Non-binary and pansexual singer-songwriter and rapper Janelle Monáe has revealed that they’re working on an original psychological horror film.
The 39-year-old “Make Me Feel” hitmaker is also a prolific actor, having appeared in Knives Out: Glass Onion, Antebellum, Dirty Computer, and Moonlight. Now, Monáe (who uses she/her and they/them pronouns) is channelling their love of film into creating horror thrillers.
Speaking with Collider, Monáe teased that their TV and film company, Wondaland Pictures, is developing several psychological thriller horror films. One of which, they say, is based on the story of Medusa from Greek mythology.
Monáe also continued that she is currently developing an original film with Universal. The script has been penned by M3GAN writer Akela Cooper.
Monáe’s love for the horror genre started at a young age. They share that they first were drawn to horror classics like A Nightmare on Elm Street and IT.
“We’re developing Don’t Look around a short story that Colin Bannon penned. That’s what I’m really excited about is just new ideas,” Monáe shared.
“So many amazing films have come out that have given me inspiration, and I think taking everything that I’ve been inspired by and creating my own world in the horror genre is what I’m most excited about.
‘Halloween gives me context, and it gives me community’
“But, I mean, I did love Nicole Kidman’s The Others, and I love twisty things, something with a twist.
“Obviously, I mentioned Misery. I’ve mentioned so many of these films, but having a franchise would be an ultimate dream, and starring in it, writing the music for it.
“You have to have incredible music, to me, in any film. That would be the ultimate dream.”
Monáe also elaborated on her relationship to horror as a queer, pansexual individual.
“The way that I write, and the way that I take in art, and I create art is queer,” they explained.
“Allowing queer people who make queer art and highlight characters you wouldn’t necessarily see, letting them have that shine and have that moment, and supporting them. I think within that genre leaves so much space for play, so much space for just creativity.
It’s that playfulness that inspired Monáe to start fully investing in Halloween looks.
“I think that Halloween gives me context, and it gives me community, and it invites other people who wouldn’t necessarily feel comfortable expressing themselves or getting outside of their comfort zone, and becoming a thing that perhaps they’ve wanted to but have felt scared to do, it gives them permission.
“It gives us all permission to sort of play, and that’s what I love about this season. It’s literally the season of creativity for me and so many others.”
Alongside creating new horror films, Monáe also has some exciting upcoming acting work. On film, she stars in Aleshea Harris’ thriller Is God Is. The film follows two sisters who are ordered by their bedridden mother to kill their abusive father, who caused their burn scars.
Monáe is also in the cast for the TV show De La Resistance, where she’s playing freedom fighter Josephine Baker.
The post Janelle Monáe teases new horror film in collaboration with M3GAN writer Akela Cooper appeared first on PinkNews | Latest lesbian, gay, bi and trans news | LGBTQ+ news.