Omar Apollo is set to star in Luca Guadagnino's “Queer,” an adaptation of William S. Burroughs' semi-autobiographical 1985 novel. The upcoming indie film, which was unveiled as part of the Venice Film Festival lineup on Tuesday, will also star Daniel Craig as the alter ego of counterculture author and “Outer Banks” star Drew Starkey.
Set in 1940s Mexico City—though the film is said to have been shot at Rome’s renovated Cinecittà Studios—the film follows Lee (Craig), who lives among American college students and bar owners who survive on part-time jobs and GI Bill benefits after World War II. The book’s themes include sex and drug abuse, with the protagonist falling in love with a younger, discharged American soldier named Allerton (Starkey). Allerton is a drug addict who, despite being indifferent to Lee’s advances, eventually gives in.
American playwright Justin Kuritzkes, who wrote Guadagnino’s “Challengers” starring Zendaya, Josh O’Connor and Mike Faist, has adapted Burroughs’ novel for the big screen, in continued collaboration with the Italian director. The film will premiere at the 81st Venice Film Festival, which runs from August 28 to September 7.
Apollo recently released a 14-song album titled “God Said No” which tells us diverse He draws his inspiration largely from film soundtracks. On his personal interests on screen, Apollo said: “I feel like I need more training and study when it comes to film music.” [acting and screenwriting]With music, I focus on [a producer or artist] “I listen to all of their music, so I plan to take a similar approach with films… I’ve been in the music business for about 10 years, and it’s only now that I feel completely confident in my abilities. I have a lot of ideas that I’d like to bring to film one day, but I’m not rushing the process.”
He added that he first met Guadagnino through Loewe's creative director Jonathan Anderson, who designed the costumes for the Challengers collection.
In an interview with diverseAt the 2022 Hitmakers event, where Apollo received the Future Icon Award, Apollo expressed his desire to act, saying, “Transitioning from musician to actor… it’s always kind of funny but whatever it is, I’ll do it!”
Watch the interview below.
