Is "Queer As Folk" Movie Material?

Picture this: Queer As Folk on the big screen.

Wouldn't it be amazing?

There is a wave of television shows being turned into feature films these days. Sex and the City was made into a movie (and a hugely successful one at that), the second X-Files flick is about to come out, the big screen adaptation of cult favorite Arrested Development is going to be shot soon, and there is talk of a Friends film.

So how about a big screen version of Showtime's Queer As Folk? Don't you wonder what happened to Brian, Justin, Michael, Ben, Ted, Emmett and the rest of the Liberty Avenue gang?

You don’t have to be a studio executive to realize that the film would have a built-in audience. What gay man wouldn't be on line to see Queer As Folk on opening weekend?

Honestly, just the idea of seeing Gale Harold in all his glory on the big screen as Brian makes me crazy, and I can guarantee you I'd see the film more than once, and I'd buy the DVD, too!

In addition to Gale Harold, the producers would have to bring back the rest of the original cast, including Randy Harrison as Justin, Hal Sparks as Michael, Peter Paige as Emmett, Robert Gant as Ben and Scott Lowell as Ted.

And let's not forget the ladies: Some guys had zero interest in the lesbians, but I'd like to see Michelle Clunie and Thea Gill reprise their roles as Melanie and Lindsay, and what would a reunion be without Sharon Gless back as Michael's mom Deb?

As long as the original cast is in place, I'm open to adding new faces to the mix, too, with Ryan Phillippe, Ian Somerhalder and Eddie Cibrian topping my fantasy wish list.

It'll only be three years come August since the show went off the air, but now is the time to make the Queer As Folk film. In fact, time is of the essence here: I want to see Brian, Justin and the other guys on the big screen before they have aged ten years, so the show's executive producers Ron Cowen and Daniel Lipman need to get cracking on a script if they haven't already penned one.

I can't be the only one wishing for one last dance at Babylon. Do you think Queer As Folk would work as a movie? And would you, like me, insist on the original cast being reunited? Tell us in the Gay.com poll!

(Getty Images)

Originally posted by Carter Todd

Comments

[Eileen]

You must not know much about the actors you mention. Randy Harrison hates all things QAF. He refused to consider signing on for a sixth season once his 5-year contract expired. He has always talked down Justin, and he didn't show up for the reunion video they did when the five-season DVD set came out. I doubt seriously he'd do it, not even if the money was good. And Hal Sparks gives the strong impression that he loathes one of the other actors and would not be in the same room with him. So you might have a problem there since that's two of the top three who'd probably opt out. :)

[galegirlfla]

It will never happen. Both Gale and Randy have said they are done with QAF. Randy is busy with his stage career, and Gale is going to be a recurring/regular cast memeber of "Desperate Housewives" and has said he wants to leave Brian behind. Hal would definitely do it since, as has been said before in the fandom, he'd go to the opening of an envelope if it would get his name in print.

[jase]

Queer As Folk was one of the stupidest gay shows on American Television. They rip off the British and call it their own. I think this movie would bomb. Who cares about these faggots anyway!?

[Todd]

Yes I certainly would go see the movie. I had a great appreciation for the series. It covered so much of the arenas. Had it come out a few years earlier It would have helped very much with my idea of what it was to be gay. Even though I related so well to it; there were some parts to it that one would think it better heterosexual people not know. *wink* Surely the movie would and should be a great success. Looking forward to seeing more....

Todd

[mark]

NoWay would I go see a movie made after that lame excuse for "queer" life. I tried to watch the TV show a few times. I couldn't believe how cliche and silly it was. No Thanks...please spare us anymore silly stories.

[bill]

OMG...you assume that all gay guys would be interested in a movie made after the tv show QAF. Not me. I watched it once ot twice and was always amazed how unreal and over simplified the characters and situations were. I guess for a TV series/soap opera, some might have found it entertaining, but not me. I wouldn't go to a theatre and waste my time or money. I dread the advertizing and promotion as well....please, NO!!!

[Adam]

Hell yea I would go see it... I was just thinking about this the other day.

[thewillie]

That ship has sailed. It's been too long now. As much as I love QAF if they turned it into a movie it would flop as bad or worse than Gigli and Glitter.

[Wayne]

Yes QAF would be movie material. I would go see it more then once. I loved the TV show and wished it was still on. I would like to know what happened to all of the guys. The serious described a lot what happens in gay life. Some of the topics that the show covered are true cause they relate to me. So I would like to see QAF as a movie.

[ALG]

Bring them back! It's been too long since we've seen this cast we all loved to love and hate. This might be the only and last chance to see the characters take a reprise

[jay]

no, there was not one person of color in the show. i mean not even a token anything. so why should i see it. there's enough racism in the gay community, who needs a show to tell me that. plus Robert Gant lives here in NYC and i have many actor friends, but hes the most stuck-up dude. never even smiles unless hes many your jellies. to hell with queer as folk.

[JD]

The thought of this horrid show becoming a big screen production makes me throw up in my mouth a little bit.

[nojarama]

The US version was AWFUL! If they made a UK film with the original UK cast, then I'm all for it.

[Ray - Jackson, MS]

Soap Operas belong on TV not on the big screen. The show just wasn't written well enough to support a big screen movie.

[Aniol Rzeik]

We dont need more drama.Thanks.

[roy t]

i would go see the movie i loved the show and one day i will own all the dvds when i get the money good show and the guys on the show are hot to me.

[Glenn A Kalleberg]

I miss the tv show. There's nothing like it on the air now! Nothing against lesbians but "L" is dull. QAF was never dull!

[baywolf57]

Well, as usual, the gay gambit has been covered so far. The LA queens, the midwest low drama, film critic,and general drama queens have spoken. Just take it for what it was. Showtime wanting something HBO didn't have. I don't know if it had much social significant over marketing, but it seems to be doing well on LOGO since they show it every chance they get. I think it was original for its time, as was Six Feet Under/Sex-City and the like. A movie? I think iffy at best. Unlike SITC, it wud draw only a gay audience, and judging from the comments so far, only a partial one. (Though I really can't believe if it were done, and done well, even the most scorning gay would not have a peek at an afternoon showing on a weekday). Take it for what is was, who cares what the actors think now..it provided something to someone and in that served a purpose.

[baywolf57]

Oh and, sorry, one last thing. I think the Six Feet Under finale, should have been a feature film rather than end of season epie. If they had waited a year or two, then done it on the big screen (punched up a bit)...someone on Madison Ave or at 30 Rock., would have really been selling some Macy's merch or cars.

[Scott Raymond]

I would definitely go see it. It has been a while but I don't think it is too late. I wish the series was still on as I watched it religiously. I would like to see the original cast in it and if it wasn't the original cast I probably wouldn't want to go see it as much. As much as they may have disliked doing it towards the end I doubt any of them would say no. By the way, have we really heard anything from any of them since the show went off the air? I don't think any of them would give up another opportunity like QAF.

[andy keiser]

This was an entertaining and emotionally gripping series that I would love to see in a large screen format. I became so involved with the characters and story lines that I couldn't wait for the next episode. I hope they do the film soon.

[Darrell]

I would go see it but I agree there we no gays of color that had significant parts on the show, but what else is new. This is white America and it just reflects what the majority of the audience wants to see.

[andy keiser]

This was an entertaining and emotionally gripping series that I would love to see in a large screen format. I became so involved with the characters and story lines that I couldn't wait for the next episode. I hope they do the film soon.

[Thomas Waters]

For al of the good and bad of it, QAF was ground breaking TV, and I am so glad it was EVERYTHING that it was. It was soap opera, drama, comedy, fantasy. It was never EVEREYGAY- nor did it ever try and represent a aspects of a queer community (if there is such a thing) but I think everyone could find some aspect of any of the main characters in themselves. Though I think most of us want to be a mix- some of the best qualities of each of the characters.

[Jack Klompus]

One of the worst shows ever on TV. Hideous, hateful characters (Sharon Gless for worst performance of all time?), atrocious writing. Why anyone would want to see Sparks and Co. revive these loathsome losers is beyond me. Will we get treated to seeing that evil sickening dyke run over by a garbage truck? Will we get to watch that ninny little faggot boy toy thrown into the Three Rivers? MAYBE then it would be worth watching. Is it really required by law to celebrate ever single display of gay characters as "ground breaking?" God put this hideous franchise out to pasture and forget that the airwaves were ever embarrassed by this atrocity.

[kevin]

OMG HELL YES IT NEEDS TO BE A MOVIE.. I HAVE SAW AND OWN ALL THE SEASONS AND LOVE IT. HAVE LOOKED AT MY DVD SETS OVER AND OVER ..

MAKE THE MOVIE SELL THE SHOW AND IT WILL MAKE MILLIONS

[Geo]

I honestly have to say that this would be an awesome thing! I loved the television series and to see it on the big screen would not only be interesting, but I think even break barriers and boundries...it's about time there is a full fledged gay film on the big mainstream screen! I am so for it! I would love to see what the characters are up to and how they have all grown individually and with each other....

I'm for it boys....bring QAF to the big screen!

-G-

[ANGEL]

well... I was 13 years old when I start watching the show .. and it was amazing .... ME ENCANTO!!!.... I think it has a really good final .. i will go and see the movie (if come out in mexico ) but im really satisfacced with the end....

[TexasMike]

OMG!!! YES!!! I was, am, totally addicted to the show. I would certainly go see the movie more than once, but would be 1st in line at midnight to buy the DVD!! I have thought for years the series was left with many unresolved issues. It would be the prefect platform to finally answer those questions. Did Justin make it big as an artist? Did Brian acutally move into that house he bought for Justin? What are Mel and Linds doing? Debbie and Carl? And OMG!! Did Ted and Blake finally hook up for good? and most of all, does Emmit ever find anyone to love him?? The questions are never ending...In short...YES YES YES!!!

[Tony Garcia]

Siii que ya salga, desde cuando la esperamos...

[Ryan]

SICK! The difference is that Sex and the City had amazing writing. Queer As Folk had the most annoying characters and the crappiest writing!

[Hector Vazquez]

En verdad creo que la pelicula sera un exito total y creo que todo el publico gay apoyara el filme. En hora buena y mucha suerte.

[Daniel]

Oh Please!!! You guys know you would watch the movie!!! I think it would be cool, although I doubt our world is ready for a big, gay movie to be on big screen. Look at Brokeback Mountain, look how much fuss that brought about, let alone a movie about clubbing and sex and everything that our world has to deal with. And quit acting like you guys are too good for QAF. It was a groundbreaking series that explored our world like no other show has. You people who are expressing such hate for it are probably the ones that go to the bars 7 nights a week who are whores and drunks and don't have jobs or cars. Gimme a freaking break!!

[Green guy]

I'm not so sure it would be as popular as "SATC," but would I go see the movie? The answer is yes.

The answer is simple. I don't care about the plot lines, the outcome, the resolution -- I don't care about that. I would go see the movie simply because I miss these characters and want to see them again. And frankly, I'd prefer the movie to be not in theaters, but back on Showtime.

My two cents. Oh --- and for casting, keep everything as is. Showtime -- can you get your gay act back in tact and make a reunion movie a priority? You are losing gay steam. As I said, I'd prefer a cable movie over big screen.

[Joe Knell]

I'd go see it if it was a movie version of the the British series.
The American version, tired and cliche. Leave it to Americans to dumb down and trivialize a show from another country. Bring on the British!!!!!!

[lollaps]

Oh hell yeah!! I love Queer as folk. It totally addressed issues that gay folks go through. Well, except for the fact that it was tooooo whitey!!! Bring on some colored people - black, mexican, asian, indian. LOL

[JANNER]

Hey Todd, how's it going?.... Hell, yes, it's movie material! Whoa, some of these folks have big ol chips on their shoulders. An actor who says, "never again," doesn't always mean it a couple of years later. Yeah, I'd go see it & so would my friends!

[C]

Only if Season 1 writers did the screenplay. Then maybe you could get everybody on board.

[MJ]

I have dozens of ideas for the movie plot line. It would be a fantasy come true. I'm certain there are other men approaching 50 who grew to love the characters, as well as a younger audience who are dramatically underrepresented at the box office. Remember that women loved the series too, and many pseudo-fans loved the idea of QAF but didn't watch regularly. I didn't catch on until Logo aired the series. Just take a clue from SATC and revisit the distinct visual style, banter, dramatic/sexy/comedic mix, then update with new, honest destinies. Brian and Michael are the only truly indispensible characters. While it would be sad to replace any original actor, it's not as though Ashton Kutcher couldn't pull off Brian...there is an ideal alternative to each. The soundtrack alone could be incredible given the explosion of queer arists. The subject matter has never been more timely...it's an opportunity to solidify the legacy of the series so routinely described as groundbreaking.

[mandagrammy]

I'm in a wheelchair and haven't been to a movie theater in years, but I would wheel myself there in a heartbeat to see a QAF movie. Trust me, the straight female fans of QAF are countless numbers and we would do anything to see Brian with Justin again, or Michael with Ben, or Emmett with Drew, or Ted with Blake, or Debbie with Carl...oh and even Mel with Linds. Btw, I could be wrong of course but I think it is pure bulls*** that Randy or Gale hate all things QAF. Absolute crap! They know they did some of their best work on that show. End of story. Grammy

[John]

I would be the first in line to buy Tickets to the QAF movie if it was made and I would be first in line to by the DVD movie as well. I have all 5 seasons of QAF on DVD and love the show I have been watching it since it first aired on Showtime never missed an episode.
So I am all for them needing to Make a QAF movie with the Orignal cast.

[c]

I would love to see QAF made into a movie. I hate when people talk down on the show for not representing gay people. It never was supposed to represent all aspects of the gay community but the lives of the specific charecters in the show. I don't think it's fair when people reject it because no one black is being represented. No one complains about white people being absent as main charecters in noah's ark and thats fine because both can be apreciated for what they are.(I'm a fan of both). I'm not saying it wouldn't have been great to have had more colored charecters included but that dosn't mean it's a rasist show because there wern't. I definitly would pay to for it in theaters and on dvd

[Hagenow]

Aloha! I was living in Hawai'i when QAF was shown in the beginning. I saw my first episode with the third season when I would visit the mainland. HI is really behind the times they are still showing 'Rifleman' and 'Lucy & Desi Arnez' also 'The 700 Club'. Now you know reason for the type of films shown.
The price of the DVDs is still high, and I haven't been able to collect the set.

[Hagenow]

Aloha! I was living in Hawai'i when QAF was shown in the beginning. I saw my first episode with the third season when I would visit the mainland. HI is really behind the times they are still showing 'Rifleman' and 'Lucy & Desi Arnez' also 'The 700 Club'. Now you know reason for the type of films shown.
The price of the DVDs is still high, and I haven't been able to collect the set.

[Ron H.]

Ah, GAY.COM, once again proving why "news" on this site is always such a poorly written joke.

I love how Carter Todd, the author of this article, breathlessly details a supposed "wave" of television shows being made into big screen movies and then turns rumor into supposed fact to support his flimsy opinion. One TV series with a massive cult following (SEX AND THE CITY) being made into a big screen movie does not constitute a "wave" or a trend.

X-FILES was already made into a big screen movie a number of years ago. It performed to middling box office numbers. This new movie is merely an attempt to revive and, hopefully, create a new franchise from what remains of the series once loyal audience. Advance word has not been enthusiastic.

The ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT movie is absolutely NOT going "to be shot soon." Totally false. Jason Bateman gave a recent interview in which he said he would come back to do a big screen movie IF one was made. Mitch Hurwitz, the series creator, is interested in doing it but there is no script and no commitment from any studio to produce the film. It is merely in very preliminary discussions. Given the small (albeit loyal) audience for the series, there are still major hurdles that need to be jumped before the film gets a green light. A visit to IMDB will show that the production is classified as "rumored." Of course, that would mean Carter Todd would have to interrupt his wet dream of seeing Gale Harold on the big screen long enough to do a little research.

Had he bothered to poke around for a few more seconds, he would also know that the "talk" of a FRIENDS movie has also been quashed as nothing more than a rumor by Warner Bros. (the studio that owns the show) as well as publicists for several of the series cast members, including Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry. Hint...just because some internet gossip site prints a rumor does not necessarily mean it is true.

As far as QAF being made into a big screen movie...who the hell would see it? The show was, at best, only a modest hit and that is by Showtime standards, which are pretty low ratings-wise. At it's best (during season one) the series averaged a 0.87 HH rating. That means less than 1% of the nation's TV household's tuned into the series, on average. The show declined in ratings every year it was on. By the final season, that number was down almost 70% to a 0.3 HH rating. Contrast that with SATC which saw almost 11 million viewers tune into the series finale and you'll see why a QAF big screen movie is a pipe dream. Sorry, Carter, the TV audience and the gay community have moved on. Now can we get a few grown ups who live in the real world to write some marginally intelligent stuff for GAY.COM?

[Gordon Thomas]

Yeah, why not. It was a very successful TV series as is Sex and The City which has just opened here in Australia and is packling them in.

These TV series are successul for a very good reason which is that the dialouge is that of the common man. If they ever make the movies and Hollywood doesn't get cold feet or are too homophobic to make it please use the cast that was in the TV series and try not to cast Tom Cruise.

Gordon Thomas Australia

[DP]

To ALG. FYI, Robert Gant does not live in NYC and he happens to be a very nice guy.

That said, I would definitely go see a "Queer as Folk," movie. I think it would be fun to see the cast together again.

[G. Andrew Mallett]

I'd probably eventually see the movie but wouldn't pay to see it a theater. Robert Gant's & that momma's boy's story line would probably be more mainstream appealing. Cagney or Lacey? character was cute. Emmit had the best amuzingly quirky role, I think. But come on, do they really expect us to believe that Brian is the hottest little thing along with justin. I'm most definetly not a prude but screwing someone out in the open at a bar or in a bathroom stall is not one of my fantasies & is quite offensive & in poor taste. The violin or base player for Justin would have been my choice. The show was good after a couple of drinks when showing at some random bar but otherwise...

[G. Andrew Mallett]

Oh I almost forgot... Robert Gant is from LA. And is probably one of the nicest men you could ever meet. Hard to believe as fine as he is,somewhat of a dream come true or a breath of freshh air to say the least. It is great to know that an all together well packaged man (in & out) does exist. He could never fit into that Rude NYC atmosphere. NYC can be afun place, but the best city on earth... I do not think so.

[Joe]

I haven't read any of the comments yet, but I don't think QAF should be brought to the big screen. Don't get me wrong, I love the show, the characters, and everything about it. QAF was instrumental in emotionally supporting my decision to come out. But I think sometimes studio execs (in the wish to make as much $$ as possible) bring something back to life, that should have remained as it was.

QAF was special, fun, and exciting. Let's leave it where it is, and move on to something else. Aren't there new ideas out there? Or do we always have to go back to what's been done? Let's see some new gay cinema, some new characters to love, let's broaden the gay universe of characters and storylines.

Am I the only person who wants something new?