Barbie star Hari Nef is starring in a biopic about this trans legend

From Barbie to Superstar!

Exciting news in the world of trans film, as John Cameron Mitchell has joined an upcoming project about trans legend Candy Darling as executive producer. The film is set to be directed by Zackary Drucker and will star Hari Nef as Darling.

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Candy Darling was born in Queens, and became one of Andy Warhol’s most notable Superstars. She met Warhol in 1967 and soon was cast in his films Flesh and Women in Revolt.

She also was a mainstay in the New York art scene, and inspired many popular artists of the time. She’s mentioned in the Rolling Stones’ song “Citadel” and is the subject of the Velvet Underground’s song “Candy Says” and one of the subjects of Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.”

Darling died of lymphoma in 1974 at the age of just 29.

Nef, who recently appeared in Barbie, has had roles in Assassination Nation, Transparent, and You. She has also appeared on stage, starring in Chekhov’s The Seagull.

Drucker is a trans director who worked on Transparent before making the documentaries The Stroll, The Lady and the Dale, and Queenmaker: The Making of an It Girl.

Mitchell became a queer icon when they wrote and starred in the musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch. They’ve more recently appeared in TV shows like The Sandman, Shrill, Yellowjackets, and Joe vs. Carole.

“I’ve dedicated my life and career to amplifying the history of trans and queer icons, and their impact in shaping art and culture for everyone,” Drucker said in a statement. “Candy Darling is at the top of this list. She was one of the first trans people I encountered as a young film cinephile, and her presence has continued to capture my imagination ever since. Candy’s indelible impact as a fierce and glamorous silver screen goddess forged a path for trans people to exist in cinema. It is an absolute honor to direct Candy’s life story.”

“Legendary trans icon Candy Darling has met her perfect creative collaborator in Zackary Drucker, an equally important cultural creator who I’ve admired and wanted to work with for many years,” Mitchell said. “I’m beyond excited to support Zackary’s boundless vision and creativity to create something all cinema should strive towards — bold, risk-taking, provocative work that inspires everyone.”

“And Candy’s legacy could not be in better hands with the glamor and nuance that Hari Nef effortlessly brings to her roles. This is an historic and trailblazing project, and I’m honored to be a part of it,” he added.

Back when Nef was featured on Out’s cover while starring in Barbie, she talked about the Candy Darling biopic, saying she was excited to get back to work on it. That was before Drucker was announced as director and Mitchell had been announced as producer.