RuPaul Lands First-Look Script Deal for Scripted Television
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Sony Pictures Television has signed a deal with RuPaul’s media company, RuCo INC., to expand into scripted television. RuCo INC. currently produces RuPaul’s Drag Race and is also a record label. The record label portion of the company has created 10 studio albums, two soundtrack albums, three compilation albums, five remix albums, and 13 extended plays.
RuPaul Charles officially signed a first-look script deal with Sony Pictures Television. Traditionally, large companies go on to buy scripts that are already finished. But, when a big name like RuPaul is involved, they’d rather pay the individual to create an original script even if the formatting might lack in some aspects. Sony Pictures Television wants to hear RuPaul’s story more than anything.
“Not only I am thrilled and honored to join the Sony Pictures Television family, but I’m also extremely grateful for the opportunity to tell unique stories that push the conversation forward,” RuPaul said.
RuPaul aims to tell queer-based, character driven stories. These stories will relate directly to RuPaul’s brand of positivity, empowerment, humor, and music. This deal is for RuCo INC. to develop drama, comedy, and animated projects within all platforms.
What About RuPaul’s Drag Race?
Even though this is huge news for the star, it is not the first time he has worked in scripted television. In the past, RuPaul teamed up with Michael Patrick King to produce AJ & The Queen, a Netflix Original Comedy. The drag icon himself even acted as one of the main characters in the show!
A lot of fans are hoping that RuPaul signed on to Sony Pictures Television to renew AJ & The Queen. In March 2020, fans were absolutely devastated to hear that this series would not be renewed by Netflix. Although anything is possible, it sounds like RuPaul will be creating a fully new show with this deal.
Don’t worry, this script deal most likely won’t get in the way of your favorite reality show. RuPaul’s Drag Race has been around since 2009 and has recieved eleven Primetime Emmy Awards. Since they have multiple awards and such a loyal following, I don’t think Ru will ever ditch this show. Plus, in August VH1 announced that RuPaul’s: Drag Race, Drag Race: Untucked! and Secret Celebrity Drag Race will all be filming for another season.
