Since its debut in 2009, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has become a global phenomenon. In addition to its “All Stars” spin-off, “Drag Race” has similarly green-lit international franchises in more than a dozen countries.
Also under the “Drag Race” brand are specials like the “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-Slay Spectacular” and “RuPaul’s Celebrity Drag Race.” The show has similarly given birth to countless world tours and even a “RuPaul’s Drag Race Live!” residency at the Flamingo Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip.
With projects like Season 18 and “All Stars 11” rumored to be already in the works, “Drag Race” bosses at production company World of Wonder have revealed that even more “Drag Race” projects are on their way to fans.
An Untitled ‘Drag Race’ Movie is Already Filming
When asked what’s next for “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” World of Wonder co-founder Fenton Bailey cryptically told Variety: “Things are happening, but they can’t be revealed yet.”
Bailey, alongside his World of Wonder co-founder Randy Barbato, previously revealed their interest in producing a Broadway musical inspired by “Drag Race,” back in March. Speaking with Variety, Barato updated fans on where the proposition stands now.
“‘Drag Race: Live!’ just celebrated its 1000th show [in Vegas],” said Barbato. “We are taking that and developing it for stage, ideally Broadway or London.”
GettyBailey similarly confirmed that a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” movie is in the works at World of Wonder.
“I guess it’s no secret,” revealed Bailey. “There’s an untitled ‘Drag Race’ movie coming. It’s shooting in Los Angeles; we’re keeping it local.”
The forthcoming film will not be the first feature-length project for the production company, which released “The Bitch Who Stole Christmas,” starring a cast full of “Drag Race” alums like Jaymes Mansfield, Peppermint, Ginger Minj and Jan, as well as RuPaul himself, in 2021.
Did World of Wonder Just Confirm ‘Drag Race: Japan’?
Bailey and Barbato similarly confirmed that even more international versions of “Drag Race” are currently in production, though “they can’t be revealed yet.”
To date, “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has been adapted in 15 countries, including Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, Belgium, Brazil, Spain, Mexico, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, the Philippines, Sweden and Thailand. Most recently, World of Wonder officially announced and began casting for “Drag Race: South Africa.”
Eagle-eyed fans have proposed that the next international franchise will launch the search for Japan’s “Next Drag Superstar.” Their source? – Fenton Bailey himself.
GettyIn a post on his Instagram Story, Bailey posted a graphic for “Drag Race” encouraging “brand and sponsorship opportunities.” The graphic included logos for “Drag Race” and its “All Stars” spin-off, as well as for each of its confirmed international franchises, including the upcoming South African franchise.
The only logo that seemed out of place was one for “Drag Race: Japan.” Though long-rumored, the season has never been officially confirmed by World of Wonder.
If season does come to fruition, it will mark the third “Drag Race” franchise based in Asia after Thailand and the Philippines. The ‘news’ of a Japanese franchise comes just weeks after World of Wonder officially announced “Drag Race Philippines: Slaysian Royale,” which will see drag queens of Asian descent from across the franchise return for another shot at the crown later this year.
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‘Drag Race’ Bosses Tease New Movie, Broadway Show and More in the Works