Get ready for a new favorite queer cheerleader.
In the honored tradition of But I’m a Cheerleader and Brittany and Santana from Glee, Elliot Page and D.W. Waterson are bringing another queer cheerleader story to life. The movie, Backspot, produced by Page, has started filming in Canada.
Backspot is based on a story by D.W. Waterson, who is also making their directorial feature debut on the movie. Joanne Sarazen wrote the script. Elliot Page’s Page Boy Productions is producing, along with Prospero Pictures.
It stars Devery Jacobs (Reservation Dogs) as Riley, and newcomer Kudakwashe Rutendo as Amanda, two young cheerleaders.
“Both are impressive members of their mid-level cheerleading squad until a professional coach gives them a chance to level up with The Thunderhawks,” the logline says. “There, they must learn to negotiate their space, find their voices, and come to an understanding with the generation of women who came before them.”
The movie also stars Thomas Anthony Olajide, Olunike Adeliyi, Wendy Crewson, and Shannyn Sossamon.
“I’m so proud and excited to finally be going to camera after five long years,” Waterson said. “We’ve assembled an absolutely stacked cast, and an incredible crew, and we are thrilled to be creating something that’s truly kickass, raw, and that has a magic energy behind it.”
“Competitive cheer is incredibly athletic, and our young, queer youth are so resilient,” they continued. “I am beyond looking forward to highlighting both of these communities in Backspot.”
Page is also set to return as Viktor Hargreeves in the fourth and final season of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy. The final season will consist of six episodes.
Page is also set to voice characters in two upcoming animated projects. Page is voicing a character named Dusky in the upcoming Naya Legend of the Golden Dolphin. He’ll also be voicing Victoria Walker in the animated series ARK, based on the video game Ark: Survival Evolved. Backspot co-star Devery Jacobs also stars in that show.
