Michaela Jaé Rodriguezis set to star inWildfire, written by Chaya Doswell. For heremotional performance inPose, the critically acclaimed series, she became the first transgender actress to win a Golden Globe for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. In addition, it has been confirmed that she will be voicing Nightbird in the upcomingTransformers: Rise of the Beastsfilm. Additionally, Rodriguez will soon begin filming the second season of Apple’s comedyLoot, which will premiere later this year.
Wildfirewas recently featured on The Black List, a list oftop-rated screenplaysselected by industry professionals but undiscovered by a producer, or a studio. The movie follows the story of Lu, a seven-year-old girl who accidentally starts a wildfire. As the story progresses, she tricks Merribelle, a hardworking trans woman, into kidnapping her, which forms an unexpected friendship.Wildfirepromises to keep audiences engaged from the beginning of the film as a result of this connection between the two characters.
Related:Pose’s Michaela Jaé Rodriguez Among Those Honored as Time’s Women of the Year
The Screenplay Is Relevant and Edgy
Screenplay for the movie was written by New York playwright Chaya Doswell. She recently collaborated withBraiddirector Mitzi Peirone on an adaptation of her playEveryone I Love is Dead. She is also writing Carlos Luckybo with two-time Oscar winner Rick Carter (Avatar, Lincoln).
According to Deadline, Oscar- and Emmy-nominated producers David Permut and Dawn Krantz acquired the script. Krantz described Chaya’s screenplay as “relevant and edgy”, and filled with heart and humor. The producer also stated that she knew this film had to be made as soon as she saw the script. Apart from being excited to work on the production, she expressed her enthusiasm for deliveringWildfire’sstory to viewers. Emmy nominee and Grammy winner Randy Jackson has been announced asWildfire’sco-producer. In a statement, Jackson spoke highly of working with Michaela:
“I’m so excited to be working with Michaela on this amazing project. Michaela is one of the super stars of now and the future. She’s immensely talented.”
Due to their ongoing projects, producers Permut and Krantz may not have time to releaseWildfireany time soon. Permut is currently producing Taylor Sheridan’s new seriesBass Reeves, Apple’s upcomingBeing Heumann, and the sequel to his filmFace/Offat Paramount. Krantz is also currently producingKeeper of the Cupwhich stars Mena Massoud, Dan Aykroyd, and Abigail Breslin.
