An update on Luca Guadagnino’s next production: an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ controversial classic novel, “Queer”.
As reported in February, it looks as though Guadagnino's film will start production in Rome from April to July. Then, in September, his already-completed “Challengers” gets released theatrically.
Daniel Craig had already officially signed on, but there were rumors that Frances McDormand might join him. That has clearly not happened as Variety is reporting that Lesley Manville has taken on the role originally intended for McDormand — this is not a downgrade, Manville is a great actress.
Jason Schwartzman and Drew Starkey, starring as the younger man who becomes madly infatuated with Craig’s character, have also been added to the cast. And yes, Variety is replicating our previous reporting in saying that this is going to be shooting this month. I’m hearing on April 28th.
Burroughs‘ work was written as a quasi-sequel to his semi-autobiographical 1953 novel “Junkie.” Its homosexual themes were deemed too controversial at the time for readers, and it went unpublished until 1985.
The source material is loosely inspired by Burroughs’ own life, and his time spent in Mexico, surviving on the subsidies handed out by the US government following World War II, not to mention his struggles and dependence on heroin.
Guadagnino has been very busy of late. As mentioned, he has already completed “Challengers” which is set for release this fall. His Audrey Hepburn biopic could also be shooting this year. Then there’s the “Scarface” remake which has a screenplay penned by the Coen Brothers. Guadagnino has also mentioned a “Call Me By Your Name” being in the works.
Before practically going bankrupt, Row K had planned to release "Cliffhanger" in August 2026 on more than 3000 screens nationwide — hopefully with Vertical it hits as many theaters.