Prolific series creator Ryan Murphy has made television history with his new series, Pose. Pose marks the largest number of transgender actors ever assembled in series regular roles for a scripted show. The FX series will begin shooting this November in New York City, with series co-creator Steven Canals working on the scripts along with Our Lady J (Transparent) and author/transgender rights activist Janet Mock.
Per FX, Pose takes place in the 1980s and “looks at the juxtaposition of several segments of life and society in New York: the rise of the luxury Trump-era universe, the downtown social and literary scene and the ball culture world.”
“We are thrilled that Pose pushes the narrative forward by centering on the unique and under-told experiences of trans women and gay people of color,” said Canals. “Ryan has assembled a strong team of storytellers and innovators to collaborate on telling this important narrative. As a Bronx-bred queer writer of color, I’m honored to aid in ushering this groundbreaking show into homes.”
Michael Roberson and Twiggy Pucci Garcon will serve as ball culture consultants and, according to FX, will “help populate the series with people from within the New York ball community, as well as to help develop authentic ball world stories to be featured in the show.”
Brad Falchuk co-created the series and Alexa Fogel (Atlanta) is the show’s casting director. Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Alexis Martin Woodall, and Sherry Marsh are executive producing. Hector Xtravaganza, Skylar King and Sol Williams are serving as Pose consultants. Leiomy Maldonado and Danielle Polanco are choreographing the series’ ball scenes. Trans activist director Silas Howard is the co-executive producer, and Murphy will be bringing in emerging transgender directors to participate in his Directing Mentorship Program.
Details on the Cast:
“MJ Rodriguez (Blanca) is a theater and film actress who has appeared on Nurse Jackie, The Carrie Diaries, Luke Cage and was recently featured with Indya Moore (Angel) in Saturday Church at the Tribeca Film Festival. Dominique Jackson (Elektra) is a fashion model and icon in the current New York ball scene. Hailie Sahar (Lulu) has been seen on Mr. Robot and Transparent. Angelica Ross (Candy) was recently on Transparent as well as on several episodes of Claws. All will be playing authentic transgender characters.
Additional casting for the series includes Ryan Jamaal Swain (Damon), who recently filmed God’s Rock. Billy Porter (Pray Tell) is currently reprising his Tony® award-winning role as “Lola” in Kinky Boots on Broadway. Dyllon Burnside (Ricky) was seen in Holler If Ya Hear Me on Broadway.”
