Apple TV invited a slew of journalists and influencers to an airport hangar in Santa Monica, California, to unveil first looks at several movies and television shows coming to the streamer later this year. While none of the new projects have queer storylines (that we know of), they do feature several queer actors.
Throughout the day, the audience was treated to panels featuring the celebrities sharing their excitement about these projects and what it was like to bring these characters to life. Jennifer Garner, Michelle Pfieffer, John Cena, Chris Pratt, Linda Cardellini, Rhea Seahorn, Matthew Rhys, and Jake Johnson were just some of the stars who took the stage to promote new shows and movies.
In terms of shows returning for a new season, two of the most endearing panels were for hit shows, Shrinking and Pluribus. The former is currently airing new episodes, while the timeline for the latter's return is still unclear. While the world waits to hear when Rhea Seahorn will be on our screens again, here are a few exciting new projects coming to Apple TV featuring queer actors.
'Monarch: Legacy of Monsters' (Premiering February 27)
Kiersey Clemons is said to have a pivotal role in the new season of Apple's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters, which features Kurt Russell, Wyatt Russell, Anna Sawai, Ren Watabe, Mari Yamamoto, Joe Tippett, and Anders Holm. According to the official press release: "The dramatic saga reveals buried secrets that reunite our heroes (and villains) on Kong’s Skull Island, and a new, mysterious village where a mythical Titan rises from the sea."
'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' (Premiering May 20)
Tatiana Maslany in "Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed"
Courtesy of Apple TV
Tatiana Maslany is leading Apple's new series, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, where she plays as she "falls down a dangerous rabbit hole of blackmail, murder, and youth soccer," the press release reads. "Convinced she witnessed a crime — while simultaneously struggling through a custody battle and an identity crisis — Paula begins her own investigation, one that could unravel a greater conspiracy while also holding the keys to rebuilding her family and sense of self." She's joined by Brandon Flynn, who (may?) be playing camboy, and Murray Bartlett, whose role is being kept secret.
'Matchbox: The Movie' (Premiering October 9)
(L-R): Arturo Castro, Jessica Biel, John Cena, Teyonah Parris, and Sam Richardson in "Matchbox: The Movie"
Courtesy of Apple TV
Arturo Castro joins the ensemble cast of Matchbox: The Movie alongside John Cena, Jessica Biel, Teyonah Parris, and Sam Richardson, in what's described as a "high-octane action movie" inspired by the Matchbox toy cars. According to the movie's official log line, it's an "action-packed, globetrotting adventure about a group of friends since childhood who have their lives upended when undercover CIA agent Sean (John Cena), their long-absent former leader, returns to their small town and unwittingly gets them embroiled in a frantic international pursuit to save the world."
'Outcome' (Premiering April 10)
(L-R): Keanu Reeves, Cameron Diaz, and Matt Bomer in "Outcome"
Courtesy of Apple TV
Keanu Reeves shows his softer side in his new movie, Outcome, co-written and directed by Jonah Hill. In the movie, Reeves plays Reef Hawk, a beloved Hollywood actor who is being extorted with a video that is sure to ruin his career. Now, he must make amends with his past. "With the support of his lifelong besties Kyle (Cameron Diaz) and Xander (Matt Bomer), along with his crisis lawyer Ira (Jonah Hill), Reef embarks on a soul-searching journey to make amends with anyone he could have possibly wronged in hopes of identifying the blackmailer," the official logline reads.
'Margo's Got Money Troubles' (Premiering April 15)
(L-R): Michelle Pfeiffer and Elle Fanning in "Margo's Got Money Troubles"
Courtesy of Apple TV
Based on the hit novel of the same name, Elle Fanning plays the titular character, a recent college dropout and a writer, the daughter of an ex-Hooters waitress (played by Michelle Pfeiffer) and ex-pro wrestler (Nick Offerman), as she finds new ways to make money to care for her baby that's on the way. Rapper Rico Nasty was announced to be a part of the cast as one of the recurring guest roles.
