate high-stakes breakups, scandalous secrets, and shifting allegiances—both in the courtroom and within their own ranks. In a world where money talks and love is a battleground, these women don’t just play the game—they change it.”

All’s Fair is set to bring together an array of stars from the Ryan Murphy TV universe, including Sarah Paulson, Niecy Nash-Betts, Kim Kardashian, and Naomi Watts.

The series is also set to feature Hollywood iconGlenn Close, Teyana Taylor and Matthew Noszka.

In the trailer, Allura Grant (Kardashian), Emerald Greene (Nash-Betts) and Liberty Ronson (Watts) are sitting in a conference room before the former asks their client, Dee Barber (Elizabeth Berkley), to take “a deep breath” and tell them her story.

“It’s been a lot. I’m sorry,” Dee says, resulting in Liberty exclaiming, “No, no. We don’t meet with sorry people.”

Disney+/Hulu

As the trailer progresses, the iconic ‘Cell Block Tango’ from Broadway’s Chicago plays in the background while clips of the ladies and their glamorous yet complicated lives flash across the screen.

“He hurt you. Get mad, get hot. Get revenge!” Dina Standish (Close) exclaims.

In addition to teasing the series’ intricate storylines, the trailer promises backstabbing, witty dialogue, stunning outfits, twists, turns, and hot, shirtless men.

While an exact release date for All’s Fair has not been announced, the trailer has generated plenty of buzz on social media.

“This show was quite LITERALLY made for me holy shit,” one person on X/Twitter wrote.

Another viewer commented: “Will subscribe to Disney+ again for this.”

A third pop culture enthusiast tweeted: “I know this is a Ryan Murphy production, so I shouldn’t be surprised, but god, this cast is CAMP.”

Check out the full trailer and first-look photos of All’s Fair below.

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

Disney+/Hulu

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]]> Cooper Koch leaves little to the imagination in racy Calvin Klein shoot https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cooper-koch-calvin-klein/ Tue, 13 May 2025 14:47:23 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432414 Cooper Koch’s insane body is on full display in Calvin Klein’s sizzling new campaign. On 13 May, the fashion house left fans ‘falling out of their chairs’ as they unveiled…

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Cooper Koch’s insane body is on full display in Calvin Klein’s sizzling new campaign.

On 13 May, the fashion house left fans ‘falling out of their chairs’ as they unveiled a series of underwear-clad shots featuring the actor feeling the heat in their signature summer essentials and cotton classics.

In an exclusive interview with Esquire, Koch reflected on the “really fun and exhausting” shoot, during which he was accompanied by a personal trainer who had him “lifting weights and doing push-ups and working out the entire day to stay pumped-up.”

“I’d never really had that experience before, so I was tired by the end of the day, but ultimately it was so, so fun,” said the star. “The sets were amazing. Mert Alas, the photographer, was so collaborative and had such great ideas, and we had so many laughs, and I just felt so grateful to be there the whole time.”

Koch shared that Madonna tracks helped keep his energy high throughout the day.

“And then at a certain point, there was water that came into play, so then all of a sudden I was soaking wet, which woke me up,” he joked. “That was really fun. It was just constantly changing environments and changing set-ups, and they let me look at some of the photos too as we were going, so that kept me excited to try new stuff.”

Koch skyrocketed to fame last year with his breakout role as Erik Menendez in the second season of Ryan Murphy’s crime anthology series Monsters. His performance, especially the one-take fifth episode, ‘The Hurt Man’, earned widespread critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film.

The actor, whose previous credits include the cult horror films Swallowed and They/Them (2022), opened up to Esquire about his “intense” and “quick” rise to fame. He said that “other people’s perception of you can sometimes affect your own perception of yourself, which has been a difficult journey.”

“I think I’m still trying to navigate that, and I’m still adjusting to the newness of my life now,” he explained. “But I have such great people around me. I’m really close with my family, I have an amazing partner, my team is really supportive, and so I have a lot of great people to lean on.

“It’s a big adjustment, but ultimately, I’ve had so many great experiences. I’ve met so many amazing people, new friends, and I’m so grateful for everything that’s happened. I look forward to the next thing.”

See more of Cooper Koch’s sultry Calvin Klein shoot below, and check out the full collection here.

 

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A post shared by Calvin Klein (@calvinklein)

 

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A post shared by Calvin Klein (@calvinklein)

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]]> Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo to play Dracula in “intoxicating, blood-pumping reimagining” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/cynthia-erivo-dracula/ Tue, 13 May 2025 11:32:22 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432399 Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Dracula in a one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel. Set to premiere next year in London’s West End, the production comes from…

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Cynthia Erivo has been cast as Dracula in a one-woman adaptation of Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire novel.

Set to premiere next year in London’s West End, the production comes from the Australian creatives and producers behind the Tony-nominated Broadway hit The Picture of Dorian Gray, which starred Succession’s Sarah Snook.

Erivo will play the titular Count, along with 22 supporting characters, in a production described as an “intoxicating, blood-pumping reimagining of the immortal gothic horror”.

Adapted and directed by Kip Williams, Dracula marks Erivo’s first role on stage since playing Celie in The Color Purple, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical and Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.

“Returning to the stage feels like a homecoming, one that I’ve been craving for a long time. To do so with a story as rich, complex, and haunting as Dracula offers a beautiful opportunity to delve into character, into myth, and into the heart of what makes us human,” Erivo said in a statement.

“From the moment I was asked, I could not get the role out of my mind. Kip’s vision is thrilling, terrifying, and deeply resonant, offering a chance to sit with not only the darkness in the world, but also the light we fight to hold onto.

“It’s a rare gift for an actor to inhabit so many voices and perspectives in one piece, and I’m honoured to do it for West End audiences in this extraordinary production. The prospect of doing this show scares me and I know it will be a huge challenge. This show will ask everything of me — and I’m ready to give it.”

Photo: Universal Studios

William praised Erivo as “extraordinary” and a “singularly gifted artist”, revealing that his take on Dracula will offer “a contemporary perspective on the vampire as a monster that lurks not beyond, but within”.

In an interview with Deadline, Michael Cassel, producer and CEO of Australia’s Michael Cassel Group, confirmed that Erivo was approached for Dracula nine months ago as she was in the midst of her promotional tour for Wicked.

Erivo memorably played Elphaba in Jon M. Chu’s acclaimed blockbuster, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

“She has really spent most of her time with Kip just talking through the inspiration and the dramaturgy of it all,” said Cassel. “For them to connect in that way has been important for them because this is a show that they go and create together.”

He confirmed that the production won’t be a “blueprint” of the Sydney version, which played at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in 2024 and starred Australian actress Zehra Newman as the ancient blood-sucker.

“I think what’s so exciting, I think for her, and for us, while we know what the story is, they get to go and create this role in the rehearsal room in London together,” continued Cassel, “and that was very appealing to Cynthia to put her own interpretation on the role and explore that with Kip.”

With Erivo playing 23 characters, including Dracula, Jonathan Harker, Mina Murray, Lucy Westenra and Van Helsing, Cassel “couldn’t be happier with Cynthia leading the charge”.

Dracula is set to haunt London’s Noël Coward Theatre for a strictly limited 16-week engagement from 4 February to 31 May 2026.

News of Erivo’s casting follows the recent announcement that she will take on the role of Jesus Christ in Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s Jesus Christ Superstar.

The production will run at the Hollywood Bowl from 1 to 3 August, under the direction and choreography of Tony Award winner Sergio Trujillo. Fellow Tony recipient Stephen Oremus will serve as musical director and conductor.

From his arrival in Jerusalem to his crucifixion, the iconic rock opera chronicles the final days of Jesus’s life, with a particular focus on Judas Iscariot’s crisis of faith and growing disillusionment with Jesus’ influence.

Adding to her packed schedule, Erivo is also set to reprise her role as Elphaba in Wicked: For Good, which hits cinemas on 21 November 2025.

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]]> Pitch Perfect star Anna Camp is dating a woman “and it’s great” https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/pitch-perfect-star-anna-camp-comes-out-dating-a-woman/ Tue, 13 May 2025 10:16:19 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432384 Anna Camp, Pitch Perfect and You icon, has confirmed that she’s dating a woman! In a video posted by TikTok star Mr.Big.USA, who approaches people out in the wild to…

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Anna Camp, Pitch Perfect and You icon, has confirmed that she’s dating a woman!

In a video posted by TikTok star Mr.Big.USA, who approaches people out in the wild to ask them a variety of questions, Camp and a woman named Jade Whipkey reflected on their worst-ever dates.

Camp revealed that she once waited 45 minutes for her date, who then found it extremely necessary to share that he found her “prettier in a movie than I was in person”. Meanwhile, Whipkey hilariously reminisced on a date who constantly referred to her as “f**ker”.

The conversation prompted Mr.Big.USA to ask the duo what they expect from a man on a first date. Camp responded with a laugh: “I don’t expect anything, not anymore, because I’m dating a woman, and it’s great.”

Whipkey agreed, “Nothing! I’d rather [Camp] not, like, be on the date.”

@mr.big.usa What was your Worst Date? . . . #datingadvice #funnytiktok #streetinterview #datingmen #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound – Mr.Big.USA

Although the video was originally posted on 12 February, it only began circulating widely on social media over the past week.

Camp recently shared an Instagram Story with Whipkey, captioned “Date Night”. And, on 12 May, Whipkey posted a photo of Camp enjoying candlelit drinks, writing: “Her smile is a poem. Her eyes are roses. Her laugh is music for dancing.”

Camp is best-known for her roles as Sarah Newlin in True Blood (2009-2014), Aubrey Posen in the Pitch Perfect franchise (2012-2017) and as Reagan and Maddie Lockwood in the final season of You (2025).

Her performance in the latter Netflix series was universally acclaimed, and Camp was often praised as the season’s breakout star.

Her next two film projects are Bride Hard, an action comedy that reunites her with Pitch Perfect co-star Rebel Wilson, and the horror-slasher Scream 7, which also stars Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Mason Gooding, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Isabel May and Joel McHale.

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]]> “I am going feral”: Drag Race fans go wild over new Pit Crew member Manuel https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/i-am-going-feral-drag-race-fans-go-wild-over-new-pit-crew-member-manuel/ Tue, 13 May 2025 00:41:41 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432300 The Drag Race franchise has introduced a new Pit Crew member, and fans are going wild. On 9 May, All Stars 10 finally made its highly anticipated premiere on Paramount…

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The Drag Race franchise has introduced a new Pit Crew member, and fans are going wild.

On 9 May, All Stars 10 finally made its highly anticipated premiere on Paramount Plus in the US and WOW Presents Plus in the UK.

Unlike past entries, the new season features 18 queens competing for the crown, $200,000 and a coveted spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame instead of the usual 12.

The fierce lineup is as follows: Acid Betty (season 8), Aja (season 9, All Stars 3), Alyssa Hunter (season 14), Bosco (season 14), Cynthia Lee Fontaine (season 8, 9), Daya Betty (season 14), Deja Skye (season 14), Denali (season 13) and Ginger Minj (season 7, All Stars 2, 6).

More gag-worthy star power incoming: Irene the Alien (season 15), Jorgeous (season 14, All Stars 9), Kerri Colby (season 14), Lydia B Kollins (season 17), Mistress Isabelle Brooks (season 15), Nicole Paige Brooks (season 2), Olivia Lux (season 13), Phoenix (season 3) and Tina Burner (season 13).

While the double premiere brought back a slew of fan-favourite queens, it also introduced viewers to a brand new Pit Crew member, Manuel Kornisuik.

The handsome hunk made his first appearance – alongside veterans Bryce and Bruno – in episode two during the Front Roll mini-challenge.

Of course, it didn’t take long for viewers to flock to social media to share their hilarious and relatable reactions to Manuel.

“Good god. I wonder how does it feel to look like that?” one person on Reddit wrote.

Another viewer commented: “He made me look away from Bruno for a split second.”

A third person wrote: “Hey Manuel… I’m so Into You.”

While Manuel recently debuted in the Drag Race world, he is no stranger to the limelight.

 

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A post shared by KOURH (@kourh.co)

Hailing from Argentina, the dreamy talent has curated a successful career as a model and social media personality, amassing nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram alone.

He has also flexed his acting chops in the 2023 LGBTQ+ film The Winner Takes It All.

Lastly, Manuel has crafted a lane in the music sphere as an emerging singer-songwriter, going by the stage name Manúk.

In a January interview with DAMAN Magazine, the handsome talent opened up about his career journey and passion for the arts.

“I enjoy any artistic expression, It’s super different, and you get to know yourself from various angles. However, music has always been a deep passion of mine. It brings me immense joy,” he told the publication.

We can’t wait to see more of Manuel in All Stars 10 and the wider Drag Race franchise.

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]]> Gus Kenworthy announces skiing comeback and 2026 Olympics aspirations https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/gus-kenworthy-announces-skiing-comeback-and-2026-olympics-aspirations-gay-skier/ Mon, 12 May 2025 21:26:59 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432296 Gus Kenworthy is training for a 2026 Winter Olympics comeback.  Back in February 2022, the 33-year-old athlete announced his retirement from skiing after competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics…

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Gus Kenworthy is training for a 2026 Winter Olympics comeback. 

Back in February 2022, the 33-year-old athlete announced his retirement from skiing after competing in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics under Team GB.

During his first two runs, Kenworthy experienced two intense crashes, one resulting in him falling on the lip of the pipe. However, in the third round, he made a comeback and earned a score of 71.25 – which landed him in eighth place.

“The final hurrah. My swan song. I’m done, I’m done competing. I’ve had a career that I’m really, really proud of,” he said in a statement to Olympics.com at the time.

Over the last three years, Kenworthy has kept busy with other career endeavours, like acting and modelling.

However, on 12 May, the American Horror Story star revealed to ESPN that he was officially coming out of retirement to train for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy.

“After taking a step away, I realised I miss skiing, and I really want to compete again,” he told the sports news outlet. “I didn’t know if I would be able to after seven and a half. So, it’s this Olympics or nothing. I’m never going to have this opportunity again.”

 

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A post shared by gus kenworthy (@guskenworthy)

Elsewhere in his interview, Kenworthy gave insight into his brief retirement, revealing that he never stopped thinking about skiing.

“I would be out at a party, and someone would be like, ‘What do you do now?’ And I wouldn’t know how to answer. Saying anything other than, ‘I’m a professional skier,’ felt wrong coming out of my mouth. It was weird to navigate. I felt depressed at times. I felt a loss of my sense of identity,” he explained.

The star went on to say that he started contemplating a return to the sport last summer. However, before going forward with his comeback, the talented athlete had to work through some of his initial worries, like the potential head or bodily injuries he could suffer.

Months before the 2022 Olympics, the Will & Grace star was put through the wringer, suffering two concussions during training and testing positive for COVID-19.

 

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While he labelled a potential head injury as his “biggest fear,” Kenworthy isn’t letting his anxiety get the best of him.

“I’m scared, but it’s like any risk. You do what you can to try and mitigate the risks and perform as safely as possible,” he told the sports publication. 

Towards the end of his sit-down, Kenworthy revealed that the head coach of Team GB has supported his return and 2026 Olympics goals.

However, due to the team having “zero budget” for him, the Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead star is responsible for funding his own travel and coaching.

Fortunately, the Coming Out Colton star hasn’t let his circumstances get him down.

“I feel pretty good about my chances if I’m able to stay healthy,” he told ESPN.

In order to make Team GB’s 2026 Olympics roster, Kenworthy will need to place within the top 30% of at least two of the four World Cup events he is scheduled to compete in.

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]]> Drag Race: Phoenix claps back at Ice Spice over All Stars 10 comments https://www.gaytimes.com/drag/drag-race-phoenix-responds-to-ice-spices-icon-critique-from-all-stars-10-premiere/ Mon, 12 May 2025 20:17:04 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432291 Drag Race star Phoenix has clapped back at Ice Spice’s candid critique on All Stars 10. In the first episode of the double premiere, the first bracket of queens – Irene…

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Drag Race star Phoenix has clapped back at Ice Spice’s candid critique on All Stars 10.

In the first episode of the double premiere, the first bracket of queens – Irene the Alien, Deja Skye, Olivia Lux, Aja, Phoenix and Bosco – were tasked with writing and recording original verses for the ‘Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner’ music video.

After coming up with their lyrics and learning the choreography from Jamal Sims, the group went on to film the visual – delivering unique and electric 80s metal-inspired performances.

While most of the queens were praised for their work in the challenge, Phoenix received encouraging critiques from Michelle Visage and Ross Matthews to open up more.

However, the judging took a somewhat awkward turn when guest judge Ice Spice delivered a blunt opinion on the Atlanta-based queen’s performance.

“I hear you’re a legendary icon, but tonight, I don’t think I would have been able to tell with how shy you were,” the rapper said.

Shortly after the episode’s release, fans flocked to social media to share their reactions to Ice Spice’s critique.

“The critique Ice Spice had for Phoenix stopped me in my tracks omg slow down,” one viewer on X/Twitter wrote.

Another fan on Reddit commented: “She came off as mean, but she unfortunately wasn’t wrong. That doesn’t make Phoenix any less of a legend tho.”

A third person added: “I’m glad she gave an honest critique. I even think she attempted to deliver it in a delicate way. I think it came across as colder because of how monotone it was, but also, no one expected it. But it really wasn’t super harsh, just surprising really.”

However, fans weren’t the only ones who shared their honest reactions to Ice Spice’s critique.

On 10 May, Phoenix addressed the gagworthy moment on her Instagram story, writing: “I appreciate the love from everyone about the Ice Spice comment! I’ll comment more and tell the funny part about this later.

“But TRUST ME WHEN I SAY! My 25 years of experience and decades of contributing to my community is what makes me an ICON! Not 3 minutes on a TV show… That being said, I’m perfectly fine not getting “icon” validation from someone who’s “fame” has come from 1 song about shitting and farting.”

As of writing, Ice Spice has not responded to Phoenix’s post.

The All Stars 10 double premiere ended with Aja, Bosco and Irene as the frontrunners, earning three and four points, respectively. At the same time, Deja, Olivia and Phoenix scored one point each through the MVQ (Most Valuable Queen) voting process.

On their final episode as a six-person bracket, the queens will be tasked with transforming “red hot hoopsters into their very own drag sisters.”

To read our full premiere recap and get further insight into the All Stars 10 point system, click here.

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]]> Heartstopper: Joe Locke dishes on co-producing the upcoming film with Kit Connor https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/heartstopper-joe-locke-dishes-on-co-producing-the-upcoming-film-with-kit-connor/ Fri, 09 May 2025 22:12:51 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1432211 Joe Locke has opened up about producing the upcoming Heartstopper film alongside co-star and friend Kit Connor. Back in April, Netflix finally announced that the stories of Nick, Charlie, and…

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Joe Locke has opened up about producing the upcoming Heartstopper film alongside co-star and friend Kit Connor.

Back in April, Netflix finally announced that the stories of Nick, Charlie, and the rest of the beloved gang will be wrapped up with a feature film rather than a fourth season.

The streamer also confirmed that Locke and Connor would be reprising their roles and working as executive producers alongside Oseman, Patrick Walters, Ian Canning, Emile Sherman and Euros Lyn.

In a recent interview with Gold Derby, the Agatha All Along star opened up about his upcoming producer responsibilities – expressing his excitement to learn the ropes.

“I think that they’re going to regret giving it to me because I’m gonna have so much fun with it, but not in a bad way. I’m just really excited to learn everything I can from the experience and take it forward, you know,” he explained.

“As an actor, you don’t really get to see much of the behind-the-scenes stuff. So it’s been, even so far, so nice getting to be in those conversations, and they’re really taking us seriously, me and Kit.”

When asked how the Warfare star is faring as a producing partner, Locke replied: “Great! Yeah, all of our notes so far have been pretty on the same page.”  

The Sweeney Todd actor isn’t the only one to gush about the Heartstopper film’s new producing dynamic.

In an April interview with Netflix’s Tudum, Oseman said they were excited to work with Locke and Connor on the “creative and logistical problems that arise throughout production”.

“I’ve always enjoyed hearing their thoughts and ideas about Heartstopper, and I’m hoping that we’ll have more of those conversations now that we’re an exec team,” Oseman continued.

“We all want to work together to make the best movie we can, and hopefully, with their insights and experience, we’re even better suited to making that possible.”

The Solitare author also discussed the goals they want to achieve with the film, telling the streamer that they want it to be “a beautiful and emotional send-off for the Heartstopper story, celebrating what Heartstopper means to people, a chance to say goodbye to our beloved characters, and many hints of what’s to come in the character’s future lives.”

“On a slightly deeper level, I think this movie will explore what makes love survive, or what elevates it, or deepens it. At 18, 17, Nick and Charlie are hurtling towards their adult lives. Many teenage relationships don’t survive that pivotal moment of change,” Oseman continued.

“Are Nick and Charlie a forever love? If they are, why? I want the movie to capture this transitional moment for them as a couple – from teens to adults, from teen romance to forever love, from past to future.”

For Heartstopper’s final outing, Still Alice and Colette filmmaker Wash Westmoreland has been tapped to direct the film.

The full cast is yet to be announced, but the following cast members are expected to reprise their fan-favourite roles: William Gao as Tao, Corinna Brown as Tara, Kizzy Edgell as Darcy, Tobie Donovan as Isaac, Jenny Walser as Tori, and Rhea Norwood as Imogen.

The official synopsis for the film reads: “Nick and Charlie are inseparable, but with Nick preparing to leave for university and Charlie finding new independence at school, the reality of a long-distance relationship begins to weigh on them.

“Doubts take hold, and their relationship faces its biggest challenge yet. Meanwhile, their friends are also navigating the ups and downs of love and friendship, confronting the bittersweet challenges of growing up and moving on. Can first loves really last forever?”

As of writing, a release date has not been confirmed. To stay up to date on all things Heartstopper: The Film, click here

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]]> “This is insane!”: Drag Race fans praise the absolutely bonkers All Stars 10 double premiere https://www.gaytimes.com/culture/this-is-insane-drag-race-fans-praise-the-absolutely-bonkers-all-stars-10-double-premiere/ Fri, 09 May 2025 19:59:23 +0000 https://www.gaytimes.com/?p=1431955 All Stars 10 has made its highly anticipated double premiere, and fans are already predicting that it’s one of the “best seasons” in the franchise. *Warning* major spoilers ahead After…

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All Stars 10 has made its highly anticipated double premiere, and fans are already predicting that it’s one of the “best seasons” in the franchise.

*Warning* major spoilers ahead

After weeks of anticipation, fans were finally treated to the first two episodes of the tenth season of the popular spin-off series.

Unlike past entries, All Stars 10 takes on an entirely new format, with 18 queens competing for the crown, $200,000 and a coveted spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame instead of the usual 12.

The fierce lineup is as follows: Acid Betty (season 8), Aja (season 9, All Stars 3), Alyssa Hunter (season 14), Bosco (season 14), Cynthia Lee Fontaine (season 8, 9), Daya Betty (season 14), Deja Skye (season 14), Denali (season 13) and Ginger Minj (season 7, All Stars 2, 6).

More gag-worthy star power incoming: Irene the Alien (season 15), Jorgeous (season 14, All Stars 9), Kerri Colby (season 14), Lydia B Kollins (season 17), Mistress Isabelle Brooks (season 15), Nicole Paige Brooks (season 2), Olivia Lux (season 13), Phoenix (season 3) and Tina Burner (season 13).

In addition to featuring a gargantuan lineup, All Stars 10 sees the 18 queens split into three groups of six, each competing in their own bracket across three episodes.

For the double premiere, the first group up to the plate was the orange bracket, consisting of Aja, Irene, Deja, Phoenix, Bosco, and Olivia.

After strutting down the runway in their entrance looks, Ru broke down the rules for All Stars 10, revealing that none of the ladies would be eliminated in the preliminary rounds. Instead, they would be competing for points.

“At the end of this three-episode bracket, the three all stars with the most points from this bracket will advance to the semi-finals, where you will face off against the top three all stars from the other brackets,” Ru explained.

“Here’s how the point system works. Every week, the top two queens will receive two points each, and those two queens will lip sync for the win. The winner of the lip sync will receive an extra point plus a cash tip of $10,000. But wait, there is more… an additional four points will be awarded each episode, but more on that later.”

After going over the intricate point system, Mama Ru tasked the queens with their first maxi-challenge of the season – writing, recording and performing in the music video for ‘Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner.’

With their task in hand, the queens made their way to the werkroom to dissect the new tournament format, kiki with one another, and, of course, get out of drag.

“In three weeks bitch only half of us move on to the semi-final. Baby, this is not junior varsity; it’s giving varsity down boots,” Olivia said in a confessional.

After getting into comfortable attire, the ladies got to work on their verses for the Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner music video.

Irene expressed excitement about participating in the challenge because she went home first during her season.  

“When I found out we were doing this, I was really, really excited,” she told Aja, who followed up by asking what the former was going to write.

“I didn’t get to show a lot on season 15, so sort of about making sure that I’m not a forgetful filler queen.”

While Irene was excited, Deja was a bit more reserved, revealing to Phoenix that she was nervous. On the other side of the workroom, Olivia and Bosco oozed confidence, with the former exclaiming that she felt really good about executing the challenge.

Bosco echoed similar sentiments, adding that the metal music video is in her wheelhouse because she is “kind of a heavy metal stripper.”

As usual, RuPaul dropped by the workroom to get tea on the queens’ ideas, give helpful wisdom, and share some laughs.

After fine-tuning their lyrics, the orange bracket made their way to the stage to learn their choreography for the music video, with longstanding Drag Race personality and acclaimed choreographer Jamal Sims.

During rehearsals, Aja, Bosco, and Deja effortlessly grasped the choreography, while Irene, Olivia and Phoenix struggled to fully come out of their shells.

The next day, the queens returned to the workroom to prepare for the main stage and the premiere of the ‘Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner’ music video.

While most of the queens were confident about their performances in the challenge, Phoenix didn’t feel the same.

“I’m shitting bricks. I don’t want to repeat season 3 again. You know, I’m trying not to get in my head, but it’s happening. I can feel it happening,” she said in a confessional.

“This is not how I want week one to go. In order for me to win this challenge, I really need to not be my worst enemy. I hope it’s all going to come out the way it’s supposed to.”

After a comedic and somewhat tense battle of the words between Irene and Aja, the queens headed to the mainstage to show off their ‘Slits and Tits’ runway ensembles before debuting their Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner music video.

Unsurprisingly, each of the ladies showcased metal rock realness, delivering unique and creative verses that gagged Ru and the judges’ panel.

However, with All Stars rules in full effect, only two queens could land in the top two.

Following the judges’ critiques, Ru announced Aja and Irene as the top contestants, earning them both two points.

The pair were then tasked with performing a lip sync for the win to Ice Spice’s ‘Think You The Shit, Fart.’

Amid the hard-hitting beats, Aja and Irene laid it all out on the stage, delivering creative choreography, comedic moments and charisma galore.

Ultimately, Aja was named the winner, earning her a cash tip of $10,000 and an extra point.

Following the lip sync, Ru called Bosco, Deja, Phoenix and Olivia back to the main stage before joking that one of them was standing on a trap door.

Ru then revealed how the four extra point twist would work, explaining that each bottom queen would receive a point to give to another competitor they think is the MVQ (the Most Valuable Queen of the Week).

In episode two, the bottom four queens divvied out their respective points.

Fortunately, the process was drama-free, with Bosco and Phoenix giving each other their points and Deja and Olivia following suit.

The six queens were then tasked with their first mini-challenge, playing Front Roll on three Pit Crew members: Manuel, Bryce and Bruno.

“Your goal is to roll softballs up the tanned and brawny chest of the pit crew. But here’s the catch… no hands,” Ru explained.

After getting consent from the pit crew, the ladies hilariously went to work. In the end, Irene won the mini-challenge and a cash tip of $2,500.

After putting away their softballs, Ru tasked the queens with their second maxi challenge, starring in the mystery improv Murder on the Dancefloor.

“Now, without a script, you need to create entertaining characters, but remember that anything you say can and will be used against you tomorrow on the main stage,” Ru explained.

Unlike other seasons, the girls landed the parts they wanted without drama.

Despite some of the queens being nervous about their improv skills, they all put their best foot forward, delivering hilarious performances alongside Ru as Inspector Poussay and Carson Kressley, Captain Shtooping and Michelle Visage as Vichelle Massage.

After walking down the runway in their best ‘Coming and Going’ ensembles, Ru and the judges’ panel, including guest judge Colman Domingo, shared their critiques.

Irene, Bosco and Deja were praised for their performances, while Olivia, Aja and Phoenix failed to capture the judges fully.

Ultimately, Ru named Irene and Bosco as the top two queens of the week, resulting in them lip syncing to Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s ‘Murder on the Dance Floor.’

The two queens didn’t disappoint, delivering passion, disco realness, and sickening ruveals. However, Bosco conquered the lip sync, winning $10,000 and earning an additional point.

Check out the best reactions to the All Stars 10 double premiere below.

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