Maxxie LaWow, the world’s first drag superhero, is here with an all-star cast
Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero, the world’s first-ever animated feature starring a drag queen superhero, is landing on TVOD platforms (Amazon, iTunes, Google, Dish, and more) on Tuesday, June 17. It’s bold, it’s camp, and it features an awesome cast of drag icons and queer voice actors.
Created and directed by queer filmmaker Anthony Hand, Maxxie LaWow tells the story of Simon, a shy barista with a big heart, who finds a magical wig that transforms him into the dazzling drag diva Maxxie LaWow. With sky-high heels and even higher stakes, Maxxie takes on Dyna Bolical, a fierce, villainous drag scientist whose plan to steal drag queen tears (seriously!) might just doom the world’s fabulousness as we know it.
But under the glitter and lashes, Maxxie LaWow brings real depth – a story about self-worth, queer empowerment, and the strength of chosen family.
And the voice cast? Drag Race fans, this one’s for you. The film features some of the franchise’s most beloved stars including Jinkx Monsoon, BenDeLaCrème, Monét X Change, and Rosé. Erika Ishii, fan-favorite voice actor and queer icon in the gaming and animation worlds, also lends her talents to the film’s vibrant cast. Newcomer Grant Hodges shines as both Simon and Maxxie, while Broadway and TV star Terren Wooten Clarke gives villain realness as Dyna Bolical.
Hand’s journey to making the film is as inspiring as Maxxie’s origin story. Growing up in rural Michigan, Hollywood seemed a million miles away. But after clocking the clear lack of queer superheroes on screen in 2018, Hand decided to make one himself. Fueled by the heart and hustle of the drag world, he dreamed up a hero who could kick ass and contour.
Bringing drag to animation wasn’t exactly a walk down the runway. Hand joined forces with Chubby Beagle Productions and character designer Johnny Burgess to translate the glitz and glamour of drag into 2D magic. Think wig physics, clack fans, powder explosions, and an aerial lip-sync battle that would leave Sasha Velour shook.
Then there’s the music. The soundtrack serves four original bops, with Grammy-nominated Angie Fisher belting the house down on numbers like “Bye Girl Bye” (a fierce self-love anthem) and “Shero,” an opening number that kicks the film off in proper drag fashion. Composers Dave Volpe and Electropoint (Roman Molino Dunn) lace the whole thing with emotion, sparkle, and just the right amount of camp.
Already an award magnet, Maxxie has taken home Best Animation at the San Francisco Indie Fest, the Impact Award in D.C., and more. The film is shaping up to be a milestone for queer cinema.
“In a time when LGBTQ+ voices are being challenged, we need stories that celebrate our resilience, our joy, and our magic,” says Hand. “Maxxie isn’t just a superhero. She’s a symbol of owning your power and being unapologetically yourself.”
The film is being released by Breaking Glass Pictures, a longtime champion of indie LGBTQ+ cinema. CEO Rich Wolff called it “a joyful, outrageous celebration of queer culture, identity, and drag artistry,” and honestly, we couldn’t agree more.
Maxxie LaWow: Drag Super-Shero flies onto TVOD platforms including Amazon, iTunes, Google, inDemand, Dish, DirecTV, and VUDU on June 17. Capes optional, glitter mandatory.
For more information, visit www.maxxie.com.
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