Emmy winner Billy Porter will make his directorial debut with a coming of age story, What If?
What We Know:
- Porter won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019 for his performance on FX’s Pose. Additionally, Porter originated the role of Lola in Broadway’s Kinky Boots. He went on to win a Tony award for his performance.
- According to the logline, What If? is about a high school senior posting about his social media crush. His crush, Kelsa, is a trans girl at his school. After encouragement from the internet, he pursues the relationship, and together they navigate their Senior year. According to the logline, What if? is described as “a modern coming-of-age story with the fun of Booksmart and the heart of Love Simon.”
- What If? will be the first feature produced under the recently relaunched MGM label Orion Pictures. The picture is written by Alvaro García Lecuona and will be produced by Christine Vachon and David Hinojosa under their Killer Films banner.
- In a statement with TheWrap, Porter said, “I’m thrilled to be part of this new space in Hollywood for telling all types of stories from all types of people.” Porter also told TheWrap of his gratitude for the project. “I am grateful to be in a position to usher some of these stories into the mainstream, and I am humbled that heavy hitters like Christine Vachon and Alana Mayo have entrusted and empowered me in this insane time we all find ourselves in.”
A release date has to be revealed for What If?. Porter is set to appear as the Fairy Godmother in a new Cinderella. He will continue his role as Pray Tell on Pose.
