Richard E. Grant Cast as Former Drag Queen in Film Adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie

Everybody’s talking about Richard E. Grant’s new role as a former drag queen in the film adaptation of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Oscar-nominated acting legend Richard E. Grant is set to play a former drag queen named Hugo in the film adaptation of the British musical, Everybody’s Talking About Jamie. Cameras start rolling in Sheffield, England on June 24.

Sharon Horgan, the co-creator and star of the British sitcom Catastrophe, and Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire have also joined the lineup. Max Harwood, an as-of-yet unknown plucked out of a casting call, will play the titular role of Jamie Campbell, while Shobna Galati, from the original musical cast, will reprise as Ray.

Inspired by the true story of Jamie Campbell, the film will follow Jamie as an awkward 16-year-old who doesn’t quite fit in but manages to overcome prejudice and bullying while stepping into the spotlight always meant for her.

The original musical first opened in Sheffield in 2017 before it was ported to London’s West End and nominated for five Olivier Awards. And the show’s still going, with performances at the famed Apollo Theater.

A Film4, Warp Films and New Regency production, the movie brings back the stage production’s original creative team, including director Jonathan Buttered, writer Tom MacRae, composer Dan Gillespie Sells and choreographer Kate Prince.

Grant, known for his roles in Logan, The Iron Lady and The Age of Innocence, was nominated for the Academy Award for supporting actor for his work in the 2018 crime-drama Can You Ever Forgive Me?