Michelle Visage, the iconic judge and executive producer of RuPaul's Drag Race, is not just content with her current roles; she's also a driving force behind the franchise's expansion into film. In a recent interview, Visage expressed her unwavering belief in the need for a biopic centered around the life of RuPaul, the Queen of Drag. This project, she believes, is not just a possibility but a destiny in the making.
Visage's enthusiasm for the biopic is rooted in her deep connection with RuPaul, a friendship spanning decades. She sees the film as a way to celebrate the impact RuPaul has had on the LGBTQ+ community and the entertainment industry. "We’ve talked about it for the past 30 years. It needs to happen," she said. This sentiment is shared by David Petruschin, RuPaul's makeup artist and a former Drag Race contestant, who also sees the biopic as a long-overdue tribute to RuPaul's legacy.
The question of who should portray these iconic figures in the biopic is a fascinating one. Petruschin, while open to the idea, suggests that the casting should be based on talent rather than celebrity status. "They’d have to have a fierce tan," he quips, hinting at the physical transformation required for the role. Visage, on the other hand, has her own ideas about who could play her, including Reneé Rapp, Julia Garner, and Miley Cyrus. She sees the biopic as an opportunity to explore different aspects of her life and career, from her early days in the '80s to her current role as a judge and host.
The potential biopic comes at an interesting time for RuPaul's Drag Race. The show, which has dominated the Emmys for years, is facing new competition from The Traitors. Visage sees the upcoming Emmys cycle as a chance for Drag Race to reclaim its title as the top reality competition program. "It would be a championship in a way that voices are being heard without saying things. It’s a statement without saying it’s a statement," she said. This sentiment underscores the show's commitment to inclusivity and representation, values that are at the heart of the Drag Race franchise.
The biopic, if made, would not only celebrate RuPaul's life and career but also serve as a testament to the impact Drag Race has had on popular culture. It would be a chance to explore the behind-the-scenes magic that makes the show so captivating and to delve into the personal stories of the queens who have become household names. From Visage's perspective, the biopic is not just about RuPaul; it's about the entire Drag Race universe and the community it has created.
In conclusion, the idea of a RuPaul biopic is more than just a fantasy; it's a necessary celebration of a cultural icon. Visage's passion for the project is infectious, and her belief in its potential is a testament to the enduring legacy of RuPaul and Drag Race. As the franchise continues to expand, the biopic could be the next big step in solidifying Drag Race's place in the entertainment landscape. It's a project that, if realized, would be a triumph of storytelling and a celebration of the power of drag.
