In his first starring role since Glass Onion, Daniel Craig headlines Queer, a romantic drama from Luca Guadagnino. Set in the 1940s, Craig plays Lee, an American who escapes to Mexico City after fleeing a drug bust in the States. In search of heroin, Lee becomes infatuated with Eugene Allerton, a discharged Navy serviceman played by Outer Banks’ Drew Starkey.
Guadagnino spoke with Craig during the casting process about Starkey. After watching Starkey’s audition tape, Craig had an epiphany.
“That’s the guy,” Craig told GQ when asked what he said to Guadagnino about casting Starkey as Allerton. “I liked Drew from the moment I met him. He’s such a wonderful, kind human being, and that was very obvious to me from the very start.”
What to Expect in Queer?
Queer’s official logline reads: “Set in 1940s Mexico City, it follows Lee who has fled from a drug bust in New Orleans. In Mexico City, Lee wanders around the city’s clubs and becomes infatuated with drug user Allerton, a discharged American Navy serviceman.”
Craig and Starkey headline Queer’s cast, which features Lesley Manville, Jason Schwartzman, and Henry Zaga in supporting roles.
Guadagnino directed Queer from a screenplay by Justin Kuritzkes. This marks a reunion for Guadagnino and Kuritzkes, who collaborated on 2024’s Challengers. Guadagnino will produce alongside Lorenzo Mieli. Queer is based on William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel of the same.
Filming began in Rome in late April 2023 at Cinecittà Studios and wrapped by the end of June 2023. Queer does not have a release date or distributor as of February 2024.
