Billy Eichner is slated to make history in a few different ways, with the comedian writing and starring in the gay romantic comedy Bros for Universal Pictures.
The 43-year-old actor and writer co-wrote the script with Nicholas Stoller and he will star alongside Luke Macfarlane, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The studio has also set an entire cast of LGBTQ+ actors around Eichner and Macfarlane, making it the first major studio film with all LGBTQ+ actors playing heterosexual roles.
Historic: Billy Eichner is slated to make history in a few different ways, with the comedian writing and starring in the gay romantic comedy Bros for Universal Pictures
Co-star: The 43-year-old actor and writer co-wrote the script with Nicholas Stoller and he will star alongside Luke Macfarlane (above), according to The Hollywood Reporter
Eichner also makes history by becoming the first openly gay man to write and star in his own major studio film.
The story is described as, ‘a smart, swoony and heartfelt comedy’ about two gay men (Eichner and Macfarlane), ‘maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling toward love.’
Stoller, who worked with Eichner on Hulu’s Friends From College, will direct from the script he co-wrote with Eichner.
Historic: Eichner also makes history by becoming the first openly gay man to write and star in his own major studio film
Writer director: Eichner and Stoller will both also serve as executive producers alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church (Trainwreck)
Eichner and Stoller will both also serve as executive producers alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church (Trainwreck).
The ensemble cast also includes transgender actress TS Madison (Zola), gender non-conforming actress Miss Lawrence (Star), drag queen Symone, who won Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, openly gay actor Guillermo Diaz (Scandal, Half Baked) and Guy Branum, who previously wrote for Eichner’s Billy On the Street.
‘I could not be more proud or excited about the historic nature of the all openly LGBTQ+ cast of Bros,’ Eichner said in a statement.
Producer: Eichner and Stoller will both also serve as executive producers alongside Judd Apatow and Josh Church (Trainwreck)
‘After queer actors have spent decades watching straight actors capitalize both artistically and professionally by playing LGBTQ+ characters, it is a long overdue dream come true to be able to assemble this remarkable, hilarious cast,’ he added.
‘And while Bros may be the first of its kind in several ways, my real hope is that it is only the first of many opportunities for openly LGBTQ+ ensembles to shine and show the world all we are capable of as actors, beyond just being the wacky sidekick, token queer or a straight movie star’s ‘gay best friend,’ Eichner added.
‘And beyond all of that, this cast is f***ing hysterical and you’re going to love them,’ Eichner concluded.
Queer actors: ‘After queer actors have spent decades watching straight actors capitalize both artistically and professionally by playing LGBTQ+ characters, it is a long overdue dream come true to be able to assemble this remarkable, hilarious cast,’ he added
Universal Pictures has set an August 12, 2022 release date for Bros, which will go up against Paramount’s action film Secret Headquarters with Owen Wilson.
Eichner currently stars in FX’s Impeachment: American Crime Story, playing internet gossip columnist Mike Drudge.
Macfarlane is best known for playing Scotty Wandell in Brothers & Sisters and most recently for playing D’avin Jaqobis in Killjoys.
New role: Eichner currently stars in FX’s Impeachment: American Crime Story, playing internet gossip columnist Mike Drudge
Recent roles: Macfarlane is best known for playing Scotty Wandell in Brothers & Sisters and most recently for playing D’avin Jaqobis in Killjoys